PARC NATIONAL D AIGUEBELLE DISCOVERY GUIDE 2018
WELCOME TO THE PARK Enigmatic and accessible, fault lakes offer a variety of activities in a grand setting... Where the waters part ways As a true jewel of nature in the heart of Abitibi, the Parc National d Aiguebelle is located on the watershed line that separates the watersheds of James Bay and the St. Lawrence River. You will be surprised by the splendor of the landscapes located along the La Haie and Sault fault lakes. You will be fascinated by geological and geomorphological phenomenons such as volcanic pillows and giant s cauldrons within the 2,7 billion year old rock. But above all, you will be seduced by the warm welcome of our staff. Enjoy your discoveries! TOTOR THE BEAVER ANIMAL EMBLEM OF THE PARC NATIONAL D AIGUEBELLE Apart from humans, beavers are the only animals who adapt their environment to fit their lifestyle. For Totor and his kind, the territory of Aiguebelle is the ideal place of settlement with its 80 lakes and 280 km of streams. There is 6.6 colonies per 10 km 2 in the park, one of the highest densities of beavers in Québec. Find out more at sepaq.com/aiguebelle ANNUAL CARD QUÉBEC NATIONAL PARKS Québec s national parks offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Explore this exceptional world of nature with the Annual Québec National Parks Card, featuring: Unlimited access to ALL national parks for 12 full months Many exclusive benefits, including a free night of camping Details at sepaq.com/parkscard PILOT PROJECT AUTHORIZING DOGS A pilot project is in place authorizing the presence of dogs in five national parks, including Parc national d Aiguebelle which will join the project during this third year. Sépaq is conducting this project subject to conditions in order to measure how visits and the natural environment might be affected. Main rules * Dogs must remain in the places where they are authorized at all times. Dogs must be kept on a leash no more than three (3) metres in length and under surveillance at all times. The person in charge of the dog must pick up the animal s excrement without delay and dispose of it in a hygienic manner. Barking or howling dogs as well as dogs affecting the tranquility and safety of other visitors are not allowed. *Individuals who fail to comply with any of the rules stated above may be required to leave the area and/or issued a statement of offence, where appropriate. Compliance with the rules is the key to success of the pilot project. Consult all the rules at sepaq.com/animals. AUTHORIZED PLACES AT PARC NATIONAL D AIGUEBELLE SUMMER TRAIL Taschereau sector Le Petit-Nomade Mont-Brun sector La Traverse La Salamandre La Castorière CAMPING Taschereau sector Ojibway campground (except for Ready-to-camp) Barlow RV area PICNIC AREA Taschereau sector Taschereau Visitors Centre picnic area NAUTICAL ACCESS POINT Mont-Brun sector Taschereau sector WINTER TRAIL Mont-Brun sector Le Castor Picnic areas around Loïs lake La Haie lake parking Boat launch at Taschereau Visitors Centre Le Loup 2
MUST-DOS SUSPENDED FOOTBRIDGE 22 meters high and 64 meters long, the suspended footbridge offers breathtaking views of the rocky cliffs of La Haie. With 3,2 kilometers to walk, see why this is the most popular trail in the park. A LE PARTAGE DES EAUX CIRCUIT Discover the watershed line and its new infrastructure on the park s most legendary course. Canoeing with the family or on foot for the more adventurous, enjoy sliding as a drop of water that flows north or south. B TRAIL LES PAYSAGES Immerse yourself in the diverse habitats that surrounds fault lakes that hold landscapes of unsuspected beauty. Thanks to the belvederes, the spiral staircase, the Japanese bridge and the floating path, you will not miss anything of nature s spectacle. C VAST LAC LOÏS Choose your favorite watercraft and experience the calm and contemplation of Loïs. So vast, carved with multiple bays and dotted with islands, this is where you ll find the real adventure. D SLEEPING IN A RUSTIC CABIN In any season, but especially in winter, enjoy unforgettable moments in one of the authentic small log cabins of Parc national d Aiguebelle. Be a front-row witness to the the beautiful show offered by our starry skies. E BELLE D AIGUEBELLE On the shore of Matissard at the Abijévis campground, discover the sometimes tragicomic story of the creation of the park. A free theatrical animation that will appeal to both young and old. Meet us at the Abijévis campgound Monday evenings. F 3
Taschereau Visitors Centre Camping Ojibway To Taschereau 14 La Demoiselle de la Muraille Spiral staircase C Sault Le Petit- Nomade Les Versants Les Paysages Loïs D Sault de l'esker L'Amiral Registration centre / Information Reduced mobility access Picnic area Playground Boutique Nature shop Semi-serviced camping Rustic camping Canoe Canoe and kayak Cabin Convenience store Boat launch ramp RV area Vose 22 Cette carte intègre de l information géographique de source gouvernementale. Pour des besoins de représentation, certaines données ont subi des transformations et des adaptations qui ont pu modifier la donnée originale. Données originales utilisées Années Banque de données Sépaq 2018 Cartes topographiques à l'échelle de 1/20 000 1992-2001 Source des données utilisées Ministère de l Énergie et des Ressources naturelles Gouvernement du Québec Rustic accommodation Kayak-camping Equipment rental Fishing Parking lot Telephone Fire warden tower Summit Dogs allowed location (pilot project) de Road network l'indien Trail National park boundary Conservation zone Calant MacNamara Patrice Brousseau 2 L'Élan Mont Dominant 570 m Le Patineur 24 Les Garde-Feu aux Foins Brunet B Camping Abijévis Perché La Haie Le Longicorne Fréville de la Muraille 26 Sault 27 Matissard Le Monarque Le Collembole La Puce d'eau Administration To 26 0 1 000 2 000 3 000 Le Rouynm Caste Vice-Roi Noranda 0 200 400 600 800 m 4 5 1 See enlargement Sault Le Partage des eaux F See enlargement Discovery and Visitors Centre 1 12 Frontière du Moulin To Perché To Le Partage des eaux La Guêpe A Suspended footbridge La Traverse La Cigale L'Escalade Le Dytique aux Bûcherons La Haie L'Alucite L'Aventurier E des Ours La Salamandre de la Sarracénie 12 Ruisseau des Ours Camping du Sablon Le Bourdon du Sablon des Éricacées 0 200 400 600 800 m Discovery and Visitors Centre Discovery and Visitors Centre La Castorière 2
DISCOVER OUR TRAILS HIKING TRAILS LENGTH AND DURATION* DIFFICULTY ELEVATION (METERS) POINT OF DEPARTURE La Castorière - High concentration of beaver habitat around the pond. 0,8 km/loop 20 min E 0 m Discovery and Visitors Center La Salamandre - Path through the boreal forest and sections of windfall. 4 km/round-trip 2 h E 40 m Discovery and Visitors Center L Escalade - Hike to the peak of La Trompeuse hill 3 km/round-trip 1 h 30 I 160 m La Traverse - Cross over La Haie on a suspended footbridge. 3 km/loop 1 h 30 I 100 m L Aventurier - Loop around La Haie Lake on rocky escarpments. 9,5 km/loop 5 h 30 D 100 m Le Garde-Feu - Climb the fire warden tower and discover a period of history 2 km/round-trip 1 h I 120 m La Haie parking area on road 26 La Haie parking area on road 26 La Haie parking area on road 26 Garde-Feu parking area on road 24 Le Chemin des Collines - Take the historic path in the Abijevis hills that leads to Patrice. 16 km/round-trip 40 min E 40 m Road 24 L Élan - Panoramic view of Patrice and the Abijévis hills. 1,5 km/loop 45 min E 40 m Les Versants - Succession of valleys ans natural viewpoints overlooking the rocky escarpments. 11 km/round-trip 6 h D 100 m Les Paysages - Spiral staircase and rocky escarpments. 2 km/loop 1 h E 70 m Patrice parking area on road 24 Sault parking area on road 12 Sault parking area on road 12 Le Petit-Nomade - Winding trail through the woods near Loïs. 2 km/loop 1 h E 10 m Taschereau Visitors Center EXPEDITIONS LENGTH AND DURATION* DIFFICULTY ELEVATION (METERS) POINT OF DEPARTURE La Trompeuse - From the Discovery center to the peak of La Trompeuse hill.. 7 km/round-trip 3 h D 160 m Discovery and Visitors Center Les Escarpements - From the Discovery center to the suspended footbridge. 6 km/round-trip 3 h I 100 m Discovery and Visitors Center Le Partage des eaux - Journey across the spectacular fault lakes and the watershed line. 8 km/round-trip 5 h E 100 m Hiking Dogs allowed Interpretation panel Car Expérience famille Canoe Mobile app E : Easy I : Intermediate D : Difficult *Duration and difficulty levels mentioned are indicative and refer to the summer season. Stationnement du lac Sault via la route 12 FAMILY FUN IS HERE! HERE ARE A FEW EXTRAS WE HAVE IN PLACE FOR YOU TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE AND TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY. Photo : Mathieu Dupuis For your children 17 years of age and under FREE ACCESS to national parks EQUIPMENT LOAN* for the outdoors ACTIVITIES varied and rewarding ACCESSORIES* on loan for young children *Limited quantities available Look out for this marker which identifies the ideal family experiences. OUR TOP PICKS AT PARC NATIONAL D AIGUEBELLE Take a look at our not-to-be-missed offers: popular activities, trails to discover with your family, and cosy spots for a stay. Noisette : A Nutcase Story (animation with puppets) Park Path La Castorière stroller accessible Free bike rental at the Abijévis Campgound (for children only) Free animated water activities for children (accompanied by an adult) Discover all our family destinations at sepaq.com/family 6
THE LARGEST NATURE AND OUTDOOR NETWORK IN QUÉBEC The exceptional territories of Sépaq, including 24 national parks, are privileged destinations where you can enjoy all the benefits of an intimate contact with nature. Here s a special invitation from us to you: come relax at the heart of an authentic natural world that s the pride and joy of Quebecers! 24 NATIONAL PARKS 14 WILDLIFE RESERVES 8 TOURIST ESTABLISHMENTS SÉPAQ ANTICOSTI Discover all our destinations at sepaq.com Sept-Îles Natashquan Chibougamau Port-Menier AIGUEBELLE Rouyn-Noranda Val-d Or OPÉMICAN La Tuque QUÉBEC POINTE-TAILLON MONTS-VALIN Saguenay Rivièredu-Loup HAUTES-GORGES-DE- LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIE GRANDS-JARDINS FJORD-DU- SAGUENAY Rimouski PARC MARIN DU SAGUENAY Tadoussac SAINT-LAURENT BIC LAC-TÉMISCOUATA Matane St.Lawrence River GASPÉSIE MIGUASHA Gaspé Percé ANTICOSTI ÎLE-BONAVENTURE- ET-DU-ROCHER-PERCÉ Gulf of St.Lawrence Mont-Laurier JACQUES-CARTIER Québec PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ONTARIO Ottawa PLAISANCE MONT-TREMBLANT Mont-Tremblant OKA Montréal ÎLES-DE- BOUCHERVILLE MONT- SAINT- BRUNO YAMASKA Trois- Rivières Sherbrooke MONT-ORFORD FRONTENAC MONT-MÉGANTIC UNITED STATES NEW BRUNSWICK NOVA SCOTIA QUEBEC NATIONAL PARKS DAY September 8, 2018 SÉPAQ WINTER DAY January 26, 2019 BOUTIQUES Don t forget to visit our stores for a souvenir! Profits are fully reinvested in Quebec s national parks 7
DISCOVERY TIME THE SECRETS OF LAC LA HAIE To know everything about the Abijévis hills, the formation of fault lakes and their spectacular rocky escarpments, take a seat aboard the Rabaska in a Spectacular Fault or meet one of our park rangers posted at the La Traverse lookout point during the activity Travel Back Billions of Years. Price: $ 11.30 / adult, free for children accompanied by an adult. Rabaska activities by reservation only Société du Loisir Ornithologique de l Abitibi Bird watching is a passion to be shared. To learn more about our activities or to become a member, visit our website at www.sloa.ca P.O. Box 91, Rouyn-Noranda (Québec) J9X 5C1 A MATISSARD EVENING In the company of a park ranger, there is nothing better than a twilight stroll to surprise the busy Matissard wildlife. Aboard your canoe, let yourself be enchanted by the calm and beauty of the place. Price: $ 12 / adult, free for children accompanied by an adult. Canoe rental included, limited seating Find out about our weekly schedule of discovery activities at one of our reception desks. WINTER AT AIGUEBELLE Kicksled, toboggan circuit and more than 60km of marked trails for nordic skiing or snowshoeing. The winter landscapes of the park are sure to move you! Kicksleds and snowshoes are available for rental from the Discovery and Visitors Center Rental fees : $18,25/day Sledges can be borrowed for free 8
MAGICAL EVENINGS Stargazing, bats and black bears are some of the topics that enliven the evenings on the Matissard sandy shore at the Abijévis campground. With family or friends, come meet our park rangers to experience the magic of the northern sky lights. Watch for stargazing nights with the Association des astronomes amateurs de l Abitibi- Témiscamingue. The rustic cabins are accessible all winter to explore the park and it s surprising icy falls. DREAMING UNDER THE STARS Sleep peacefully in one of our 9 rustic cabins before setting off to discover the territory in complete freedom. In addition to enjoying the splendor of the starry sky, you will be at the forefront to observe wildlife in its natural habitat! Ready to camp With a capacity of 4 to 6 people, these accommodations are ideal for enjoying the pleasures of camping without having to lug all the gear. Equipped with an auxiliary heater, you will also find a refrigerator and the necessary for the preparation of meals. The ultimate confort The authentic log cabins chalets of the park will seduce you every visit. Furnished, electricity, running water, a canoe to navigate and a barbecue for meals, all you have to do is add a few logs to the fireplace to warm up during the cooler evenings. Camping P. Mercier inc. 10328, chemin de la Plage-Mercier Quartier Mont-Brun Rouyn-Noranda (Québec) J0Z 2Y0 Tél.: (819) 637-7262 9
CONSERVE FOR TOMORROW WOLVES AND MYSTERIES The presence of the gray wolf at Parc national d Aiguebelle raises many questions. The park is currently gathering information in order to evaluate the health of the populations that live in its territory. This project, in collaboration with the Conseil Régional en Environnement de l Abitibi- Témiscamingue, the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Université de Sherbrooke, will contribute to establish a plan for the conservation of this beautiful canine in the park over the next decade. Gray wolf, coyote, coyloup? Meet with our naturalist park rangers near the Discovery and Visitors Center to learn more during the posted activity A Field Guide to Wolves, Foxes and Coyotes. The re-introduction of 14 wolves at Yellowstone National Park has restored the ecosystem, even redefining the flow of rivers. LISTENING TO BATS An acoustic inventory, conducted in the summer of 2012, showed the presence of 6 of the 8 Québec species of bat, including several with a threatened status. During the summer of 2018, the park will monitor populations to determine if the species present are affected by the white-nose syndrome, which accounts for 95% of bat mortalities of the recent years. To learn more about these enigmatic flying mammals, take part in the SOS Chauves-souris evening event! Magasin général Dumulon 1924 191 avenue du Summer schedule: every day From 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in french Regular schedule: wednesday to friday From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in french Église orthodoxe russe St-Georges 201 rue Taschereau Ouest Summer schedule: Every day, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in french English guided tours are only available by reservation: 819 797-7125 www.maison-dumulon.ca DID YOU KNOW THAT One of the main conservation issues in the park is the health of brook trout populations? Hillside lakes have clear, cold, well-oxygenated water that meets the many requirements of this fish, also known as speckled trout. Since it is an unusual species in Abitibi, the harvesting of brook trout is closely monitored with the collaboration of the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. 10
PLAY IT SAFE Photo : Steve Deschênes, Parc national des Grands-Jardins Sépaq s mission is to ensure the widest possible access to Québec s most beautiful natural treasures. Sépaq is committed to the safety of its visitors and urges you to play it safe! Preparing yourself adequately is the first step in the safe and enjoyable practice of your favourite activities. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY and risk management is an integral part of your experience. Before leaving for an excursion, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED to practice your chosen activity AND RESPECT YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS. Your outing should leave you with nothing but pleasant memories. There are a number of organizations that can help you plan your activities safely. Do not hesitate to contact them. We also invite you to consult our safety guides for Sépaq activities on our website at REMINDERS During your visit to a national park, you must always carry your entry fee receipt or your annual entry card. To preserve our natural riches, you are not allowed to remove any natural elements (animals, plants, dead wood, rocks, etc.). Please also keep to established hiking trails to avoid trampling flora. sepaq.com/security CHECKLIST Animals find all they need to eat in nature. Feeding wildlife can be very damaging. Keep food or garbage out of reach of animals. BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME Plan on going with at least one other person. Check the weather report. Pack water and food, even if the activity is only for a few hours. See that you have appropriate clothing and footwear for anticipated weather conditions. Let somebody know the exact location of your destination and the time you plan to return home ONCE YOU ARE ON SITE Do not rely on your cellphone. Check how much time it will take to complete your activity. Obey signs and notices, including bans on open fires. WHEN YOU GET BACK Once you have completed your activity, make sure that you report to our staff anything wrong or any damage or problems you encountered. We ask you to carry out all your garbage. Domestic animals are not accepted in Québec s national parks. However, guide dogs and service dogs are admitted. PILOT PROJECT AUTHORIZING DOGS A pilot project is in place authorizing the presence of dogs in FRONTENAC, JACQUES-CARTIER and OKA national parks. As of May 18, 2018, the project will be expanded to include AIGUEBELLE and LAC-TÉMISCOUATA national parks. Please read the applicable rules and authorized places at sepaq.com/animals. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: 911 SÛRETÉ DU QUÉBEC : 310-4141 (general number) /*4141 (for cellphones) *Where cellphone networks are available. Search and rescues fees are the visitor s responsabilities. Parc national d Aiguebelle 12373, route d Aiguebelle Rouyn-Noranda (Québec) J0Z 2Y0 Information: 819-637-7322 Reservation: 1 800 665-6527 Email: parc.aiguebelle@sepaq.com sepaq.com/aiguebelle Legal Deposit: 2018 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec Credit : Mathieu Dupuis, Hugo roix, Luc Farell, France Simard, Steve Deschênes, Cristian Leduc
What to do in Rouyn-Noranda? Come see us! Visitor Information Centre 1675, avenue Larivière (QC) J9Y 0G6 1 888 797-3195 TOURISMEROUYN-NORANDA.CA Picture : Christian Leduc/FME