Agreed with Steve.    If you want to get to Matagami on Day 1 start in Rouyn.    Make sure you carry gas with you for the run to Matagami.    I ran out on Sat about 10kms south of town as it’s a fast ride and there is quite a bit of snow on the trail which burns a lot more fuel.     I am sitting in Val Dor right now and we left our truck at La Bannik.     The east side of the Matagami run to Lebel is one of my favourite trails to ride anywhere.     Don’t just go to Matagami and turn around.   

That makes sense. I don't remember seeing the name of the place when we stopped in. We stopped for gas and the kid at the gas station didn't know if there was food in town or not. The Eat and Treats place showed on our phone so we drove to it. So much snow everywhere if there was a sign it may have been hidden. Lady working there on the way up, and a guy on the way back. Kind of looked like they just opened as it looked like they had some new kitchen equipment still wrapped up in the lobby. Had an awesome trip. Haven't been up that way since covid. Hope to start coming back again every year.

Temis to matagami would be a long day. Too long. In that case i'd launch in Rouyn. 

Yeah that's probably good advise.  We're trying to make Matagami the first night.  Didn't know if it would be too much to bite off coming from Temiscaming.  Would run through Royun Noranda.  My first trip in the area.  I've heard it is fast, but don't want to ride like an idiot either.    

I never have but Le Bannick is where i think most stage out of. I prefer to launch trom temis as it saves the hotel expense and its only 2 hours from muskoka. Temis to ville marie is an hour on the sleds depending on your throttle position.