Press Release
Sépaq - 1973
Fishing holidays and vacation stays in wildlife reserves and national parks: Reservations can be made as of this coming Friday
Quebec City, November 21, 2011 - The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec would like to remind all Quebecers that reservations for fishing holidays and vacation stays, including cabin accommodations, for the 2012 season can be made as of this Friday, November 25 across our network of wildlife reserves and national parks.
Up to and including last year, reservations were made on the basis of a lucky draw that established an order of priority. This will no longer be the case. From now on, fishers and vacationers will have to reserve directly on the Sépaq website (www.sepaq.com) or by calling our toll-free number: 1 800 665-6527.
Interested parties simply have to consult the reservation start-up calendar to find out when they can begin reserving a fishing holiday or vacation stay at the facility of their choice. Please note that telephone reservations can be made from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from November 25 to December 4, 2011, and that the transactional site (www.sepaq.com) will be operational on an ongoing basis. After December 4, the regular schedule for telephone reservations, i.e. from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the week, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends, will once again apply.
FRIDAY
|
SUNDAY
|
WEDNESDAY
|
FRIDAY
|
SATURDAY
|
SUNDAY
|
| Wildlife reserves Laurentides Portneuf National parks Grands-Jardins Jacques-Cartier |
Wildlife reserves Mastigouche Rouge-Matawin Saint-Maurice |
National parks Frontenac Lac-Témiscouata Miguasha Mont-Orford Plaisance Pointe-Taillon |
Wildlife reserves La Vérendrye Papineau-Labelle National park Mont-Tremblant |
Wildlife reserves Ashuapmushuan Assinica Lacs-Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles National park Monts-Valin |
Wildlife reserves Chic-Chocs Matane Port-Daniel Rimouski National parks Aiguebelle Fjord-du-Saguenay Gaspésie |
As well as simplifying reservation procedures, the new way to reserve a cabin offers a great deal more flexibility when it comes to beginning and ending a stay. For fishing holidays, the new procedures include a discount for stays of three days or longer, a rate freeze, a new family package, and cheaper rates for large groups of fishers (certain conditions apply). For more details, please visit our website at www.sepaq.com. An online demonstration video is at the disposal of new users of our transactional site. And from now until the reservation start-up date, they can also carry out simulated transactions to get used to the new ways of proceeding. What’s more, we’ve provided a set of online FAQs designed to answer the main questions that may be raised.
Press Release
Sépaq
Quebec City, November 10, 2011 - Employees of the Aquarium du Québec are feverishly preparing for the arrival of two young polar bears, slated for November 16. The new boarders, who’ll be two years old this coming November 30, were born in captivity at the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien.
Taïga, a handsome female weighing 161 kg, will become part of the permanent animal collection of the Aquarium du Québec. For his part, Ganuk, who already tips the scales at 206 kg, will stay with her for about a year. This is more or less the norm for cubs, who typically leave their mothers at around two years of age. In the wild, this is when the mother will expel her little ones so that they can become adults.
Although Ganuk’s future destination remains to be seen, Taïga is already scheduled to reunite with Eddy after her brother’s departure. In 2009, the polar bears’ outdoor space was divided into two sections, to provide a future “maternity ward” for dearly departed Tiguak, who passed away last spring. With Taïga’s arrival, we can once again contemplate a special reproduction program at the Aquarium du Québec. However, the program will remain on hold until Taïga reaches sexual maturity, which normally happens at about the age of five. Until then, the male and the female will have ample time to get to know one another, gradually, without any rush.
It should be recalled that animal guides from the former Jardin zoologique du Québec, who received the cubs’ mother, Aisaqvak the orphan, are now part of the Aquarium du Québec team. What’s more, Eddy, the male, and our sorely missed Tiguak were also cubs when they arrived at the Aquarium du Québec in 2002. As such, thanks to its facilities and the expertise of its personnel, the Aquarium du Québec will be able to ensure a smooth transition for the cubs.
Taïga and Ganuk will at first be kept in quarantine until they have adapted to their new environment and their state of health has been assessed. Their new public will have a chance to meet them in the very near future.
Press Release
Sépaq - 1972
Parcs Québec among the signatories of a call to action to promote Quebec youth in contact with Nature
Quebec City - On the occasion of the colloquium entitled La nature, un terreau fertile en éducation (nature: fertile soil for education), held in Montreal on November 3 and 4, Parcs Québec added its support to a new movement: A call to action to promote Quebec youth in contact with Nature. Claire Ducharme, director of conservation, education and development for Parcs Québec, proudly submitted the signatures of all directors of Quebec’s national parks network, who very enthusiastically support this commitment. “It goes without saying that our national parks teams are on board when it comes to a project that’s so close in spirit to our mission at Parcs Québec, which protects 23 exceptional areas while ensuring that they are accessible to the general public for purposes of education and outdoor activities,” points out Claire Ducharme.
Up to now, 77 organizations and 287 individuals have joined the call-to-action movement, in particular the Biodôme de Montréal, the Fédération québécoise de la marche, the Regroupement QuébecOiseaux and the Quebec office of UNICEF Canada. “The entire network of 23 national parks managed by the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) represents 23 special areas for discovering nature. So it was essential for Sépaq to join the call-to action movement and design appealing concrete initiatives to promote young people’s physical and psychological well being,” explains Ms. Ducharme. We should mention that the Parcs Québec network offers visitors of all ages a vast array of experiences arousing wonder and respect for a wide variety of natural environments.
Concerned by statistics showing that young people are increasingly sedentary and separated from nature, our national park teams have developed, over the last few years, a set of activities intended specifically for youth. Discovery activities were few and far between back in 1999, whereas today’s parks offer an impressive program that includes 480 different activities. In 2010-2011, some 393,000 Parcs Québec visitors participated in one or more of the proposed nature-discovery activities of various types, including theatrical vignettes, treasure hunts, every sort of outing (hiking, biking, by water, etc.), and talks, all of them activities designed for curious visitors – young and old alike – wishing to learn a little bit more about their natural and historical heritage.
In addition to its public activities, Parcs Québec has developed an offering especially for young people at the high school level. On the agenda are 129 local programs prepared by each national park team according to the needs of their respective regions. In only three years, between 2008 and 2010, the number of young people benefiting from these programs nearly doubled, from 18,560 to 35,070.
In 2008, a program was established for geography students at the secondary 1, 2 and 3 levels, entitled Les parcs nationaux québécois : des territoires protégés. In 2010-2011, park-warden naturalists from 11 different national parks visited the schools of their respective regions, offering the program to 240 classes with a grand total of 7,130 students. After participating in this stimulating activity, school groups will, more often than not, visit the parks themselves. In this way, schools encourage their students to experience an authentic contact with nature and discover on their own what the park wardens conveyed during the visit.
“With the goal of promoting contact with nature among our youth constantly in mind, we will continue to develop activities and programs especially for them,” concludes Ms. Ducharme. Moreover, Parcs Québec is preparing a new program for primary school students for 2012.
Press Release
Sépaq
Quebec City, November 3, 2011 - It was with a great rush of emotion that Sépaq’s animal keepers and veterinarians witnessed yesterday afternoon’s departure of Cody and Mary, a pair of grizzlies to whom they had become greatly attached. For several weeks the team had been preparing the transfer of the bears from the former Jardin zoologique du Québec to the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien, located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. The final preparations for the transportation of the grizzlies were carried out with a great deal of care. Their companion, Toupie, the Kodiak bear, will follow them within the next few days.
The complexity of the undertaking and its underlying logistics forced Sépaq and the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien to organize a two-step intervention. This is why the zoological facility will welcome Toupie, the Kodiak bear, once the two grizzlies are happily settled in their new living space.
The operation began early yesterday morning. Cody had to be anesthetized, since he was reluctant to enter the transportation cage, while his female counterpart, Mary, let herself be drawn in without a hitch. The bears hit the road once Cody had shaken off the anesthetic cobwebs. The trip was supervised by a veterinarian from the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien.
The team from the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien was ready to receive the two bears, who reached their destination after a three-hour trip. Upon arrival, they were welcomed to their new home in a very peaceful manner, as befit the occasion.
It should be recalled that the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien is a member of the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement of education, conservation and science.
Press Release
Sépaq - 1968
Parc national de Frontenac inaugurates its brand-new discovery and visitors centre
Sainte-Praxète - In the company of Laurent Lessard, MNA for Frontenac and Quebec’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, the President and CEO of the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq), Raymond Desjardins, and the Vice-President of Operations for Parcs Québec, Martin Soucy, inaugurated today the discovery and visitors centre at Parc national de Frontenac. This marked the conclusion of a series of essential construction projects at the park, all part and parcel of the second phase of development of our national parks. Mr. Desjardins and Mr. Soucy also took advantage of the occasion to launch the brand-new Park Path Explorer approach, underlining the beginning of an entirely different way of visiting and discovering the protected territories of the Parcs Québec network. This launching at Parc national de Frontenac is the third such event across the network, after those at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier and Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno. A number of other parks will follow in their footsteps over the next 15 months.
The discovery and visitors centres found in most parks of the Parcs Québec network are products of various initiatives designed to develop and showcase our national parks. Presenting the special features and main attractions of their home territories, the centres also offer a vast array of customer services. “Seven new discovery and visitors centres will be built in the near future. However, this construction work was preceded by a period of in-depth reflection concerning Sépaq’s operations, especially in the areas of education and sustainable development,” Raymond Desjardins explains.
The first priority when planning, designing and building a discovery and visitors centre is to take into account the spirit of the place itself, both as regards the choice of location and the architectural approach and construction materials selected. The discovery and visitors centre at Parc national de Frontenac respects this philosophy in all its aspects. The new centre is perfectly incorporated into the landscape, and its construction was guided by environmental concerns, as reflected in the following measures:
“In keeping with its mission, Sépaq is firmly committed to following the path of sustainable development. The construction of the discovery and visitors centre at Parc national de Frontenac speaks volumes in this regard,” asserts Raymond Desjardins, at the same time congratulating the Sépaq teams that participated in developing the project.
Sépaq also assembled a multi-disciplinary team of professionals to rethink its educational package, especially so as to make education a more integral part of all facets of a visit to our national parks. For the last 12 years, Parcs Québec has been presenting high quality indoor thematic exhibits. However, “with time, we have realized that the traditional exhibit no long meets the needs of a new park clientele, which prefers direct contact with the territory itself,” points out Martin Soucy. "During the reflection process, a new approach quickly emerged: Park Path Explorer, which enhances the experience of discovering our parks and maintains the visibility of our network,” affirms Raymond Desjardins, proudly speaking of this innovative approach, the product of extensive teamwork at Sépaq.
Park Path Explorer
Park Path Explorer was developed by taking into account the need to highlight certain key attributes, natural or historical, of our national parks. First of all, we will connect with visitors where they naturally end up on arrival, in the common living area of the discovery and visitors centre, the launching pad for their discovery. The Park Path Explorer, which is also available on the Parcs Québec website, will initially lead people to discover what there is To See and To Do in the national park that they are visiting. This tool will also enable people to customize their visit by choosing among proposed walking, cycling or navigable paths, and “will serve to support the excellent work done by our reception team in the national parks,” Martin Soucy adds, by way of conclusion.
Press Release
Sépaq - 1967
Sépaq simplifies your life! New ways to reserve vacation stays and fishing holidays for the summer of 2012
Quebec City - The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) is pleased to announce important changes concerning its vacation stays and fishing holidays for the 2012 summer season. In order to best respond to fishers’ and vacationers’ requests, major changes have been made with respect to reservation procedures. The new way to reserve a stay in Québec’s parks and wildlife reserves is very simple indeed!
For the moment, these new procedures are applicable only when reserving vacation stays and fishing holidays, which were previously awarded on the basis of random electronic draws. Random draws are now a thing of the past. Now anyone can simply consult the reservation calendar to find out when to begin reserving vacation stays and fishing holidays. Please note that telephone reservations (1-800-665-6527) can be made from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from November 25 to December 4, 2011, and that the transactional site (www.sepaq.com) will be operational on an ongoing basis. After December 4, the regular schedule for telephone reservations, i.e. from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the week, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends, will once again apply.
FRIDAY
|
SUNDAY
|
WEDNESDAY
|
FRIDAY
|
SATURDAY
|
SUNDAY
|
| Wildlife reserves Laurentides Portneuf National parks Grands-Jardins Jacques-Cartier |
Wildlife reserves Mastigouche Rouge-Matawin Saint-Maurice |
National parks Frontenac Lac-Témiscouata Miguasha Mont-Orford Plaisance Pointe-Taillon |
Wildlife reserves La Vérendrye Papineau-Labelle National park Mont-Tremblant |
Wildlife reserves Ashuapmushuan Assinica Lacs-Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi Port-Cartier-Sept-Îles National park Monts-Valin |
Wildlife reserves Chic-Chocs Matane Port-Daniel Rimouski National parks Aiguebelle Fjord-du-Saguenay Gaspésie |
This simple way of proceeding, which is in line with Sépaq’s “first come, first served” principle, is already in place for several other products and services offered by our network. We have realized that it makes organizing fishing trips and vacations easier while also guaranteeing equal access to all. The goal of this simpler way of proceeding is to attract more newcomers in order to perpetuate our traditions linked to fishing and nature.
Along with this important change, there are other new procedures, designed to provide simpler user-friendly accessibility. For example, reservations were previously made on the basis of a timetable of fixed arrival and departure days. This will no longer be the case. It will now be possible to begin and end a visit on any given day, as long as the reservation is for at least two consecutive nights in high season and during the weekend in low season.
Sépaq is proud to announce a rate freeze during low season, and during the week in high season, applicable for stays in most of its cabins. Furthermore, to encourage longer stays, visitors will benefit from a reduction for longer stays. Starting with the third day, a 20% discount is applicable for every additional day, representing a considerable reduction compared to last year. As a result, any stay of three or more days, during low season, and during the week in high season, will be cheaper than ever before. For example, if we compare two four-day fishing trips, for four adults, during the week in high season, approximately $145 will be saved in 2012 as compared to 2011.
Furthermore, in order to attract newcomers, Sépaq is now offering brand-new fishing packages for families and more favourable rates for large groups of fishers.
For more details, visit the Sépaq website as of October 21.
Press Release
Sépaq - 1966
Boucherville - The President and CEO of the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq), Raymond Desjardins, the Vice-President of Operations for Parcs Québec, Martin Soucy, and the Director of Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, André Despatie, launched the new Park Path Explorer approach today. The launching marks the end of a series of essential construction projects at the park, all part and parcel of the second phase of development of our national parks. In a more general sense, this occasion also serves to highlight a brand-new way of discovering and visiting the territories protected by the Parcs Québec network. The launching at Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno is the second such event to take place across the network, after Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. Other parks will be following suit in the next 15 months.
These development projects were preceded by an in-depth reflection on how things should be done at Parcs Québec, especially with respect to sustainable development and education. Sépaq assembled a multi-disciplinary team to rethink its educational package in order to
"During the reflection process, a new approach quickly emerged: the Park Path Explorer, which enhances the experience of discovering our parks and maintains the visibility of our network,” affirms Raymond Desjardins, proudly speaking of this new approach, the product of extensive teamwork at Sépaq.
For the last 12 years, Parcs Québec has been presenting high quality indoor thematic exhibits. However, “with time, we have realized that the traditional exhibit no long meets the needs of a new park clientele, which prefers direct contact with the territory itself,” points out Martin Soucy, Vice-President of Operations for the national parks network. Based on the premise that nature is to parks what works of art may be to museums, it became obvious that parks are large open-air museums and that their main attraction is the outside world, encompassing their territory.
Park Path Explorer was developed by taking into account the need to highlight certain key attributes, natural or historical, of our national parks. First of all, we will connect with visitors where they naturally end up on arrival, in the common living area of the discovery and visitors centre (DVC), the launching pad for their discovery. The Park Path Explorer, which is also available on the Parcs Québec website, will initially lead people to discover what there is To See and To Do in the national park that they are visiting. This tool will also enable people to customize their visit by choosing among proposed walking, cycling or navigable paths, and “will serve to support the excellent work done by our reception team in the national parks,” Martin Soucy adds.
Once they have chosen their path, visitors can begin their visit, armed with an iPod, an iPhone or a brochure. The For further information tab will provide access to a series of thematic files, enabling visitors to learn more about the park before or after their visit.
Just like the interpretive panels that line the paths and the 500 discovery activities designed for guided tours or independent visits, the Park Path Explorer allows people to further their understanding of the parks’ mission. "By guiding visitors through their discoveries, we want to lead them to participate more actively in the mission to conserve our parks," Martin Soucy concludes, focusing on the task at hand.
In 2010, Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno inaugurated its new discovery and visitors centre. In a context characterized by the park’s ever-increasing popularity, it became necessary to revamp the DVC building, a place for meetings, learning and exchange, the real launching pad for discovery. Each and every year, over 750,000 visitors converge upon Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, making it the second most visited park in the network.
Since 2008, almost $2.4M has been invested in Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, enabling the construction of new buildings designed to receive its clientele. "Visitors can now take advantage of more modern facilities in order to fully appreciate their time at this park, located in the midst of a natural world typical of Montérégie,” concludes André Despatie.
Press Release
Sépaq
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is getting a facelift with the launching of Park Path Explorer and the inauguration of its discovery and visitors centre
Stoneham - The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Pierre Arcand, the President and CEO of the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq), Raymond Desjardins, and the Vice-President of Operations for Parcs Québec, Martin Soucy, were among those attending today’s launching of the new Park Path Explorer approach, a first for Quebec’s network of national parks. The completely refurbished discovery and visitors centre at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier was also inaugurated today, marking the end of a series of essential construction projects at the park, all part and parcel of the second phase of development of our national parks.
These development projects were preceded by an in-depth reflection on how things should be done at Parcs Québec, especially with respect to sustainable development and education. Sépaq assembled a multi-disciplinary team to rethink its educational package in order to
"During the reflection process, a new approach quickly emerged: the Park Path Explorer, which enhances the experience of discovering our parks and maintains the visibility of our network,” affirms Raymond Desjardins, proudly speaking of this new approach, the product of extensive teamwork at Sépaq. The inauguration of the discovery and visitors centre (DVC) at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is the first in a series of seven such events planned for our network in the weeks ahead.
For the last 12 years, Parcs Québec has been presenting high quality indoor thematic exhibits. However, “with time, we have realized that the traditional exhibit no long meets the needs of a new park clientele, which prefers direct contact with the territory itself,” points out Martin Soucy, Vice-President of Operations for the national parks network. Based on the premise that nature is to parks what works of art may be to museums, it became obvious that parks are large open-air museums and that their main attraction is the outside world, encompassing their territory.
Park Path Explorer was developed by taking into account the need to highlight certain key attributes, natural or historical, of our national parks. First of all, we will connect with visitors where they naturally end up on arrival, in the common living area of the DVC, the launching pad for their discovery. The Park Path Explorer, which is also available on the Parcs Québec website, will initially lead people to discover what there is To See and To Do in the national park that they are visiting. This tool will also enable people to customize their visit by choosing among proposed walking, cycling or navigable paths, and “will serve to support the excellent work done by our reception team in the national parks,” Martin Soucy adds.
Once they have chosen their path, visitors can begin their visit, armed with an iPod, an iPhone or a brochure. The For further information tab will provide access to a series of thematic files, enabling visitors to learn more about the park before or after their visit.
Just like the interpretive panels that line the paths and the 500 discovery activities designed for guided tours or independent visits, the Park Path Explorer allows people to further their understanding of the parks’ mission. "By guiding visitors through their discoveries, we want to lead them to participate more actively in the mission to conserve our parks," Martin Soucy concludes, focusing on the task at hand.
Whether as regards the planning, design or construction phases of a discovery and visitors centre, the principles of sustainable development are always taken into consideration. These principles have a bearing on both the orientation of a building and the choice of materials, equipment and facilities. For example, the DVC of Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier has been renovated mainly using materials from the building being replaced. In addition, the chosen lighting helps reduce light pollution, the wood is FSC certified, innovative technology is used to treat wastewater more effectively, and so on. "In keeping with its mission, the Société is resolutely committed to staying on the path of sustainable development. The completion of this discovery and visitors center is a prime example of our commitment,” says Raymond Desjardins.
The rental centre at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier has also been expanded and shifted, so that it now faces the river where visitors can try their hand at canoeing, kayaking and mini-rafting. For its part, the amphitheatre has become a separate building. Lastly, the improvement and stabilization of Route de la Vallée, providing access to the DVC, has put a finishing touch to the series of projects. The opening of this road in winter had become a must in order for the park to develop a year-round offering commensurate with its national park status and befitting its location in an area renowned for an exceptional array of winter activities.
Press Release
Sépaq
Quebec City, September 23, 2011 - Following the Refuge Pageau’s withdrawal from the agreement concerning the transfer of the three bears from the former Jardin zoologique du Québec, Sépaq is announcing that the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien will take in its three protégés, Kodiak bear Toupie and the two grizzly bears, Cody and Mary. Located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien is run by the Centre de conservation de la biodiversité boréale Inc. (CCBB) and is dedicated to the conservation of Arctic fauna.
The CEO of Sépaq, Raymond Desjardins, is very happy with the outcome: “The Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien shares the same conservation and education values as the former Jardin zoologique du Québec. We’re really proud of this agreement, which guarantees that our three bears will have a suitable environment in which to live.”
For her part, the director general of the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien, Lauraine Gagnon, is delighted to take in two new species from the boreal forest of western Canada. “These mammals represent something new for both our visitors and our animal attendants. We welcome them into our animal collection with a great deal of pride.”
As a zoological facility certified by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF), the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien meets all the requirements for the project. It will only have to adapt its infrastructures to the needs of its new residents. If conditions remain favourable, the transfer should take place by the initial fall deadline.
It should be recalled that the Zoo sauvage de Saint-Félicien is a member of the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement of education, conservation and science.
Press Release
Sépaq
Québec, August 26, 2011 - The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) is pleased to announce today that the last three residents of the former Jardin zoologique du Québec will be heading for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region this fall. Sépaq and the Refuge Pageau have an agreement under which Kodiak bear Toupie and the two grizzly bears, Cody and Mary, will be transferred to the Refuge.
Refuge Pageau is an outstanding regional tourist attraction, a wildlife refuge that has been taking in, caring for and providing rehabilitation support to sick or injured boreal forest animals since 1986. Although the majority of the bears, wolves, moose and other wild animals that stay at the Refuge are released into their wild environment once they have recovered these three bears from the Jardin zoologique du Québec will peacefully spend the rest of their lives in this unique setting devoted entirely to animal welfare.
“Since the closing of the Québec Zoo in 2006, Sépaq has taken on the responsibility of finding appropriate homes for all of the 700 animals that needed to be relocated. We are confident that the solution announced today of placing them in this reputable animal refuge best meets the needs of our bears”, declared Sépaq’s President and CEO, Raymond Desjardins.
Before following through with the transfer and agreement, Sépaq will ensure that the new environment the bears would be moving to would be appropriate to their needs and that they would be able to benefit from the most appropriate care available. As a result, through a public-private partnership between Sépaq and Refuge Pageau, new enclosures are being completed by the Refuge to meet the needs of these three new bear residents before they are transferred this fall. Of particular note is the fact that the refuge raised the money to finance its contribution to the project through a fundraising campaign among the major players in mineral exploration and mining in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. Moreover, the planned new infrastructures will make it possible to provide shelter to other animals and so further contribute to Refuge Pageau’s goals of education and awareness.
Through its public education efforts to protect and care for the needs of wildlife, Refuge Pageau is an outstanding tourism and educational venue for Québeckers. Its mission is not unlike that of Sépaq itself, with its key values of developing respect for the natural environment and awareness of what that environment represents.
The agreement between our two organizations was a natural fit. Félix Offroy, Director General of Refuge Pageau aptly noted: “We are honoured to be able to provide shelter to these three bears, just as we would have done for any other wild animal brought to the shelter. Québeckers can rest assured that the bears will live out their lives here in good health and be treated with the utmost respect”.
The departure of these three bears will be emotional for animal keepers and veterinary staff as they had developed strong feelings of attachment. Everyone at Sépaq wishes the bears a long and happy life. We are happy in knowing that they will again provide pleasure and happiness to members of the public who come to see them.
Press Release
Sépaq
Québec, July,19 2011 - The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) is proud to announce that the Canadian Tourism Commission (CCT) has selected one of its establishments, the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs, to be part of the Commission’s Signature Experiences Collection in Canada. A total of 48 enterprises are members of Canada’s trademark tourism group, including 5 from Québec. These privileged Canadian enterprises will benefit from campaigns designed by CCT marketing teams to lure visitors from the world over, beginning with tourists from Britain, France, Germany and Australia, and satisfy their craving for the unique and the exotic.
Given the authentic, once-in-a-lifetime experience it has to offer, the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs will definitely prove to be an eloquent ambassador for Canada’s very own brand of tourism. “After staying at the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs, visitors feel that they’ve had an exceptional and memorable adventure,” proclaims Sépaq’s President and CEO, Raymond Desjardins. Customer satisfaction, innovation and employee involvement are core values at the Auberge, whose summer and winter activities stretch across an area of 60 km2.
Let’s not forget that as the first inn of its type in Eastern Canada, the Auberge has been a huge success since opening its doors in 2005, brilliantly playing its role as ambassador for the Gaspésie region and, by extension, for Québec as a whole. Thanks to impressive appearances in several international publications, including National Geographic Traveler, the Auberge is attracting an ever increasing number of foreign tourists, coming to our part of the world to appreciate the Gaspésie mountains. Moreover, in March 2010, the British daily The Guardian honoured the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs by listing it among a special group of “Ten Top Eco Lodges and Hotels” for its high quality comfort and programming, as well as its concern for the environment. Now, having earned a niche in the Signature Experiences Collection, the Auberge will be even more likely to reach consumers from foreign markets and provide them with a truly top-notch tourism experience.
Press Release
Government of Québec
MNA for Mont-Royal
Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks
Québec, April 15, 2011 - Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Pierre Arcand today confirmed that Québec National Park access fees are to rise as of April 16, 2011. This measure, which was included in the 2010-2011 Budget Speech, reflects the government’s will to update public service fee levels.
“Since they were set in 2001, Québec National Park access fees have never been brought up to date. This will enable the park network to make its access fees comparable to those collected by Parks Canada or Ontario Parks, and the increases will be introduced gradually over a period of five years,” Minister Arcand stated.
Preferential family and group rates are planned, as well as no-cost access for children under the age of six and Québec school groups. Frequent visitors will continue to benefit from a yearly, reduced rate pass that provides access to all parks in the network. For example, starting on April 16, 2011, the adult access rate will rise from $3.50 to $5.50, the family rate (two adults and children) will go from $7 to $11 and the annual family pass for all parks, which now costs $70, will rise to $99.
It should be noted that this increase will mean additional revenue for the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) and the Kativik Regional Government, which currently manage Québec National Parks. “This change will make it possible for us to maintain quality user services, particularly in regard to educational and conservation programs in these protected areas,” declared Sépaq president Raymond Desjardins.
The new access fee structure is available at www.parcsquebec.com.
Press Release
Sépaq
Québec - It is with great sadness that the management of the Aquarium du Québec announces the death of Tiguak, a female polar bear that has been part of the Aquarium’s animal collection since 2002.
Tiguak died of respiratory failure during a routine dental procedure that required a general anaesthetic. Under the supervision of Dr. Stéphane Lair, professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Saint-Hyacinthe, a team of five veterinarians, four animal health technicians, and support staff, including trainers and biologists, surrounded the bear at the time of her death, this morning at 10:42 a.m.
All members of the Aquarium du Québec staff were saddened when they were briefed with the news at lunchtime. Marine mammals are very interactive and endearing, as much for the staff and volunteers as for the visitors, and such a sudden departure has stirred up strong emotions.
The body of the animal was taken to the laboratory of the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), where an autopsy will be performed to find out more about the causes of death.
Scientists estimate that there are only approximately 20,000 and 25,000 polar bears left in the world. The lifespan for polar bears in nature is between 15 to 18 years, and generally 25 years in captivity. The polar bear is on the list of vulnerable species and at the heart of the Aquarium’s protection and conservation mission. Tiguak was born on October 30, 1999 at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago.
Press Release
Sépaq - 1233
Réserve faunique Mastigouche: New Reservation Terms and Conditions for Lac au Sorcier
Québec City - Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) would like to inform day fishing enthusiasts that there will be new reservation terms and conditions in 2011 for Lac au Sorcier. Given the popularity of Lac au Sorcier and the online and phone congestion at reservation time, Sépaq came to the conclusion that a better-adapted allocation method was needed, in this case, a random draw. Fishing will be allowed on Lac Sorcier from June 24 to July 25, 2011.
Lac au Sorcier in Réserve faunique Mastigouche mainly owes its great popularity to landlocked salmon, a species that was introduced to the lake about 80 years ago. This type of fish is rare in Mauricie and Lanaudière and it, along with the beautiful scenery, sparks the interest of many anglers. Consequently, there is so much congestion when reservations open four months in advance that many people get discouraged and give up trying to make a reservation.
In this context, new reservation terms and conditions will be in place for March 1, 2011. Since Sépaq has developed expertise in computerized random draws, notably for quota hunting, but also for fishing and vacationing, it naturally turned to this solution.
Anglers must now enter the random draw on line in the random draw section of the Sépaq website (www.sepaq.com/tirages). Registration will take place from March 1 to 31, 2011. The system will only accept one registration per person. An individual may therefore only be a group leader once per season, and his or her identity will be checked on site. Anyone who cannot register on line themselves may do so by calling a Sépaq agent at 1 800 665-6527.
The random draw will take place during the week of April 3. Like Sépaq’s other random draws, it will determine the reservation priority rank for each entrant. The results of the draw will be e-mailed to the participants the same week, and a real-time call progress chart will be available on sepaq.com. Calls to winners will be made starting on April 11 at 9 a.m. The names of the non-winning participants will be placed on a waiting list used to fill withdrawals or cancellations. If the fishing quota is not reached by July 25 and the season is extended, the extra spots will also be offered to participants on the waiting list first.
Press Release
Sépaq - 1214
Quebec - The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec is proud to announce that it received last night one of the prestigious National Awards for Tourism Excellence. Bestowed by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) as part of Canada’s Tourism Leadership Summit, the Business of the Year Award – Multiple Units recognizes businesses that have demonstrated exemplary industry practices in all aspects of their operations and that are an example of business excellence in the tourism field. "Customer satisfaction, innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit and staff involvement are among the values that have guided Sépaq for 25 years and that undoubtedly contributed to the jury’s choice," declared Claude Beaudoin, Vice-President of Marketing, Sépaq, proudly.
From a simple manager of recreational tourism facilities, Sépaq has become over the years, namely since 1985, a true leader in nature tourism. A multitude of activities promote the development and discovery of its numerous establishments: 22 national parks, a marine park, Aquarium du Québec, 15 wildlife reserves, an outfitting establishment on Île d’Anticosti, Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge and 7 resorts. Sépaq plays host to a faithful and very satisfied annual clientele (6.2 million visitor days). "Our decentralized and associative management style has allowed us to develop solid partnerships in 16 regions of Québec, where our activities generate major economic spin-offs," added Raymond Desjardins, President-CEO of the Société. He also made a point of underscoring the tangible contribution of all Sépaq employees to this success.
Sépaq is a dynamic corporation that oversees a natural and cultural heritage of immense wealth. It is concerned about the preservation of this heritage and is fully aware of the responsibilities that it has by virtue of its mission. This award is a token of the future in which Sépaq sees itself as a creative corporation, resolutely geared to sustainable development, with a highly motivated staff and outstanding assets supported by a loyal clientele.
Press Release
Sépaq
The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec, finalist for the National Awards for Excellence in Tourism
Québec, September 30, 2010 – The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) is proud to announce that it has been nominated as a finalist for the National Awards for Excellence in Tourism, presented by the Toronto Star. The Société was chosen in the Business of the Year Award – Multiple Unit category. The awards will be given during a ceremony organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) this November 2nd in Gatineau. This ceremony is an opportunity for Canada’s tourism industry to recognize those people, places, organizations and events that have gone the extra mile to offer a superior quality tourism experience to visitors.
It is worthwhile noting that a record number of nominations were submitted in all 15 categories in 2010. "We are particularly happy to be recognized among the tourism organizations that offer a variety of high-quality products and services," stated Raymond Desjardins, President and CEO of Sépaq. The other two finalists are COWS Inc. (Prince Edward Island) and RCR Hospitality Group (Nova Scotia).
Sépaq is a dynamic organization, entrusted with a natural and cultural heritage of incredible wealth, concerned about the protection of this heritage, and keenly aware of the responsibilities bestowed upon it by its mission. In the future, Sépaq sees itself as a creative organization, resolutely geared toward sustainable development, able to rely on motivated employees and unparalleled assets, and supported by a loyal and oftentimes enthusiastic clientele.