Why James Bay Road Is Special

Unlike popular highways dotted with towns and tourist stops, James Bay Road, also known as the Billy Diamond Highway, is a true escape. Built in the 1970s to support hydroelectric projects, it remains one of Canada’s most isolated routes. Here’s what makes it unforgettable:

• Untamed Scenery: Endless forests, crystal-clear rivers, and wildlife sightings—think moose, black bears, and majestic birds.
• Cultural Encounters: The road leads to Cree communities and the impressive James Bay hydroelectric complex, offering insight into Quebec’s energy history and Indigenous heritage.
• Peace and Solitude: With minimal traffic, you’ll find a sense of calm and connection to nature that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

Planning Your Journey

Before you hit the road, preparation is key. Here are essential tips for a safe and enjoyable trip:

Fuel and Services

James Bay Road has only a handful of service points, so plan your fuel stops carefully. The main stations are at Matagami, Relais Routier at kilometer 381, and Radisson. Carry extra fuel if possible incase of detours or unplanned stops. If travelling with other vehicles, pack walkie-talkies so you can talk in these remote areas. 

Pack Smart

Bring plenty of food, water, and emergency supplies. Mobile coverage is limited, so a satellite phone or GPS device is highly recommended.

Respect the Land

This is Cree territory, as visitors to this land, please travel responsibly and take time to learn about local culture. Many visitors stop at the Cree Cultural Institute in Oujé-Bougoumou for an enriching experience.

Highlights Along the Way

Billy Diamond Highway Sign: The beginning (and the end) starts with a quick photo with the Billy Diamond Sign, giving you the chance to read more about the life of a Pioneer for protecting Indigenous Rights.

Rupert River: Stop at the Rupert River Stop and take in the marvelous rushing river falls and stay the night or just for the day at the Ruper River Campground.

Fishing: Many different lakes and rivers to fish in. Make sure to find exact maps with fishing zones, periods and catch limits via the Government of Québec.

La Grande 2: At the end of your voyage, in Radisson, you will find the largest of the dams built along La Grande River. Here you can take a tour, in English and in French, and discover why these dams are so important to the province of Québec.

Having a fully-loaded kitchen in our RV was a game-changer. We could whip up meals on the go and never ran out of our favorite snacks.

The RV became our comfort zone for the epic journey to Disneyland. After our initial stop just over the border in Ferndale, WA, we stayed overnight in Eugene, OR and Santa Nella, CA before making it to Anaheim, CA! Arriving in Anaheim, our excitement peaked as we couldn't wait to dive into the Disney magic.

RV Park in Disneyland

People often asked us where we parked our RV near Disneyland. Lucky for us, Anaheim Harbor RV Park was within walking distance of the theme park. We did our homework and read glowing reviews about this RV park, and it didn't disappoint

Now, if you're wondering what the most challenging part of our CanaDream RV adventure was, it was the heart-wrenching task of telling our daughter we couldn't keep it.We couldn't help but laugh as we drove her to daycare the next morning – it turned into a long and emotional conversation. In the end, we simply promised her that it wouldn't be our last trip with CanaDream RV, and that seemed to work like magic 🪄To travel like Sonia and her Disney Bound family, we suggest travelling with the Maxi Motorhome (MHA). The MHA will be perfect for up to 4 adults and 2 small children that plan on experiencing the open road! If you are looking for more information on booking or require assistance with trip planning - email us or visit our CanaDream itineraries.