Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: map of hiking trails
A heritage gem to be preserved
The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area was created in 1978 to protect the Bulrush marsh ecosystem that is used by migrating Greater Snow Geese. This 23 km2 protected area includes vast stretches of marshes, swamps, agricultural plains and forests. The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is recognized as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention.
An impressive rocky upland on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, Cap Tourmente is home to more than 180 bird species, 700 plant species and some 30 mammal species.
Several remnants from the past testify to more than 400 years of farming, making it one of Canada’s founding sites.
Awaken your five senses and come discover, savour and protect this national treasure!
Map of hiking trails
Long description for the map
Map showing the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) network of hiking trails. The locations of Cap Tourmente road, Petit Sault Creek, Friponne Creek, the St. Lawrence River are shown, as well as the national wildlife area entrance, the Petit-Ferme sector and the interpretation centre sector in an enlarged map inset. Hiking trails are indicated as red lines; dotted red lines show four season hiking trails, while solid red lines show trails open from May to October. The legends below the map indicate that, in the Petite-Ferme sector, the points of interest and service are A- Toll kiosk, B- Petite-Ferme administration, C-workshop and D-winter Érablière shelter. All trails in the wildlife area have a designated number, name, level of difficulty, a round-trip distance and an estimated time at a walking pace. Trail 1, L’Écart, easy, 1.1 km, 30 minutes; Trail 2, Le Souchet, easy, 3.3 km, 1 hr 30; Trail 3, Le Carouge, easy, 1.5 km, 45 minutes; Trail 4, Le Petit-Sault, easy, 3.3 km, 1 hr 30; Trail 5, L’Érablière, intermediate, 4.6 km, 2 hr 15; Trail 6, L’Aulnaie, intermediate, 5.2 km, 2 hr 30; Trail 7, La Prucheraie, intermediate, 5.0 km, 2 hr 30. In the Interpretation Centre sector, the points of interest and services are E- Interpretation Centre, F- Maison de Français, G- Pavillon Léon-Provancher, H- Birds of prey observatory, I- the ruins and J- la Halte du Pèlerin. The trails in the Interpretation Centre sector are indicated by numbers 8 through 15. Trail 8, le Moqueur-chat, easy, 0.4 km, 15 minutes; Trail 9, le Bois-sent-bon, easy, 1.0 km, 30 minutes; Trail 10, l’Allée d’ormes, intermediate, 3.1 km, 1 hr 30; Trail 11, le Pierrier, intermediate, 4.0 km, 2 hr 00; Trail 12, la Cédrière, easy, 3.1 km, 1 hr 30; Trail 13, Le Piedmont, intermediate, 5.6 km, 3 hr 00; Trail 14, Les Chutes, difficult, 4.8 km, 2 hr 15; Trail 15, La Falaise, difficult, 4.2 km, 2 hr; Trail 16, La Cime, difficult, 9.2 km, 4 hr 30. The forest, plain, coastal marsh and tidal marsh are indicated on the map along with bridges, roads, creeks, railroads, toll kiosks, parking, information, interpretation, washrooms, dry toilets, picnic areas, picnic shelters, marais de la Petite-Ferme waterfowl management, marais to Cap waterfowl management , lookouts, observation decks, stairs, observation towers, public telephones and first aid. The map shows 6 images of the site. The boundaries of the national wildlife area are also indicated.
A highly protected territory
This symbol shows the boundaries of the National Wildlife Area. The plants and wildlife found there are protected. Please respect the regulations in effect. Wildlife enforcement officers monitor activities within the National Wildlife Area.
By complying with these regulations, you are contributing to the conservation of wild species and their habitats as well as the preservation of species at risk.
Access to the National Wildlife Area is prohibited outside the posted visiting hours.
Come discover the beauty
Take advantage of the available services and activities, and discover the beauty of the National Wildlife Area.
May to October
- 20 km of walking trails
- Interpretation centre: information, exhibits and audiovisual presentations
- Discovery tools: Nature Rally with GPS, geocaching, historical trail, binoculars, bird identification guide
- Guided nature activities
- Picnic areas
January to March
- 6 km of winter walking trails
- Bird feeder network
- Heated rest station
Practical advice
Environnement and Climate Change Canada offers safe facilities to visitors and provides information on the inherent risks of activities in natural areas. You are responsible for following posted instructions and for properly planning your visit in order to ensure your own safety.
- Wear hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing, and protect yourself from the sun.
- Bring a snack and water (water in the waterways may be unsuitable for drinking).
- Avoid encounters with black bears: make noise! Read the notices and inform personnel of any bear sightings.
- Bring insect repellent.
- In cases of emergency:
- National Wildlife Area staff: 418-827-4591
- Cellphone: 911
Respect the visitor code of ethics
- Find out about trail accessibility and seasonal conditions.
- Stay on the trails and respect the access and conservation zones.
- Bring back your garbage and dispose of it in the garbage cans.
- Look at the plants without picking them.
- Respect other visitors and the natural environment.
For more information
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
570 Chemin du Cap-Tourmente
Saint-Joachim, Quebec G0A 3X0
Telephone:
418-827-4591 (interpretation centre)
418-827-3776 (administration)
Fax:
418-827-6225
Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates:
N 47° 03.860’ W 70° 47.774’
Email: ec.captourmente.ec@canada.ca
Internet: The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area website
The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is part of a national network of 146 protected areas managed by Environnement and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service. This network ensures the protection of wild species, namely migratory birds, species at risk and their habitats.
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