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The enchanted, inhabited forest
Managed by a corporation composed of seven partner organizations, the Forêt de l’Aigle (eagle forest) is the perfect symbol of the recreation/tourism vocation and sustainable development embraced not only by the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, but by the entire Outaouais region as well. This is one initiative worth promoting... and visiting!
Reflecting its rich Algonquin heritage, the Forêt de l’Aigle is one of nature’s treasures that you can never tire of exploring. While it may have been the hub of the area’s timber industry in the 19th century, today the forest is the epicentre of recreation/tourism for the entire Outaouais. How can we explain this transformation? Two words will do it: "inhabited forest." A project, or rather, an innovative achievement, that promotes a mixed-use approach and has many people singing its praises."See the forest in a different light"
The concept of the inhabited forest goes back to 1982, when the Ministère des Ressources naturelles (ministry of natural resources) granted special protection to the Forêt de l’Aigle by classifying it as a forest reserve. The aim is to enhance the well-being of the communities who enjoy the forest in a sustainable development context.To achieve this, the emphasis is put on profitable territorial development that reflects the values, aspirations and interests of the public. "Basically, we want to return to the public the management and proactive improvement of all the resources in its environment," explains Marc Beaudoin, Director General of the Corporation de gestion de la Forêt de l’Aigle, which manages the forest. "It is the ’users’ who are going to decide the direction the forest will take and which activities will be added to those already offered."
Action for everyone
Are you a nature-lover? Are you adventurous? Then the Forêt de l’Aigle will appeal to you. "In fact, all outdoor enthusiasts will find something to suit them," adds Marc Beaudoin. "The forest is one of only 12 clumps of eastern white pines remaining in Québec and we have 10.5 km (6.5 mi.) of hiking trails and 38 self-guided interpretation stations to facilitate visitors’ appreciation of it." In fact, it’s the perfect spot for breathing in the fresh air while taking Fido for a walk! Along the way, you might even see certain vulnerable species such as the wood turtle, the bat, the lynx and, naturally, the bald eagle.
Whether you want to go hunting or fishing (the forest is open access), head out on an ATV or in a canoe, do some camping or simply enjoy a picnic, you’ll be spoiled. The Forêt de l’Aigle has some 75 lakes, countless trails and the safest of facilities.
Bird-watchers will be equally delighted by the forest’s 110 bird species, including the spruce grouse and the pine warbler. The latter is relatively rare in Québec but thrives in the Forêt de l’Aigle.A walk among the treetops
The main attraction of this highly charged program is without a doubt the new suspended path, an aerial hebertism course with walls, observation platforms and bridges ranging from six to 20 metres (20 to 65 ft.) in height. "Tackling the suspended path is like stepping into the sky and walking among the treetops," says Claudia Meloche, who manages the forest’s recreation/tourism activities. "This three-hour guided tour offers visitors a great view of the entire pine forest. You really shouldn’t miss it!"Much more in store
With this many activities, it would be easy to rest on one’s laurels. But that’s certainly not the case here! "One of the fundamental aspects of the Forêt de l’Aigle is its versatile and multi-purpose character," points out Marc Beaudoin. "The site is constantly evolving, new resources are being integrated in a sustainable manner and the geography is still able to accommodate other recreation/tourism activities." Mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, climbing, speleology... there are numerous possibilities just waiting to be explored. And it’s up to you to decide...| Getting there |
| Covering a surface area of 140 km2 (54 sq. mi.), the Forêt de l’Aigle borders two regional county municipalities northwest of the Outaouais region: the Vallée de-la-Gatineau and Pontiac. Barely an hour’s drive from Gatineau, it can be reached via Highway 105 (three main gates). The Black Rollway Pavilion, located at the junction of the four main roads that run through the Forêt de l’Aigle, is also where the Rivière au Hibou and Rivière de l’Aigle meet. You’ll find restaurant services and accommodations here. |
Guillaume Rivard
Photos: Corporation de gestion de la Forêt de l'Aigle
2008-04-10
