Matane Wildlife Reserve - Wikivoyage, the free collaborative travel and tourism guide - Réserve faunique de Matane — Wikivoyage, le guide de voyage et de tourisme collaboratif gratuit

Matane Wildlife Reserve
Information
Country	Canada
Region	The Gaspé Coast
Administration	Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec (SÉPAQ) and Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife
Area	1 274,65 km²
Tourist information office	free number: 1 800 665-6527 E-mail: [email protected]
Location
48 ° 44 ′ 0 ″ N 66 ° 55 ′ 0 ″ W
Official site
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The Matane wildlife reserve is a wildlife reserve of Quebec to Canada. It is a place that will delight nature lovers!

Understand

The Matane wildlife reserve is located on the Gaspé Peninsula in the east of Quebec. It covers an area of ​​over 1 274 km² is bordering on Gaspésie National Park and at the Dunière wildlife reserve. It is part of the network of wildlife reserves in Quebec managed by the Société des establishments de plein air du Québec (SÉPAQ).

The territory of the reserve is covered by a coniferous forest of fir and spruce trees and by a mixed forest in places. It is located in the Chic-Chocs Mountains in the Appalachians. Its relief is thus rugged and 25% of its territory is located at an altitude of more than 490 m. The Matane wildlife reserve includes 38 lakes and many rivers including the Matane River, an Atlantic salmon river.

Réserve faunique de Matane has the largest concentration of moose in Quebec with its population of over 6,000 individuals, that is to say near 4.7 individuals per km². It also includes black bears, coyotes, red foxes and white-tailed deer, but the moose, the largest of the deer, is arguably the true king of the forest.

• 48.84372-67.5309421 Administration office 257, rue Saint-Jérôme, Matane,   1 418 562-3700, fax : 1 418 562-4832, e-mail : [email protected] – Offers information on the wildlife reserve. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 48.650036-67.2707462 John reception station ,   1 418 224-3345 Beginning of June to end of October from Sunday to Thursday from 7 h - 19 h and Friday and Saturday from 7 h - 21 h, also open with restricted traffic the first week of September every day of 8 h - 17 h. – Main reception station at Réserve faunique de Matane, offers information and sells access rights as well as hunting and fishing permits. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 49.097914-66.6792143 Cap-Chat reception station 10 Notre-Dame Street East, Cap-Chat – Reception station located in Cap-Chat near the east of the wildlife reserve. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 48.678721-66.7865754 L'Étang-à-la-Truite reception center Beginning of June to end of October every day from 8 h - 20 h, also open with restricted traffic the first week of September every day of 8 h - 17 h. – Reception desk, offers information and sells access rights. (last update Feb. 2018)

To go

To get to the Matane wildlife reserve, go to Matane which is accessible via Highway 20 and Highway 132 east from the urban centers of the Quebec such as Montreal and Quebec. Visit the page for that city for more information on how to get there. The John reception desk is located at 40 km south-east of Matane by taking route 195.

Routes from main cities

City	Distance by road (in km)	Routes to follow
Montreal	664	/ — —
Quebec	440	/ — —
Rimouski	130	/ — —

Circulate

The wildlife reserve includes several unpaved paths to get to the different sectors. A map is available on the reserve's website as well as at the reception stations.

To see

• Moose Interpretation Center Located in the reception center of L'Étang-à-la-Truite End of June to end of August. Free. – Educational exhibition and projections on moose, various themes including the role of the plume and the seasons in the life of the moose as well as the other animals living in the reserve and the history of hunting. (last update March 2018)
• Wildlife observation End of June to end of August. – Moose, black bear. Several observation towers have been built at strategic locations to facilitate the observation of wildlife. Popular moose activities are offered including a visit to the interpretation center, guided tours and hikes in different habitats and a visit to observation towers. Packages including cabin accommodation, self-guided tours of the interpretation center, guided activities such as black bear observation, moose photo safari and wildlife observation by kayak as well as transportation by minibus for activities is offered. (last update Feb. 2018)
  • Moose photo safari ,   1 418 224-3345, 1 800 665-6527 (free number) In July every day at 18 h 30 and in August every day at 18 h.  35,50 $ per adult. – Popularization of what a mudflat is and its influence on moose and the growth of the plume, observation of the original in different habitats depending on the summer period. (last update March 2018)
  • Wildlife observation by kayak ,   1 418 224-3345, 1 800 665-6527 (free number) In July on Sunday at 18 h 30 and in August on Sunday at 18 h.  35,50 $ per adult. – Guided kayak excursion including the observation of fauna and the popularization of the frequentation of the original in lake. (last update March 2018)
  • Demystify Ursus ,   1 418 224-3345, 1 800 665-6527 (free number) In July every day except Sunday at 18 h 30 and in August every day except Sunday at 18 h.  35,50 $ per adult. – Guided hike in a minibus and in secure facilities to observe the black bear in its habitat, popularization of the biology and customs of the black bear. (last update March 2018)
  • Bird watching  – The wildlife reserve includes more than 150 species of birds including several species of woodpeckers, warblers and raptors such as golden eagles, bald eagles and osprey. It also includes ruffed grouse and spruce grouse. In addition, its lakes are home to aquatic birds such as the great blue heron, common loon and kingfisher. (last update Feb. 2018)

Do

• Canoe and kayak June to September. – Hike on one of the reserve's many rivers. The Trout Pond, along 2 km, is perfect for a kayak trip. Possibility to rent kayaks. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Canyoning (canyoning) ,   1 418 763-2299, 1 866 963-2999 (free number), e-mail : [email protected] – Activity combining walking, abseiling and swimming offered by Eskamer on the Beaulieu stream at the foot of Mount Nicol-Albert. Equipment, meals and snacks are included. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Hunt  – Moose, black bear and small game hunting. It is possible to obtain a hunting license directly on site. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Peach End of May to beginning of September. – The wildlife reserve includes 38 lakes and numerous rivers divided into eight accommodation sectors. It is permitted to fish for brook trout (speckled trout) on all lakes and the bag limit is ten. In addition, it is allowed to fish for lake trout (lake trout) on Lake Matane and the catch limit is two. Fishing packages with accommodation are available. About ten lakes are reserved for day fishing. Watercraft are provided on most lakes, but some require a personal watercraft. Rental of fishing rods, rowboats, electric motors and personal flotation devices as well as the sale of bait and lures are offered. It is also possible to obtain a fishing license directly on site. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Salmon fishing ,   1 418 562-7006, e-mail : [email protected] Mid-June to mid-September or end of September (depending on the sector). – On the Matane River, the Société de gestion de la rivière Matane (SOGERM) manages salmon fishing in the wildlife reserve. Salmon fishing packages with accommodation in a chalet on the Matane River are offered. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Hiking June to early September. – Several easy to difficult hiking trails including one of 8 km leading to Mont Blanc and one of more than 105 km being part of International Appalachian Trail. Hiking is also the only way to get to Hélène high waterfall. 70 m. Backpackers can stay in the reserve campsites or in one of the huts along the International Appalachian Trail. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Bike  – Hiking on the road or in the forest paths. Possibility to rent bicycles. (last update Feb. 2018)

To buy

• 48.678721-66.7865751 L'Étang-à-la-Truite reception center  – Sale of bait and lures, promotional items and access rights. Rental of fishing rods, rowboats, personal flotation devices for adults and children, kayaks, bedding, electric motors and bicycles. Can also recharge its batteries. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 48.650036-67.2707462 John reception station  – Sale of bait and lures, promotional items, access rights and hunting and fishing permits. Rental of fishing rods, rowboats, personal flotation devices for adults and children, kayaks, bedding, electric motors and bicycles. Can also recharge its batteries. (last update Feb. 2018)

Eat

Have a drink / Go out

Housing

• Chic-Chocs mountain inn Situated at 55 km South of Cap-Chat,   1 800 665-3091 (free number), e-mail : [email protected] – 4-star inn located in the heart of the wildlife reserve in 615 m altitude, experienced guide services for outdoor activities, yoga, outdoor spa, sauna, fireplace, restaurant. Only 18 rooms; which ensures privacy. The entire hostel is non-smoking, there is no reception for cell phones, there is no laundry service and pets except guide dogs are prohibited. During a stay at the hostel, the following equipment is available free of charge (depending on the season): avalanche victim search device (ARVA), telescopic poles for walking or snowshoeing, thermos flask, map and descriptive document of the territory, divisible snowboard (splitboard) Prior brand, radio transceiver, snowshoes, Hok skis, Kona brand Cinder Cone mountain bike with conventional or Shinamo type pedals. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Campsites  – The reserve has two semi-serviced campsites for a total of 39 sites that can accommodate tents and recreational vehicles. With electricity, water and sewer or without service. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Rustic cabins From 164 $ per day. – 22 chalets fitted out with water, lighting and gas heating, equipped kitchen. (last update March 2018)

Communicate

The reception for cell phones is not present everywhere on the reserve. Moreover, the reserve map identifies the best places for cellphones.

Respect

Companion dogs are allowed in the wildlife reserve except in accommodation sites and rental units such as chalets and shelters. During the small game hunting season, hunting dogs can be kept in their cages outside their owner's cottage or vehicle. Pets are not allowed in public buildings and in campsites with the exception of John Campsite where they are allowed in sites 18, 19 and 20. Other pets are not allowed in the wildlife reserve. These restrictions do not apply to guide dogs or assistance dogs.

Around

• 48.85-67.533331 Matane  – This is the town located near the reserve. It is located north of the reserve on the shores of the St. Lawrence River and includes the administrative office of the wildlife reserve. It includes the following services: restaurant, snack bar, bank with ATM, car rental, pharmacy, grocery store and Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) store. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 49.1-66.6833332 Cap-Chat  – This is the town located near the east of the reserve. It is located north of the reserve on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and includes a wildlife reserve reception station. (last update Feb. 2018)