La Reine, Quebec: History, Things to Do and Travel Guide
La Reine is a small Abitibi-Ouest municipality in Quebec’s Abitibi-Témiscamingue, near the Ontario border and about 28 kilometres north of La Sarre. The village sits on the east bank of the La Reine River, and the municipal site presents it as the “Capitale mondiale du bout du monde.”
For travellers, the appeal is specific: river access, railway-era history, interpretive panels, an old church, forest trails and the feeling of reaching one of Abitibi’s edge communities.
How La Reine Started
La Reine was founded in 1917, and the municipality describes it as one of Abitibi’s older parishes. Its location explains the origin. The community developed near the Ontario border, on the east bank of the La Reine River, at a railway junction that helped make settlement possible.
The municipal history page records an older name for the river, Okikodasik, translated there as “deep and navigable waters.” That river setting, combined with the railway, gave the place practical value for movement, supplies and early parish life.
The community kept its identity through distance and local pride. In 1998, it was proclaimed the “Capitale mondiale du bout du monde,” a playful title that still points to the end-of-the-road feeling visitors notice on the way north.
What La Reine Is Like Today
La Reine had 307 residents in the 2021 census. It remains a small municipality with local services, municipal offices, a church, river access and a strong connection to outdoor travel.
The village is quiet, but it is not anonymous. Snowmobile and ATV travellers use the border-area geography, boaters look to the La Reine River, and local tourism material highlights places that explain the community’s history rather than treating it as a pass-through.
Things to Do and Places Nearby
Start at Les Portes du Bout du Monde, the large doors at the end of 3e Avenue Ouest near the river. The municipality points visitors to the trail, interpretive panels and belvedere there, making it the best first stop for understanding La Reine’s self-image.
The Centre d’Interprétation Religieux is housed in the church built in 1921, which the municipality identifies as one of the oldest in Abitibi. Guided interpretation focuses on the church and its religious objects.
Across the river, the tourism page lists wilderness camping, forest trails, an observation tower and another belvedere, but access requires a boat. The marina area provides a launch ramp, docks and parking for trips on the river toward Lac Abitibi.
Quick Facts
- Province: Quebec
- Region: Abitibi-Témiscamingue
- Municipality type: Municipality
- 2021 census population: 307
- Official website: https://lareine.ao.ca/fr/
- Local anchors: La Reine River, Les Portes du Bout du Monde, 1921 church, marina and Route 111 access
Travel Notes
La Reine is car-based, and distances in Abitibi-Ouest are real. Confirm fuel, food, road conditions and municipal visitor information before leaving La Sarre or another larger service centre.
River and forest stops need extra care. Boat-only access, spring conditions, bugs, wind, winter cold and weak cell coverage can all change a simple outing. Check current local guidance before using the marina, trails or wilderness camping area.