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Recognized first and foremost for its exceptionally rich wildlife, Réserve faunique de Matane offers a breathtaking panorama combining mountains and deep valleys criss-crossed by numerous watercourses. The geomorphology of this setting is characterized by a rolling landscape to the south, whereas at the center of the peninsula, the landscape becomes more marked and more arid as the impressive Chic-Chocs range rises up.
These magnificent landscapes are home to the moose, the biggest cervid. The concentration of moose living in Réserve faunique de Matane is one of the greatest in Québec. It is the remarkable quality of the territory's various natural habitats and the balanced management of wildlife resources that make this land an exceptional home for the moose.
Several novel activities have been introduced to promote a better knowledge of the moose: interpretation center, guided tours and outings in various wildlife habitats, observation towers...
 Main attractions
Moose Interpretation Center
A visit to the moose interpretation center is a must. Numerous elements make up a highly interesting educational exhibit. Several themes are addressed, including the role of its antlers, the seasons in the life of the moose, the other animals of the wildlife reserve (mammals, fish, birds and insects), the history of hunting, population dynamics, the habits of the moose, etc.
Mud Flats
These are natural mineral sources that flow up out of the ground. This phenomenon, which is very rare in Québec, is one of the elements that make the Réserve faunique de Matane an exceptional habitat for the moose.
Landscapes
Réserve faunique de Matane is located at the start of the Chic-Chocs chain. Lac Matane is a feast for the eyes, especially at sunset. The valley of Rivière Cap-Chat features a succession of breathtaking landscapes.
Hiking Trails
Sentier du mont Blanc trail and Sentier international des Appalaches trail offer visitors the chance to admire extremely beautiful panoramas from summits of close to 1000 m.
Wildlife and Other Developments
Réserve faunique de Matane is in the process of developing spawning grounds and stabilizing the water level of certain watercourses by building small dikes. The goal here is to increase the brook trout fishing potential. Trails to facilitate fishing in streams are also being laid out with this objective in mind.
The forest of Réserve faunique de Matane is exploited by the logging industry under Timber Supply and Forest Management Agreements (CAAF) awarded by the ministère des Ressources naturelles de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec. The logging of mature forests ensures the regeneration of the forest and, at the same time, provides a more abundant food source for several animal species as well as high-quality habitats.
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| 38 lakes and several rivers including Cap-Chat and Matane, as well as numerous streams |
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| Brook trout, lake trout (salmon trout) and Atlantic salmon |
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| In addition to the large concentration of moose, the reserve is home to white-tailed deer, black bear, fox, coyote as well as several small mammals. There are more than 150 species of birds including the golden eagle, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, osprey and the bald eagle |
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| Softwood (fir, spruce) with hardwood concentrations in some places |
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