Wilderness

In direct contact with wilderness
The untouched world in all its diversity puts on a show in nature’s vast amphitheatre, made up of the lakes, rivers, forests and protected areas of Authentic Quebec. Designed to protect and share, the parks put you in a front-row seat.

The star protagonists are well-known: black bears, those plantigrade predators who are so adept at hiding while waiting for supper; elegant moose, the kings of Quebec’s forests; as well as small game, birds of prey and river fish. Among the most beautiful pieces of scenery, set up to thoroughly impress you, the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions have two national parks, fifteen regional parks and three wildlife reserves.

An opera starring you as the hero
The most impressive scenes are by far those of Mont-Tremblant National Park, in the Sépaq network, and La Mauricie National Park of Canada, in the Parks Canada network, both offering vast playgrounds for canoeing, camping and hiking. Nature’s symphony orchestra can be heard streaming through the regional parks, with the many waterfalls and cascades fed by the impressive drainage basin that flows over the Canadian shield. A few choice pieces? You’ll hear them as you lean against the railings of the lookouts at Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau and admire the panoramic view of the Matawinie Regional County Municipality, or as you cool off at the foot of Chute-à-Bull’s waterfall.

Nice photo opportunities and water galore
Those seeking classic outdoor activities will love the variety offered by the waterways, lakes and rivers, where they can cast their fishing lines into the waters of the Saint-Maurice or Mastigouche wildlife reserves. The teams working at these parks and reserves strive to ensure a perfect performance, so don’t hesitate to contact them to get all the information you need to prepare your nature trip to the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions. The shows are offered year-round. There are no age restrictions and cameras are allowed, and even recommended!

The Sentier national as the main leitmotif
Connecting four regional parks in the Lanaudière region, as well as La Mauricie National Park of Canada and the Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve, Quebec’s Sentier national (national trail) is the central hub for hiking in the regions of Authentic Quebec. It traverses the two regions from east to west (and vice-versa) and offers hiking enthusiasts miles of maintained trails. Along the trail, parking areas, campsites and shelters enhance the hiking experience.

Spaces and species. There are numerous possibilities for encountering the wildlife of Authentic Quebec, especially in the province’s national and regional parks and wildlife reserves. The latter, which are unique in that they allow fishing and hunting, also boast quality resort accommodations (cottages, campgrounds, Hékipia tents) and offer canoeable routes and hiking trails.