Exceptional road trips for nomadic anglers

Itinerary #1

Reeling in trout in eastern Québec

• Departure point: Québec City
• Approximate total distance: 1,500 km
• Type of accommodation: cabin
• Suggested itinerary on Google Maps

First stop: Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs

After a few hours on the road, discovering the panoramic views that dot the south shore of the St. Lawrence River from Québec City, as you head inland to Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs, your excitement will be heightened by the sight of spectacular peaks flashing past your windshield.

After crossing Parc national de la Gaspésie, it's at the Lac Sainte-Anne sector cabins, just off the road in the wildlife reserve, that the adventure begins. On site, four cabins that accommodate between four and eight overnight guests provide the perfect base camps for enjoying the unique surroundings. A custodian is always on hand to welcome visitors.

All this on the shores of majestic Lac Saint-Anne, where anglers can test their skills at challenging brook trout and lake trout. Meanwhile, the surrounding Chic-Chocs peaks dominate the landscape. And for a little variety, a number of intermediate-to-difficult trails just a few minutes from the cabins provide access to the renowned Hog's Back, Blanche-Lamontagne, Lyall, Vallières-de-Saint-Réal, and Champs-de-Mars mountain peaks.

Second stop: Réserve faunique de Port-Daniel

When it's time to take the wheel again, head south towards Baie-des-Chaleurs, then follow its shoreline eastwards to Port-Daniel. If you feel like casting a line before you reach Port-Daniel, striped bass fishing is possible in the sector, in the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Find out more on site.

Once in the wildlife reserve, drive to Lac Laroche sector to discover two spacious log cabins with rustic charm. Exclusive to the lakefront, they are located far enough away from one other to guarantee visitors exemplary peace and quiet. Shower, hot water, barbecue, fireplace... you'll find virtually all the comforts of home right in nature’s midst!

What's more, you can fish directly from the dock in the front yard. Alternatively, a watercraft is provided for those who want to explore the waterway. Brook trout, also known as speckled trout, are plentiful and just waiting to bite. Mark my words and prepare to cast your line!

Third stop: Réserve faunique de Rimouski

All good things must come to an end, and the journey home must begin at some point... However, the vacation isn't over just yet! On the way back to Québec City, a stop at Réserve faunique de Rimouski is a great way to make the pleasure last.

A dozen new, comfortable cabins on the shores of Lac Rimouski offer the perfect way to stretch out your road trip a little longer. They're ideal for relaxing and fishing for brook trout and lake trout, but there's more. Young and old alike can take advantage of the kayaks and other available watercraft, as well as rental bikes.

Sitting by the campfire under the stars, you'll be wishing the moment would just go on forever. Before you even hit the road the next day, new itineraries will already be in the works for future adventures. Vacation inspiration at its best!

Itinerary #2

A beautiful drive between the Mauricie and Outaouais regions

• Departure point: Laval
• Approximate total distance: 600 km
• Type of accommodation: cabin
• Suggested itinerary on Google Maps

First stop: Réserve faunique Mastigouche

For this looping road trip starting north of Montréal, first head northeast towards the Mauricie region, where your first catches will be at Réserve faunique Mastigouche. Although close to major urban centres, this wilderness area remains a haven of peace and quiet. A perfect spot for vacationing!

In this region, where lakes abound and fishing opportunities are innumerable, vacationers will be truly pampered. Of the lot, Lac-au-Violon sector is ideal for relaxation, with its series of fully-equipped lakeside cabins. A stop here is a must to enjoy exceptional moments before, during, and after your fishing expeditions.

Brook trout (speckled trout) are in the spotlight here. And from mid-July to August, large trout are on the attack. Between fishing adventures, you can continue your outings on the water with the canoes, kayaks and rowboats available for vacationers. And hiking enthusiasts will discover a whole other strategy to explore the wildlife reserve. The perfect way to stretch your legs before hitting the road again!

Second stop: Réserve faunique Rouge-Matawin

For the next destination, the route continues through the forests of Lanaudière and the Laurentides, home to Réserve faunique Rouge-Matawin.

After checking in at Saint-Michel Registration Centre, you’ll take a gravel road leading to the southern tip of vast Lac Legendre, where three cabins are snugly tucked away, guaranteeing privacy for all guests. In the general vicinity, an array of waterways are accessible, most of them by car.

On the boundary of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant this region offers a wide variety of panoramas and fishing experiences. First, spirited Rivière Rouge and its tributaries, where speckled trout lurk. Then, to the east, mysterious Rivière Matawin and its tributaries, a haven for northern pike. And yellow perch and lake trout will always be nibbling at the end of your line. What more could you ask for?

Third stop: Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle

The vacation road trip continues unabated towards the Outaouais region. But will you be able to resist a stop at Parc national du Mont-Tremblant on your way through the Laurentides? Why not take a break for some hiking? There’s no way you should miss out!

After a little more driving, the day comes to an end at Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle, where spacious Dusseault cabin in Lac-Marie-Lefranc sector is the place to be. At the end of the dock, just a few steps from the cabin, you'll be charmed by the splendor and tranquility of the setting.

You'll be tempted to go for a dip or cast a line directly into the water in front of the cabin. This sector of the lake is a hotspot for lake trout. And speckled trout are never far away.

When it's time to head home, set aside some time to enjoy the trails that criss-cross the wildlife reserve. Keep an eye out for the wonderful fauna skulking there. Moose, white-tailed deer, beavers, and other creatures may wave you good-bye.

Itinerary #3

Walleye wilderness paradise

• Departure point: Laval
• Approximate total distance: 900 km
• Type of accommodation: camping (with or without RV)
• Suggested itinerary on Google Maps

First stop: Baie-des-Sables sector, Réserve faunique La Vérendrye

All you have to do is drive a short distance north on Route 117 towards Abitibi-Témiscamingue to appreciate the vastness of our territory. As soon as you cross the boundary of Réserve faunique La Vérendrye, natural wonders and waterways roll past without pause on either side of the road.

On the shores of Grand lac Victoria, the Baie-des-Sables sector campground is the perfect stop-off point for enjoying the best of the great outdoors. The facility, which recently underwent a facelift, offers some 40 top-quality sites.

In a tent, tent-trailer, or RV (up to 40 feet), you can make this a dream home away from home. And for an original experience, the brand-new Étoile ready-to-camp offer is also available.

Day fishing here focuses on walleye and pike. And there's no need to worry about peace and quiet, as there's no shortage of space on this imposing waterway. Various 16-foot rowboats, 20-hp motors, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for hire if you didn’t bring your own toys.

And once you've reeled in your catch, shore lunches will never again taste as good as they do on the sandy shores of aptly named Baie-des-Sables. The only drawback is that vacationing so far away from civilization only makes you want to hit the road again for another escapade!

Second stop: Lac-Rapide sector, Réserve faunique La Vérendrye

To round off your road trip in Réserve faunique La Vérendrye, Lac-Rapide sector is a must. In addition to the campground, access to the immense Cabonga reservoir is sure to lure you off the beaten path.

For anglers who think big, this is the place to be. In search of the most sizeable catches, particularly walleye and pike, the exploration possibilities are truly endless, so imposing is the waterway and its branches, so numerous.

Once again, you can hire a watercraft for your aquatic adventure, if you don't have what it takes to hit the lakes. But don't forget your map, compass, and GPS if you want to do some serious exploring. Good to know: you can download a map of the area in advance for network-free access via the Avenza Maps application.

On dry land, nights in a tent are easy to organize. For those who want a little more comfort, however, traditional ready-to-camp accommodation is an appealing option.

And if you still have time to prolong your vacation, La Vérendrye is the province's ultimate destination for canoe-camping expeditions. A variety of circuits are available, of all lengths and for all levels. All you have to do is go for it!