Lac Albanel owes its name to the Jesuit Charles Albanel, who discovered the lake in 1672 on his way to the bay of the North (Hudson Bay).
The name Mistassini means "big rock" in Cree and refers to an erratic boulder around 3 m tall near the outlet of Lac Mistassini. It's a landmark for people who travel on the lake. It's also a key meeting and trading place for the Cree. In 1672, a trading post was established there. French merchants set up shop there with the development of the fur trade.
The name Waconichi reportedly comes from the Montagnais language and means "mountain of crumbled rocks."
In 1948, Réserve de chasse et de pêche de Mistassini was created. It came under Québec's Department of Furs. In 1953, it became Réserve de chasse et de pêche des Lacs-Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi. Not until 1985 were some adjacent territories included to form Réserve faunique des lacs Albanel-Mistassini-et-Waconichi.
Lac Mistassini is Québec's largest natural freshwater lake. It is an irresistible attraction for great adventurers. Lac Albanel is likewise a top destination for anglers. With their diversity of fish species and the trophy sizes of their catches, both of these huge bodies of water have become popular fishing destinations in Québec.
The Waconichi site, with its pretty cabins interconnected by boardwalks, provides all the glamour of a northern fishing lodge.
Baie Pénicouane, despite being over 25 km long, is a harbour compared to the immense Lac Mistassini it opens out onto. Its campground is very well equipped.
16,400 km2
The wildlife reserve lies within a large region of black spruce stands. In general, the stands are open forest.
Thousands of lakes, several streams and rivers
Around twenty species, including
31 species, including
116 species, including
