Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve Travel Guide

Explore Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve with this comprehensive travel guide featuring tips on what to see, where to stay, and what to do in the area.


Introduction to Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Located in Central Quebec, Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometres, the reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including moose, beavers, and black bears. The reserve is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and camping, with numerous trails and campsites available for visitors.

List of Places to Visit in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Visitors to Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve can immerse themselves in the area’s history by visiting the following:

  • Musée des Abénakis - a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Abenaki First Nation, a native people of the area
  • Maison Louis Cyr - a museum showcasing the life and accomplishments of legendary strongman Louis Cyr, born in the nearby town of Saint-Jean-de-Matha

Natural Attractions of Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Some of the natural attractions worth experiencing in the reserve include:

  • Lac Rond Beach - a beautiful, sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing
  • Chutes du Calvaire - a waterfall trail offering stunning views of the Mastigouche River
  • Sentier Natama - a 13km trail designed for birdwatching
  • Sentiers Ouareau - a network of over 120km of hiking trails

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve offers numerous hiking and biking routes, ranging from short, easy trails to multi-day treks. A few of our favourites include:

  • La Boucle de la Tourbière - a 7.7km loop trail through a lush peat bog
  • Boucle du Lac Descente - a 16km trek through the reserve’s forest and lake areas
  • Sentier de l’Ours - a 9km hike featuring stunning lake vistas and beaver dams

Best Things to Do in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve: Activities and Tours

Looking for something to do during your visit to Mastigouche? Here are some ideas:

  • Canoeing and Kayaking - bring your own or rent one from one of the many rental spots in the area
  • Fishing - the reserve is known for its trout fishing, but licenses are required
  • Wildlife Viewing - from moose to beavers to black bears, there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in its natural habitat
  • Horseback Riding - several stables in the area offer guided tours
  • Snowmobiling - during the winter months, the reserve is a popular spot for snowmobiling

Week-Long Itinerary for Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

For visitors looking to immerse themselves in everything Mastigouche has to offer, here is a suggested week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive and get settled at one of the nearby lodges or campsites Day 2: Hike Sentier Natama and visit Musée des Abénakis Day 3: Relax and swim at Lac Rond Beach Day 4: Canoe or kayak on one of the reserve’s many lakes Day 5: Take a guided horseback tour of the reserve Day 6: Fish for trout or go on a wildlife viewing excursion Day 7: Depart and head to your next destination

Food and Drink Scene of Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Must-Try Dishes

While there are no restaurants within the actual reserve, nearby towns offer many delicious dining options including:

  • Poutine - a Quebec classic dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy
  • Tourtière - a meat pie traditionally served during the holidays
  • Sugar Pie - a dessert made with maple syrup

Local Beverages

Quebec is known for its microbreweries, and nearby towns offer several options to try including:

  • Microbrasserie Nouvelle-France
  • Les Trois Mousquetaires
  • Brasseurs du Monde

Where to Stay in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The reserve offers several campsites for visitors looking to rough it, while nearby towns offer a range of lodgings.

Campsites in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve:

  • Camping du Lac des Cygnes
  • Camping du Parc
  • Camping de la Baie

Hotels and Guesthouses:

  • Auberge de la Montagne Coupée
  • Gîte de la Madelon
  • Chalets Lanaudière

What to Buy in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking to bring a piece of Mastigouche home with you? Consider the following purchases:

  • Maple Syrup - Quebec is known for its production of maple syrup, and there are plenty of local producers in the area
  • Handmade Crafts - there are numerous local artisans selling everything from pottery to jewelry to textiles
  • Local Specialty Foods - pick up some Quebecois favorites like pork rinds or homemade jams

Local Culture and Customs of Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve is home to a rich cultural history, and visitors should take the time to learn about and respect the traditions of the area’s native peoples, such as the Abenaki.

Best Time to Visit Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

The reserve is open year-round, with different activities available depending on the season. For the best hiking and biking weather, plan to visit during the summer months. For winter activities such as snowmobiling, plan your visit for the colder season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Do:

  • Respect the environment and wildlife
  • Check weather conditions and trail maps before setting out on a hike
  • Take advantage of the many outdoor activities available

Don’t:

  • Feed the wildlife
  • Leave trash behind
  • Ignore safety measures when participating in outdoor activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

The reserve is a fairly safe area, but visitors should take standard safety precautions such as securing their belongings and keeping an eye on their surroundings.

Health in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Visitors to Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve should bring their own medications and first aid supplies as there are no medical facilities within the park.

Getting to Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

The closest airport to Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve is Montreal-Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport, which is approximately 140km away.

Bus Stations Near Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Bus service is available to nearby towns like Sainte-Émilie-de-l’Énergie and Saint-Jean-de-Matha.

Other Options

Taking a car or renting one is the most convenient way to get to the reserve, as there is no direct public transportation.

How to Get Around in Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve

Driving or cycling are the best ways to get around the reserve, and most activities are accessible by car.

Where to Go Next from Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations worth checking out include:

  • La Mauricie National Park
  • The town of Saint-Jean-de-Matha
  • The city of Montreal

Conclusion

Mastigouche Wildlife Reserve offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural history of Central Quebec. From hiking and fishing to horseback riding and wildlife viewing, there is truly something for everyone within the reserve’s expansive boundaries.