Parc national d'Aiguebelle is the big outdoor reason to use Rouyn-Noranda as a base. The park protects boreal forest, lakes, ancient volcanic rock, and glacial landforms, with trails that range from short walks to longer hikes.
The signature image is the suspension bridge over La Haie Lake, but the broader appeal is the sense of old rock and northern quiet. It is a drive from town, so treat it as the day's main plan rather than a quick extra.