PRESENTATION

Abitibi-Ouest is a land of wide open spaces, rich forests and spectacular lakes and rivers. Here you will find boundless horizons over a broad, gently rolling plateau of rich clay soil. This spacious landscape was sculpted by the advance and retreat of the glaciers of the last Ice Age several millennia ago. Archaeological finds indicate that Native people have lived here for over 5000 years

Abitibi-Ouest was a busy place as early as the sixteenth century, as Europeans and Native people met to engage in the thriving fur trade. The National Transcontinental Railway was put through in 1912, ending the region's isolation and opening it up for land-clearing and settlement. La Sarre was founded in 1917. Settlers were attracted by the land's abundant resources. Agriculture was developed first, followed by logging and mining. The 21 communities that make up Abitibi-Ouest today owe their existence to the hard work, mutual assistance and sheer tenacity of these hardy pioneers.

La Sarre is the economic hub of Abitibi-Ouest. Agriculture and logging are still our main industrial sectors, but other types of activity, including tourism, are contributing to a more diversified economy. Abitibi-Ouest stands for adventure, the great outdoors, and the history and culture of attractive communities where friendly people are waiting to welcome you. There's something for every taste: things to see, things to do, activities and events of every kind, so your only problem will be making up your mind which to choose! Come and discover it all!

If you have any comments or suggestions, do not hesitate to sign our guestbook.

To order your free copy of the Abitibi-West leaflet call 1-866-660-3318.