Parc national d’Oka

The park offers a 46 km network of 7 groomed and patrolled cross country ski trails, perfect for beginners, intermediates and experts practising classic and skate skiing. Later in the day skiers can enjoy La Pinède trail (4 km), which is lit up in the evening.

Period: December 2011 to March 2012

Table of trails

Map of trails

Ski School

Private lessons or courses at the park's ski school help skiers discover, improve and develop their cross country skiing techniques.

Parc national d'Oka Cross Country Ski School (4 to 13 year-olds)

Club Échoski (9 to 13 year-olds)

Snow walking fans can take advantage of 3 trails, one of which run alongside the lake. Sheltered by a tree windbreak, hikers can admire this vast icy space.

Period: December to the end of March 2012 (depending on snow conditions)

Table of trails

Map of trails

For rent in the boutique. Try a kicksled on the snow walking trails. The land is flat with few descents.

Period: December 2011 to March 2012

Snowshoeing enthusiasts can choose from conventional or crampon-fitted snowshoes. Three marked trails await them: L'Écureuil, La Montée and Le Marais. More experienced snowshoers can try the rough terrain of  Calvaire Hill.

Period: December 2011 to March 2012

Table of trails

Map of trails

An ice slide is available when weather permits. It will delight kids and adults of all ages! Snow carpets are free for guests who wish to go sledding.

Period: December 2011 to March 2012

To make winter hiking trails accessible to the mobility impaired, an all-new product has been introduced to Bic, Îles-de-Boucherville, Mont-Orford, Mont-Saint-Bruno, Mont-Tremblant and Oka national parks: the Ski-Vel. Designed by the Tri-Vel company, Ski-Vel can be easily adapted to people’s wheel chairs (not included) so they can enjoy exploring the snow trails. A Ski-Vel is available for free at each park’s Visitors Centre.

Offering accessible activities to disabled visitors is one of the priorities at Parc national d'Oka. The recent acquisition of a recreational wheelchair adapted for both water sports and snow trails allows this clientele to get out and enjoy nature. For winter use, the Hippocampe wheelchair is fitted with a ski under the front wheel, giving disabled visitors a chance to explore the park with their companions. The Hippocampe is loaned out free of charge at the park’s Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Camp Oxygène nature camp gives kids 5 to 13 years of age the chance to try a wide variety of outdoor activities in a completely natural and protected environment. Camp monitors organize group activities and park wardens are invited to share their knowledge during discovery activities.

During the March break the kids can extend their days by staying at Gîte sous les pins. Special rates are available for families with several children.

• Registration form, rates and information - March break 2012
• Health form
• List of materials
• Spring break at Parc national d'Oka

In the summer, the beach comes alive with swimmers who flock to the park to bask in the sun and cool off in the lake under the watchful eyes of our team of lifeguards. Picnickers can choose from a variety of peaceful lakeshore sites.

Period: early June to early September 2012

To help visitors appreciate the diversity of the park's natural areas, various hiking trails have been set up to allow them to explore and learn about the territory's history, flora, fauna and geomorphology.

Table of trails

Period: year-round

Hop on your bike and take a ride on La Vagabonde, an over 40-km-long cycling corridor linking Parc d'Oka to nearby municipalities. This bike path crosses the park over a distance of 10 km. From this corridor, the cycling path is paved all the way to the lake. Mountain bike enthusiasts will adore the Sentier du Sommet trail, a rugged 6.5 km path.

Period: May to November 2012

Let yourself glide over the water and discover the lake’s shores in a canoe that seats 2 adults and 1 to 2 children (depending on weight). The canoe is ideal for great moments on the water with the family. Individual life jackets provided.

Rental available by the hour, half day or full day at the boating rental centre to the west of the main beach.

Launching your personal canoe: There’s a boat ramp at La Crête, or you can launch your canoe on the main beach at each end of the swimming area (portage of about 100 metres).

Period: May 12 to October 8, 2012 (depending on weather conditions)

Kayaks are stable watercraft accessible to everyone. They give you an opportunity to see the park and its body of water from a different angle. Whether you choose a solo or tandem kayak, head out for adventure! Individual life jackets provided.

Rental available by the hour, half day or full day at the boating rental centre to the west of the main beach.

Launching your personal kayak: There’s a boat ramp at La Crête, or you can launch your kayak on the main beach at each end of the swimming area (portage of about 100 metres).

Period: May 12 to October 8, 2012 (depending on weather conditions)

Pedal boats promise unforgettable family moments and lots of physical activity. Pedal along vigorously or let yourself glide gently over the water. You’ll be sure to see some surprising sights. Individual life jackets provided.

Rental available by the hour, half day or full day a the boating rental centre, to the west of the main beach.

Period: May 12 to October 8, 2012 (depending on weather conditions)

This often overlooked sport, windsurfing, is easily accessible to the general public. Upon reservation, the boating rental centre staff will be happy to give you lessons tailored to your fitness level and knowledge, and can monitor your prowess throughout the day. For more information, call 450 479-8365.

Rental available by the hour, half day or full day at the boating rental centre to the west of the main beach.

Launching your personal windsurfing board: There’s a boat ramp at La Crête, or you can launch your board on the main beach at each end of the swimming area.

Period: May 12 to October 8, 2012 (depending on weather conditions)

From wetlands to mature forests, Parc national d’Oka has a variety of habitats ideal for the wildlife typical of Southern Québec. Slip into your sneakers; now it’s up to you to discover it as you explore the park!

Looking for birds? Visit Pointe aux Bleuets or La Grande Baie marsh. The bay is home to a large heronry. In early summer, see baby herons from afar, chirping noisily in their nests. You’ll meet up with them again over the summer as they look for fish with their feet in the water. Between birds of prey hunting for fish and ducks paddling around, there’s no shortage of action on the marsh. During the spring and fall migrations, walking along the floating bridge or making the observation tower your destination are a must! Put it in your calendar!

During a hike on La Sauvagine or La Grande Baie trails, you’re almost sure to come across white-tailed deer grazing peacefully. Stop a moment near Lac la Sauvagine or Rivière aux Serpents, where beavers, musk rats, turtles and mink are active. Three other trails also cut across the park through the maple forest, an enchanting place frequented by woodpeckers, racoons and many other species!

Before leaving, get the List of birds (in French only) in the park. Over 200 species are on it! You’ll also find the park’s List of mammals, amphibians and reptiles (in French only).

Our park warden-naturalists offer many discovery activities that focus on plant and animal life. See program (in French only)

Flora and fauna observation and identification guides are available at Boutique Nature.

A place for conservation and education, Parc national d'Oka 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. Aimed at young people in elementary or high school, 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 the Sépaq network (in French only) (pdf: 4 MB)

Le Littoral, the park's Visitors Centre, offers the luminous setting of a 200-seat hall, a lounge with fireplace and an outdoor terrace overlooking Lac des Deux Montagnes. A projection room, which seats up to 50 people, and a conference room are also available at the Grande Baie Visitors Centre.

Registration Form - Corporate Groups (in French only)