Friday, it's 2 p.m. We're on the tumultuous road of the Toulnustouc leading to a hydroelectric dam erected by Hydro-Québec on the river of the same name, but that's not our destination. We're heading to the Lake Cypress Outfitter, run by Charles Pinard.

I've been fishing since I was about 12 years old. I learned on a lake, with a fly rod in hand, in a motorboat at the family camp. It was Léopold who taught me to fish, a family friend. Apart from occasional outings with him, I rarely take the time to go fishing. Every time I go, I remember how much I love those moments in nature, on the water. At kilometer number seven, there's no more network. Vacation begins! I'm on my way to visit my first outfitter.

The nature is lush. The green of the forest is vivid. The asphalt road gives way to a dusty stone forest road. We delve into the woods, into a wild flora that overtakes the pace of the city.

Arriving at the Lake Cypress Outfitter facilities, we see Charles Pinard, the owner, repairing his engine in front of the lake adorned with a few motorboats. Wiping his hands, he welcomes us and takes us to our cabin not far from his.

The wooden cabin is welcoming. The wood stove is ready to receive its first logs, the table is set for its first group meal, and the beds are ready to accommodate our sleeping bags for the night. The propane oven works well and we have access to hot water. Luxury in the forest. We'll be more than comfortable here. The evening promises to be starry and punctuated by the calls of loons.

The morning rises. The night was gentle. A brief morning yoga session on the beach allows us to see the mist dissipate to the rhythm of our sun salutations. Swallows flutter in the wind. An intimate moment. A magical moment.

After breakfast and our coffee, we join Charles Pinard to accompany him at the start of his day. The fishermen gather. We set off in groups to find the lake where we will be able to fish. Each group will have its own lake. Rich in experience, Charles accompanies them with natural kindness.

The territory spans 53.5 square kilometers, and 43 lakes are suitable for fishing, including 12 that are home to speckled trout, prized by visitors. The beginning of the season is launched. We go from the pickup truck to walking in the forest to find a boat docked on the edge of a lake waiting for its fishermen. We check the fuel level in the engine, position the throttle to neutral, activate the choke, pull the starter cord, and off we go! The wind is good, the day is full of promise! The fishermen are happy. Charles is happy.

In the afternoon, Charles Pinard proposes a kayak trip on the Godbout River. To get there, we travel 4 km, including 300 meters of portage between a lake and the river in question. It's striking to live in such wild yet organized nature. Everything has been designed to allow us to feel immersed but safe. The air is fresh, the river is flowing, the forest is beautiful. The memories of this vacation weekend will be plentiful.

An Entrepreneur of Conviction

Charles has been the owner of Pourvoirie du lac Cyprès since 1989, and he has been the president of the Association of Outfitters of the North Shore for nearly 20 years. A native of Drummondville, he studied physical geography but dreamed of buying an outfitter. It was with his father that he learned to fish and hunt. At the age of 23, he contacted the Quebec Outfitters Federation in search of an outfitter to buy. He left home in the early 1990s, became manager of Pourvoirie du lac Cyprès with six employees under his charge, and gradually learned to organize his new territory. Listening to him recount his story, one can feel his passion for nature, for history as well. One senses his drive to take action, his tenacity, his perseverance, and the fervor of the desire he harbored to build a unique and viable living environment from a long-term tourist perspective.

Charles doesn't mince his words, and he has many stories to tell, rich from a well-lived life. Charles also carries within him the unique and surprising history of the outfitter, which belonged to the family of Napoléon Alexandre Comeau, the founder of Baie-Comeau, and was later occupied by Gabby Ferland, a Montreal boxer and mobster. Charles is the father of two children whom he speaks of with tenderness and affection. Charles is in remission from skin cancer detected in 2019. At 58, he asserts that retirement does not exist because he loves what he does too much. Charles talks a lot, but he also has a listening ear. Charles is touching. Charles is endearing. Thank you, Charles, for allowing us to glimpse into your world and for welcoming us into an outfitter so rich in beautiful adventures!