Réserve faunique de Port‑Cartier–Sept‑Îles

Be on the lookout! Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse and snowshoe hare may cross your path. In the reserve, small game hunting is practised on a by-the-day basis. However, you can also purchase a seasonal right of access. Don't forget that you can hunt migratory birds with a migratory game bird hunting permit in addition to a small game hunting licence.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed throughout the wildlife reserve, except on the reserve's main road between km 10 and 119.

Periods:

• Ruffed Grouse and Spruce Grouse
  • October 12, 2026 to January 15, 2027
• Snowshoe hare and ptarmigan
  • October 12, 2026 to April 30, 2027

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve

Rates

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Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Iles belongs to provincial hunting zone #19 South. Moose hunting is limited by quota and subject to random draw. It's offered with 2 accommodation packages: cabin or campground.

Combine your pleasures! During your stay, enjoy mosse, small game and black bear hunting, hare snaring and fishing in certain lakes.

Period: see the Moose Hunting Package

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve.

Hunting regulations for this wildlife reserve

Hunting statistics

Come and test your skill against the whims of large speckled trout and Atlantic salmon. Over 100 lakes and 15 rivers have some great surprises in store for you. The quality of the habitats and the scarcity of competing fish species favour native speckled trout in most of the lakes. The abundance of this resource allows a high catch and possession limit. Over 75% of the lakes in the reserve have never been fished! It is a true paradise for adventure and the discovery of untouched bodies of water. Spend the day or opt for a longer stay in a cabin or on a campground...and come back again!

Catch and possession limit*:

• Speckled trout: 20 (including a maximum of 5 arctic char)

* Some lakes have lower catch limits. When you arrive, get more information at the registration centre.

Period: see the Fishing Package with Accomodations and the Fishing Package with Accomodations (Personal Boat).

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve.

Documentation and statistics

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Two large salmon rivers, Aux Rochers and MacDonald, cross the reserve and never cease to conquer the hearts of salmon fishing enthusiasts. L'Association de protection de la Rivière-aux-Rochers coordinates salmon day fishing. A salmon fishing package with accommodations makes fly fishing possible for visitors from farther afield.

Recommended flies:

• Dry: Bomber Badger
• Streamer: Magog Smelt
• Salmon flies: Black Bear (Green Butt), Black Dose, Green Highlander, Rusty Rat

The Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) is responsible for recreational fishing in Quebec and the resulting regulations. Sépaq cannot be held responsible for changes made by the MELCCFP.

The terms and conditions for salmon fishing on Rivière aux Rochers and Rivière MacDonald are as follows for the 2026 season:

• Mandatory release of all large salmon (63 cm and over).
• Mandatory release of all small salmon.
• The authorized catch-and-release limit for salmon is two per day.

Period: see the Salmon Fishing Package

For more information:

• Lac Walker Registration Centre: 581-824-1008
• Association de Protection de la Rivière au Rochers: 418-766-2777

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve.

Code of ethics for salmon anglers

Documentation and statistics

Map Library

Lac Walker is available for day fishing with a Sépaq boat. You can also use your own boat for day fishing on several of the reserve’s lakes. Reserve early and make your fishing activity coincide with a vacation getaway.

We recommend the use of a 2 - 20 hp gas motor.

Periods:

• May 10 to September 7, 2026
• Starting May 10, 2026, you can fish by purchasing access rights at the administration office. Find out which lakes are available by calling 418 766-2524.

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve.

Regular and high seasons dates

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2026 (in French only)

Documentation and statistics

Map Library

Practical guide for apprentice enthusiasts

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No reservations are required for this type of fishing. It is offered on the Aux Rochers, MacDonald and Ronald rivers and certain streams.

Period: May 10 to September 7, 2026

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve.

Rates

Documentation and statistics

Map Library

Practical guide for apprentice enthusiasts

When you rent a cabin, you will have access to a rowboat, a canoe or a kayak on the lake. You can also enjoy this relaxing activity, often with the whole family, by renting a rowboat at one of the registration centres.

Canoeing takes place on Lac Walker, a 33 km-long glacial lake with sandy shores and steep cliffs, and on Lac des Quatre-Lieues, access by waterway 1 km from the Lac Walker wharf.

Double your pleasure! Combine your favourite activity with fishing. Just purchase your fishing access rights upon arrival.

Period: June to September

Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)

Birdwatchers will appreciate Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles, particularly for the numerous birds of prey that frequent the reserve.

Period: June to September

Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles offers 3 hiking trails. De la Montagne trail is 3 km long and is located near the cabins. De la Tour trail is 4.5 km long. Chute-MacDonald trail is a pleasant 1-km walk leading to a lookout, a footbridge and a breathtaking landscape.

Trails map - Lac-Walker sector (in French only)

Trails map - Chute-MacDonald trail (in French only)

Period: June to September

There is an abundance of blueberries and raspberries on the reserve.

Period: July and August

Spring black bear hunting takes place on a by-the-day basis. Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles is part of Hunting Zone 19 South where it is possible to hunt bear in the fall. This hunt is part of a package combining moose hunting and black bear hunting. For information, call the wildlife reserve management at 418 766-2524.

Periods:

• May 15 to June 30

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve.

This activity takes place in the winter on the wildlife reserve. A Québec fishing licence is required. You must park at the entrance of the reserve, then access the bodies of water by snowmobile. Also, you must drill your holes and bring your equipment.

Fishing equipment rental and hole drilling is not offered.

Reservation is mandatory by phone (1-800-665-6527 or 418-766-2524) or online.

Period:

• December 1, 2025 to April 15, 2026 (depending on ice conditions)

Please note that Aboriginal people engage in hunting and fishing activities in the wildlife reserve.

Documentation and statistics

Book

A family hunting package under the European plan is offered by random draw at 25% off the regular price for the whole group of hunters. To be eligible, a young hunter between 12 and 17 years old must actively participate in the hunt and be present during the entire trip. 

For more information about this activity, see the Moose hunting section.

Package

A family fishing package for 2 adults and their children under 18 is available.

At All Times

Children under 18 are lodged free of charge in relation to the number of adults at the time of reservation, based on the following criteria:

• 2 children for 5 or fewer adults
• 4 children for 6 or more adults

Children under 18 accompanied by an adult with a fishing right of access for day fishing may fish free of charge.

Children under 18 are lodged free of charge in relation to the number of adults at the time of reservation, based on the following criteria:

• 2 children for 5 or fewer adults
• 4 children for 6 or more adults

Group of children under 18 can go canoe-camping for a cut rate of $8/person/day. This activity is free for children in a family situation.

Group campgrounds in the wildlife reserves allow young people to camp for a cut rate of $8.25/person/night. This activity is free for children in a family situation.