Mission and Special Features
Protection, presentation, education
Québec maritime is home to national parks, wildlife reserves and marine conservation areas administered by the following bodies:
Although their names and missions differ slightly, parks, wildlife reserves and marine conservation areas have similar objectives: to protect, preserve and present Canada’s natural and cultural heritage for the education, recreation and appreciation of present and future generations.
Wildlife reserves
Wildlife reserves allow visitors to hunt and fish under certain conditions. In addition, they offer a wide variety of outdoor activities (mountain biking, canoeing, camping, etc.), which provide visitors with direct contact with nature throughout the year.
National parks
One of the main characteristics of
national parks—and some
wildlife reserves—is that they offer visitors various
interpretive programs as well as
guided activities. The purpose of such activities is to enrich visitors’ experience and allow them to learn while having fun.
Don’t miss this opportunity to commune with nature while interacting with friendly interpreters who will be happy to share their knowledge with you.
Since the purpose of national parks is to protect species and ecosystems, hunting and fishing are forbidden as is most harvesting, except in designated areas where you may pick berries or harvest shellfish.
Lodging
National parks and
wildlife reserves invite you to prolong your stay by taking advantage of the many lodging options they offer: campsites, cottages, huts, inns or, for something more unusual, yurts, Huttopia tents or quinzhees (igloo-like snow shelters). Make the most out of your vacation by staying in these remarkable sites!
National Parks and Wildlife Reserves Packages
Gîte du Mont-Albert
Starting from $71.75
per person, double occupancy, taxes and park entrance fees not included
Valid from June 9, 2012 to September 29, 2012
Ferme 5 Étoiles Family Vacation Site
Starting from $299.00
per person, taxes and gratuities not included
Valid from June 1, 2012 to September 30, 2012
See all National Parks and Wildlife Reserves Packages
Testimonials about National Parks and Wildlife Reserves
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April 2010
"Discover a tourism destination where roads run alongside the sea, mountains, valleys and rivers in a region dotted with rest areas, scenic lookouts and great gourmet finds."
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"I’d always been drawn by Anticosti because it was so unknown. In school, even our teachers knew nothing about it. Anticosti is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. For biologists, islands are interesting because they are isolated and have their own ecology."
Read more »
Read all testimonials
Highlights
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The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park protects a unique marine environment covering an area of 1245 sq. km (440 sq. mi.) including one of the longest fjords in the world, a paradise for marine mammals and an aboriginal presence going back 8000 years.
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The Matane Wildlife Reserve is home to abundant and remarkable wildlife. The dense moose population makes this a great place to observe the largest members of the deer family. While out hiking, be on the lookout for moose in their natural habitat.
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Anticosti National Park, Québec's largest open-air interpretation centre, provides front row seats for viewing the island's natural entertainment. You will be awed by the richness of its flora, fauna and landscapes.
See all national parks and wildlife reserves companies (19) and plan my trip
Lighthouse Trail
Île Verte Lighthouse
Built on an island in 1809, the Île Verte Lighthouse was Québec’s first. Learn about the history of this lighthouse and the evolution of its light and sound systems. While you’re at it, you might even see a few belugas. You can spend the night in the lighthouse keeper’s home or the assistant keeper’s home, which have been converted into bed and breakfasts.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Petite île au Marteau Lighthouse
Located in the heart of the Mingan archipelago, the Petite île au Marteau Lighthouse lets you relive the era of lighthouse keepers of old. For a truly unforgettable experience, take part in a guided hike at night by the light of the capailloux lanterns (perforated metal containers with candles inside).
Photo: Nelson Boisvert
Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse
Built over 150 years ago, the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is the tallest in Canada. Climb to the top of the lighthouse in the company of a guide and learn about its history and workings.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Pointe-des-Monts Lighthouse
Visit the oldest lighthouse on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. Explore a seven-storey exhibit on the lives of the lighthouse keepers who operated it from 1830 to 1964. Four comfortable rooms are available in the keeper’s home, including a restaurant.
Photo: Pierre Rambaud / Le Cyclope
Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse
Recognized as a national historic site, this lighthouse is the second tallest in Canada. Climb its 128 steps to a unique view of the St. Lawrence. You will learn about the sinking of the Empress of Ireland and visit the submarine Onondaga.
Photo: Pietro Canali
L’Anse-à-la-Cabane Lighthouse
Built by the Government of Canada between 1870 and 1874, the Anse-à-la-Cabane Lighthouse served as a beacon to sailors and fishermen as they approached the Îles de la Madeleine. Still in operation today, the lighthouse is fully computerized.
Photo: Michel Bonato / Tourisme Îles de la Madeleine
La Martre Lighthouse
Still in operation, the La Martre Lighthouse has a unique wooden structure, and the original timing system controls the rotation of the light. The Musée des phares located nearby explains the evolution of the lighting systems as well as the operation and the important role of Québec lighthouses.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Bon-Désir Lighthouse
Located in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, the Bon-Désir Lighthouse is one of the youngest lighthouses along the St. Lawrence. The site offers various interpretation activities and is perfect for observing marine mammals from dry land.
Photo: Marc Loiselle / Tourisme Manicouagan
Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie Lighthouse
This unique lighthouse has been designated as a national historic monument. Take a guided tour and discover the surprising history of the small archipelago on which the lighthouse is located. The lighthouse was restored by the Société Duvetnor in 1989, which rents out rooms with a view of the sea.
Photo: Pietro Canali
Pointe à la Renommée Lighthouse
After spending 20 years in the port of Québec City, this lighthouse was brought home to its original location in 1997, making it the most travelled lighthouse in the world! The lighthouse sits on the site of the first maritime radio station in North America. It is home to two exhibits dedicated to radio operators and lighthouse keepers.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Huard
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