More than 4000 lakes. Two huge tanks. Nearly 12,500 km2 in area. The La Vérendrye wildlife reserve is a territory of excess and a fabulous playground for canoe-camping.
Credit: SÉPAQ / Claude Héon
In recent years, with the growing popularity of the outdoors and nature activities, the Poisson Blanc and Kiamika regional parks in the Laurentians have attracted a lot of attention from campers, attracted by the possibility of pitching their tent on their islands. .
To make you forget La Vérendrye somewhat, located further west, shortly after Mont-Laurier, straddling both the Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions.
And yet, those who have the audacity to take Route 117 to reach this venerable protected area will (re)discover a paradise that is both wild and peaceful, worthy of its statistics.
Adventures of yesterday and today
This territory, which became a wildlife reserve in 1979, bears the name of explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de La Vérendrye, a pioneer of French exploration in North America in the 18th century.
Two hundred years later, his adventurous soul still floats in this natural space which has nearly 800 km of circuits dedicated to canoe-camping.
To help contemporary canoeists find their way around this vast territory, 18 routes have been developed, circuits in the form of a loop of 2 to 10 days and more.
“At La Vérendrye, everything is interconnected,” explains Jeff Thuot, outdoor guide and skilled canoeist who knows the wildlife reserve well. The lakes are connected by rivers or portages. We can leave for months! »
Especially since the Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec (Sépaq), which recently took over the management of canoe-camping expeditions – previously provided by Canot Kayak Quebec, and this, since 1993 – had the good idea to keep the system “first come, first served” for the many campsites (2 to 20 people) of the different circuits.
An appreciable freedom and flexibility that allow you to choose the number of kilometers to paddle daily and even to create your own circuit to canoe to your heart’s content!
However, to prevent certain circuits from being too busy, you must reserve your route before departure. The same goes for “R” rated campsites, sites available only for groups of 10 to 20 people or five tents or more.
An aquatic maze
La Vérendrye has a total of some 500 campsites for this activity, spread across the territory, on the islands or along the water. Each has a common fire pit (no wood provided) and a nearby outhouse. No drinking water point. You will need to filter or treat the river water.
To get your bearings, each route has a detailed map, in paper version or downloadable from the Avenza Map application. An essential tool if you don’t want to get lost in this vast lakeside and wooded labyrinth. This is what Jeff Thuot recommends:
“Looking at the course, you can tell yourself that it’s easy to navigate. But, on the ground, you won’t know if it’s an island, a bay or a cul-de-sac at the other end of the lake. It is therefore important to have a map to find yourself well. »
For all types of canoeists
The immensity of the territory and the wide variety of canoe-camping circuits allow you to cast your net wide, from easy to expert level, with as many calm waterways as rapids.
However, exploring such a wild playground requires some experience, both in navigation and in managing its autonomy.
Neophytes and families can still find a course within their reach, by opting for fixed camping. Several pitches are thus located just one kilometer from the Le Domaine reception desk, thus making an adventure to their measure possible.
The wildlife reserve also offers canoe rentals and all the necessary equipment. A shuttle service is also offered as an entry or exit door between the various circuits and the reception desk. It is not possible to hire the services of a guide. But it will not be long, assures Sépaq.
Credit: SÉPAQ / Claude Héon
Practical information
– Rate: $14.75 per adult per night, free for children 17 and under.
– Rental: Starting at $37 per day and per boat. This includes the canoe or kayak, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD) with whistle, bailer and rope bag.
– The circuits can also be traveled on a paddle board (SUP).
– Info and reservations: sepaq.com or by phone at 1 844 897‐4980.
