Québec National Parks, one of the three magnificent Sépaq Networks

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	Conservation Mission

History

A River of History

"Late August 1535: Three small ships, bearing the coat of arms of King Francis I of France, sail up the St. Lawrence River with the summer winds. Sunday, August 29: A site of great beauty is spotted and the captain gives the order to drop anchor in a natural harbour surrounded by islands and promontories - a veritable refuge from the river winds and currents. A seasoned observer, the captain and navigator from St. Malo meticulously describes the place in the ship's log. Wednesday, September 1: "The small fleet weighs anchor and hoists the main sail. Jacques Cartier and his crew leave Bic." (M.L.C.P., Lemieux, Paul. C'est arrivé par chez-nous, 1986, p. 249)

Long before the arrival of European explorers, Aboriginal peoples roamed the land. Archaeological digs have uncovered numerous traces of campsites, some 8,000 years old, leaving no doubt as to the Native presence at Bic.

A Strategic Landmark

Since the 17th century, Bic has been the backdrop to much river-related history. Pic Champlain, the mountain of over 1,000 feet first described by Samuel de Champlain in 1603, became an important landmark. Navigators sailing upriver would turn toward Tadoussac upon spotting the peak and then continue westward in the north channel.

The site also played a key role in New France's military defense plan. It later became the St. Lawrence pilot station, because navigating the river after Bic requires special expertise given the numerous obstacles. In 1768, the first pilots set up shop at Cap-à-l'Orignal and Pointe du Vieux-Bic.

A Vacationer's Dream

Although the port remained active up until 1930, it was more the area's irresisitible charm that would determine Bic's path in the 20th century. It became a much sought-after resort destination for wealthy Americans and English Canadians.

Outdoor enthusiasts have been coming to the territory for decades, as well as ornithologists, botanists, geologists, boaters, artists and photographers, who sang praises
of its beauty.

In the early 1960s, the idea of establishing a park that would make this remarkable area accessible to all Québecers emerged. However, it wasn't until 1977 that the government adopted the Parks Act that led to the creation of Parc national du Bic in 1984. The park covers an area of 33 sq. km., of which more than half is marine. The park is representative of one of Québec's natural regions, and exhibits exceptional plant life and geological features.

As of 1988, an interpretive program with the theme of "A landscape inherited from the sea" offers five activities. In 1992, the park inaugurated a Discovery and Visitors Centre with a permanent exhibit about the park, as well as a video screening room. Thousands of visitors come to this area of exquisite beauty every year.