4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
90 minutes from Quebec City by car
When to go
In summer, autumn and winter
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Réserve Faunique des Laurentides (Canada)
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Sylvain Martel
Practical information about Réserve Faunique des Laurentides
Reviews of Réserve Faunique des Laurentides
The Laurentides Wildlife Reserve in Quebec, a fishing and hunting territory extending over nearly 8,000 km², is a hiker's and canoer's paradise!
My suggestion:
To get the most out of the wildlife reserve, keep things simple: rent a canoe, take a tent, and paddle all day until you reach your dream spot, where you can then spend an exceptionally wonderful night.
Summary:
On my first trip to Canada, I got the chance to explore the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve on foot and by canoe, an experience that's left me with some wonderful memories.
Contrary to what I feared, it is not difficult to paddle around Quebec's lakes. There isn't much in the way of currents or facing winds, so the worst problems you can expect are those caused by the leeches and the beaver dams, with the latter obliging you to climb into the water and carry the canoe (though this is something you very quickly get used to!).
Because the reserve is (to some extent) the equivalent of a national park, it's only to be expected that you'll encounter wildlife! In my case this came in the form of an audible encounter: once night had fallen, alone in front of my camp fire at the end of the lake after a day spent paddling on the water, I heard wolves howling. It was a simply wonderful experience!
I recommend the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve to all types of traveller: families, adventurous types, those who like exploring, etc. It has something to interest anyone and everyone!
©
Sylvain Martel
Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is north of Quebec City and not in the Laurentides region north of Montreal as its name would suggest. It's an exceptional reserve!
My suggestion:
Near the Reserve is Montmorency Forest, which is where Laval University carries out research. If you want to get a different viewpoint on this walking area then why not try one of their educational outdoor activities or try Fat Biking.
Summary:
This national reserve, which belongs to the government of Quebec, in Canada, is designed not only to protect the wildlife, but also to make it possible to explore it by trekking in the Summer and cross-country skiing in the Winter. The main reception area, especially for cross-country skiing, is at Camp Mercier. In Summer and Autumn the reception is at La Loutre which is more in the centre of the Reserve.
From there you can get to various campsites, fishing sites and regulated hunting areas. You can rent a chalet in order to go fishing, hunt small game or hunt moose. This regulated hunting season lasts for one month a year and helps the harmonious development of all the wildlife in this forest of 6,500 sq km.
If you don't like hunting then come outside September so you can enjoy observing the wildlife in the reserve. There are birds: grouse, heron, loon, as well as animals: fox, moose, wolves, lynx, hares, beavers, black bears and, of course, the famous caribou. But don't expect to see all these animals during your visit, even if it's for a week.
©
Sylvain Martel
164 travellers' photos
