Parc national d'Aiguebelle

Over 50 km of trails provide ample opportunity to get out for a short hike or do some backpacking with an overnight stay in one of the park's rustic shelters. You'll also enjoy discovering a suspended footbridge, a spiral staircase, a Japanese bridge and a floating walkway.

La Castorière self-guided trail is adapted for the mobility impaired.

Period: Beginning of May to the end of November, 2012

Table of trails

You can go sea kayaking on the vast Lac Loïs. This magnificent lake is big enough to get away from it all for a few hours to a few days…Like the other lakes in its natural region it has many islands and bays. You can make stops here and there…on an island, a sandy beach in a small bay, or on a point.

Some rest areas and campsites are provided for canoeists. Terrestrial, air and aquatic wildlife is abundant, and you’ll have frequent chances to see them.

Period : May 17 to September 2, 2013

Sea kayak and recreational kayak rentals available

By canoe, the must-sees are definitely the majestic La Haie and Sault fault lakes. These twin lakes offer a guaranteed change of scenery. On an excursion, you’ll discover the most impressive aspects of the park’s geology and geomorphology, but also its plant and animal life. There are some spots set up for picnicking or relaxing.

Paddle on Lac Patrice into the heart of the park, an oasis of peace in the boreal forest. This is an ideal place for a peaceful adventure, where calmness reigns everywhere. Le Patineur rustic shelter offers a fabulous view of the lake. If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to see the Northern Lights or the largest cervid of our forests, the moose.

Period: May 17 to October 14, 2013

Canoe rentals available

Lakes are available for day fishing. A boat is provided on lakes. The use of personal boats is allowed on Loïs, Matissard and Patrice lakes. Anglers can fish for pike, walleye and Speckled trout.

Period: May 17 to September 2, 2013

Day Fishing Plan – 2013

You can discover the many treasures of Lac La Haie on a guided rabaska tour. One of the oldest rocks in the world, the fastest bird in a dive, fragile plants, rare species, and fish with surprising characteristics are covered on the tour. So, all aboard for the Rabaska Odyssey!

Period: June 21 to September 1, 2013

An interpretation and observation field guide is available at Boutique Nature. Besides moose, Connecticut Warbler and Sharp-tailed Grouse, this guide also contains a map directing you to spots where you can observe them. The park is proud to be a member of the Réseau d'observation faunique de l'Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

Only the crunch of your snowshoes digging into the snow and your breath turning the crystalline air into a fine mist graze the silence of Aiguebelle. On Lac La Haie or from the top of La Trompeuse hill, every step you take leaves your mark among those of the hare, Ruffed Grouse and moose that traverse these astonishing landscapes. A total of 40 kilometres, divided into five marked trails, give you a chance to take the full measure of your human dimension in this northern whiteness. Do you see the pretty rustic shelter in the distance? This could be your base camp for one or several nights. Two hours, two days, two weeks…take all the time you need in the exhilarating winter purity of Parc national d’Aiguebelle.

Snowshoe rentals are available daily at Mont-Brun Visitors Centre.

Period: End of December, 2012 to March 31, 2013

Table of trails

Winter trail map

Details about the circuits

Are you dreaming of peace, fluidity and sweet euphoria? Glide into the silent snow-covered nature of Aiguebelle. On 30 km of marked trails, discover its multiple charms: cliffs, frozen lakes, dense forests. Movement could never feel as good or be as beneficial as going at your own pace on these backcountry skiing excursions. Experience this peacefulness right through the night as you sleep in one of 10 cozy rustic shelters.

Period: End of December 2012 to March 31, 2013

Table of trails

Winter trails map

Details about the circuits

Since people already think of Abitibi as a land on the edge of civilization, imagine the backcountry of Parc national d’Aiguebelle: an intense concentration of sovereign nature.

Summer

Enter a world of dense vegetation where your chances of seeing wildlife are tenfold. This is the undisputed territory of Ruffed Grouse, black bear, beaver, moose, and Canadian lynx. River otter frolic around the many clear-water lakes nestled in the hollows of the Abijévis hills.

Discover Lac aux Rochers, a phenomenon in itself because the elevation makes it invisible to its neighbour, Lac aux Geais, which is just a few steps away. Then get aligned with the twin hills, where magnificent views will leave you speechless. The most daring adventurers will continue on to Lac de l’Indien to set up camp.

Summer backcountry area (in French only)

Winter

Lac Patrice bathes in this deeply peaceful setting, which gives you a sense of being alone in the world. Here, more than anywhere else, there’s an excellent probability of coming across a moose, unless the wolves put on a howling concert to the rhythm of….your accelerated heartbeat.

From Camp Le Patineur to Camp Le Longicorne, leave your prints on the thick layer of snow covering Aiguebelle.

Winter backcountry area (in French only)

Reservation Terms and Conditions

To go into the backcountry, it is mandatory to have an access permit. See Reservation Terms and Conditions for all the important details.

Access and Parking

Period: year-round (access permit required)

A place for conservation and education, Parc national d'Aiguebelle is a laboratory in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school! The beauty, integrity, and cultural/historical characteristics of this territory have inspired six recreational/educational activities. Designed for primary, secondary and college students, these activities will help them get in touch with their environment, make them understand its fragility, and take them through a memorable real-world experience ...

Consult the brochure School activities (in French only)