Parc Nature, the perfect place to explore, learn - and relax!
On the shores of the St. Lawrence Estuary, this protected part of Pointe-aux-Outardes offers visitors the best of forest and river (that locals call “the sea”) in an exceptionally beautiful area. Whether you stay for part of a day or an entire week, you're never short of things to do - or places to relax!
The nature park covers nine different ecosystems, including a 500-hectare saltwater marsh - the fourth-largest in Quebec - a boreal (aka northern) forest with a zone of North American red pine, sand dunes, and tidal flats that stretch for four kilometres at low tide. It's like a Choose Your Own Adventure game, but In Real Life!
If you prefer the self-guided option, be sure to check out the marked trails (all links in French only) that wind through the various ecosystems, where you can expand your knowledge of medicinal and edible plants. Stroll along the boardwalk that runs through the dunes, take advantage of the relaxation area, or climb to the top of the observation tower that gives a bird's eye view of the surrounding scenery and the very wide variety of … birds. Or, take a scenic walk on the beach or the tidal flats. At high tide, the water is warm enough for pleasant paddling and children can have great fun splashing in the shallows.
A combination of learning and fun
Or, if you prefer to fill your head with fascinating details though fun educational activities, go on a guided tour led by an on-site nature or biology expert. Park employees are passionate about nature and conservation, and love to chat with visitors.
Children will have a blast solving the riddles on the 11-station Alice in Wonderland themed trail that ends in a huge labyrinth that's a real challenge to escape. Or, look up at the heavens during an evening of star gazing, then get up close and personal with the stars as you peer at them through a telescope.
The Jardin d'oiseaux has 300 species of plants and flowering shrubs that feed the birds, and also attract bees and butterflies. Small animals love the vegetable garden, and sometimes a moose comes calling.
Sleep like a bird or a … crab?
If you're hankering to try some unusual accommodation, the five Bird's Nest Treehouses, each of which focuses on a different bird species, including the great grey owl and the pileated woodpecker, and can accommodate 4, 5 or up to 12 people. Near the beach, you can camp in a tent or an RV.
You help protect the area
Parc Nature is a self-funded, non-profit, charitable entity dedicated to preserving its ecosystems and local biodiversity. Its mission is to protect this fragile natural area and to raise awareness of its conservation efforts through educational activities. The 712 km2 Manicouagan Marine Protected Area (MPA) that borders the park is rich in wildlife, ranging in size from tiny plankton to large marine mammals.
