ZEC Kiskissink Travel Guide

Discover the natural beauty and cultural attractions of ZEC Kiskissink with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore outdoor adventures, scenic views, museums, historical places, local food scene, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


Introduction to ZEC Kiskissink

ZEC Kiskissink is a vast outdoor paradise located in the La Tuque Region of Mauricie, Central Quebec, Canada. Covering an area of over 2,100 square kilometers, ZEC Kiskissink offers a diverse range of natural beauty, cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and more.

Visitors to ZEC Kiskissink can explore hiking/biking routes, fishing, canoeing/kayaking, camping, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and much more. The area is also home to museums, historical places, and a vibrant food and drink scene.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors, learn about Quebec’s rich history and cultural heritage, or simply relax and unwind, ZEC Kiskissink offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best places to visit, things to do, local culture, food and drink, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in ZEC Kiskissink

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Musee du Loup: Located in Saint-Paulin, this museum showcases the fascinating history and cultural heritage of wolves in Quebec.
  2. Vieille Prison de Trois-Rivieres: A former prison turned museum in Trois-Rivieres, Vieille Prison de Trois-Rivieres offers a glimpse into Quebec’s criminal justice system throughout history.
  3. Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site: A national historic site in Shawinigan, Forges du Saint-Maurice is a former ironworks that dates back to the 18th century. Visitors can explore the restored buildings and learn about the iron-making process.

Natural Attractions of ZEC Kiskissink: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Parc national de la Mauricie: Located just north of ZEC Kiskissink, this provincial park is home to stunning lakes, forests, and wildlife. Visitors can hike, bike, swim, camp, canoe/kayak, and more.
  2. Lac Blanc: A stunning alpine lake with crystal clear water and sandy beaches. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and relax in the sun.
  3. Chutes-de-la-Petite-Riviere-Bostonnais: A series of beautiful waterfalls in La Tuque that are accessible via hiking trails.
  4. Sentier National: A 1,650 km long-distance hiking trail that passes through Quebec’s most beautiful natural landscapes, including ZEC Kiskissink.
  5. ZEC Kiskissink: With over 50 bodies of water, including lakes and rivers, ZEC Kiskissink is a popular destination for fishing, canoeing/kayaking, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of ZEC Kiskissink

  1. Le Petit Tour de la Riviere Bostonnais: A 44 km loop that offers stunning views of the Bostonnais River and surrounding forests.
  2. Sentier national du Quebec: As mentioned earlier, this 1,650 km trail passes through ZEC Kiskissink and is perfect for long-distance hiking.

Best Things to Do in ZEC Kiskissink: Activities and Tours

  1. Fishing: With over 50 bodies of water, ZEC Kiskissink is home to a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and pike. Fishing enthusiasts can rent boats, purchase permits, and enjoy a day on the water.
  2. Canoe/Kayaking: ZEC Kiskissink offers a variety of routes for paddlers of all experience levels. From calm lakes to gentle rivers, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the area.
  3. Camping: With over 500 campsites, ZEC Kiskissink is a popular destination for camping. Visitors can choose from rustic, wilderness, and semi-serviced sites.
  4. Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing: ZEC Kiskissink offers trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

Week-Long Itinerary for ZEC Kiskissink

Day 1: Explore the natural beauty of ZEC Kiskissink by hiking/biking its trails.

Day 2: Go fishing on one of the many bodies of water within ZEC Kiskissink.

Day 3: Visit the Musee du Loup and learn about Quebec’s wolves.

Day 4: Relax on the sandy beaches of Lac Blanc and enjoy swimming.

Day 5: Paddle down one of ZEC Kiskissink’s rivers, including the Bostonnais River.

Day 6: Camp at one of the many campsites within ZEC Kiskissink.

Day 7: Visit Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site and learn about Quebec’s industrial past.

Food and Drink Scene of ZEC Kiskissink

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Poutine: A Quebec specialty, poutine is a dish made with french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Visit Casse-Croute du Lac for delicious poutine.
  2. Tourtiere: A meat pie that originated in Quebec, tourtiere is a staple of Quebecois cuisine. Try it at Auberge Du Missionnaire.

Local Beverages

  1. Beer: Visit Microbrasserie Le Trou du Diable in Shawinigan for craft beer.
  2. Wine: Domaine & Vins Gélinas in Saint-Paulin produces delicious wines using locally grown grapes.

Where to Stay in ZEC Kiskissink: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Auberge du Missionnaire: A family-run guesthouse that offers clean and comfortable accommodations.
  2. Gite Mekina: A cozy bed and breakfast in Saint-Paulin that offers a delicious breakfast.
  3. Camping: ZEC Kiskissink has over 500 campsites for rustic and wilderness camping.

What to Buy in ZEC Kiskissink: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Maple Syrup: Quebec is known for its maple syrup, and La Sucrerie Chez Roger in Shawinigan produces some of the best.
  2. Blueberries: Quebec is also known for its wild blueberries. Visit local markets for fresh blueberries or jams.

Local Culture and Customs of ZEC Kiskissink

Quebecois culture is deeply ingrained in the people of ZEC Kiskissink. Visitors should be prepared to encounter differences in language, traditions, and etiquette. French is the predominant language spoken in Quebec, although many people also speak English. Quebecois traditions include maple syrup production, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and a strong sense of community.

Best Time to Visit ZEC Kiskissink

The best time to visit ZEC Kiskissink is between May and September when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. Fall foliage season also offers stunning views. Winter is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying the quiet solitude of the area.

Do’s and Don’ts of ZEC Kiskissink

Do:

  1. Respect the natural environment and wildlife.
  2. Follow the rules and regulations of the area.
  3. Try local food and drinks.

Don’t:

  1. Litter.
  2. Leave fires unattended.
  3. Disturb the wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in ZEC Kiskissink

ZEC Kiskissink is a safe destination for visitors, but it is important to take appropriate precautions when enjoying outdoor activities. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, bring adequate supplies and equipment, and follow safety guidelines when boating or fishing.

Health in ZEC Kiskissink

Visitors to ZEC Kiskissink should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and take appropriate precautions against tick bites. Lyme disease is present in the area, and visitors should wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent to prevent tick bites.

Getting to ZEC Kiskissink: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near ZEC Kiskissink

  1. Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL): Approximately 218 km from ZEC Kiskissink.
  2. Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB): Approximately 270 km from ZEC Kiskissink.

Bus Stations Near ZEC Kiskissink

  1. Societe de Transport de Trois-Rivieres: Provides bus services to Trois-Rivieres, approximately 75 km from ZEC Kiskissink.
  2. Autobus Maheux: Provides bus services to La Tuque, approximately 50 km from ZEC Kiskissink.

Other Options

  1. Driving: ZEC Kiskissink is easily accessible by car and is located approximately 225 km from Montreal and 310 km from Quebec City.

How to Get Around in ZEC Kiskissink

ZEC Kiskissink is a large area, and visitors should have a car to explore the area. Alternatively, visitors can rent a bicycle or paddle down the rivers.

Where to Go Next from ZEC Kiskissink: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Parc national de la Mauricie: A provincial park located just north of ZEC Kiskissink.
  2. Trois-Rivieres: A historic city located approximately 75 km from ZEC Kiskissink.
  3. Quebec City: The capital of Quebec, approximately 310 km from ZEC Kiskissink.

Conclusion

ZEC Kiskissink is a nature lover’s paradise that offers a blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and a vibrant local food scene. Whether you’re looking to explore the area’s trails, go fishing, or learn about Quebec’s rich history and cultural heritage, ZEC Kiskissink is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Quebec.