Discoveries

Nature in all its splendour

Stunning parks

The Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is the height of, well, heights! Enjoy an evening cruise down the Rivière Malbaie aboard the Menaud. As you wind through the tallest rock walls East of the Rockies you’ll be treated to a glacial valley, a waterfall cascading down abrupt slopes, and, naturally, the echo of the draveurs (log drivers) who worked these waters for close to 100 years.

Not far from here, at the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, explore the grottos of a corridor that’s hundreds of metres deep and carpeted in moss. Those who yearn for adventure will want to make the trip to the Parc national d’Anticosti, which boasts breathtaking canyons and the magnificent Chute Vauréal waterfall. Once you’ve hunted the park’s white-tailed deer and visited the Grotte Patate grotto, you won’t want to leave the island!

Wilderness at its best

Experience the Great North by exploring the tundra and the polygonal ground of Mont Jacques-Cartier in the heart of the Parc national de la Gaspésie. At 1,268 m (4,185 ft.), it’s the second-highest mountain in Québec. It’s also the only spot where you’ll see moose, deer and caribou sharing the same territory.   If you enjoy observing wildlife, then maritime Québec is for you -- from the seals of Le Bic to the beluga whales of the Saguenay. Further to the northeast, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada has 42 wilderness campsites spread over six islands. This enchanting chain of limestone isles, dotted with impressive rock formations known as monoliths, is sure to offer you a steady stream of challenges.

Parks after dark

Just because the sun goes to bed doesn’t mean everyone else does! You want proof? Stop by the Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé for a Soirée Pleine Lune (full moon evening). The island is a sanctuary for more than 250,000 seabirds -- come watch the moon rise over the largest Northern Gannet colony in North America. It’s a good bet you’ve not seen a "barnyard" like this before! Our forest friends like to be seen... and heard. At the Parc national de la Yamaska you can take part in Sons et animaux de la nuit (sounds and animals of the night), a short hike that will astound you with the strange noises that make the forest come alive. A slightly eerier alternative is offered at the Station Écotouristique Duchesnay resort: Chauve qui peut!, an activity that focuses on echolocation to introduce you to the fascinating world of the bat, our only flying mammal.

Parks for the entire family

Combining science and the great outdoors is not only possible, it’s loads of fun! Embark on an extraordinary guided tour at the Parc national de Miguasha’s Natural History Museum. How did marine animals become terrestrial? You’ll learn the answer during a visit to the fossil exhibition room and educational laboratory. Afterwards, head to the beach and its cliffs for an excavation demonstration. Get ready to go back in time!

number of parks also have attractions aimed specifically at kids, such as playgrounds, supervised beaches and "theatrical" activities. For instance, entertaining rallies are organized at the Frontenac, Oka, Plaisance and Grands-Jardins parks. Lastly, as a peaceful family outing, why not try an excursion in a rabaska canoe? The La Mauricie, Îles-de-Boucherville, Jacques-Cartier and Plaisance parks are ideal for this activity.

Guillaume Rivard
Photos: Sépaq
2008-04-16