Parc national d'Opémican

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Protected area. Enriching nature experiences.

It’s difficult to remain unmoved by such an awe-inspiring territory. Bordered on either side by Lac Témiscamingue and Lac Kipawa, Parc national d’Opémican aims to protect a sample of the Southern Laurentians natural region. Covering an area of 252.5 km2, the park, which opened in 2018, is divided into four distinct sectors: the Pointe-Opémican sector, the Rivière-Kipawa sector, the Île-aux-Fraises sector, and the Lac-White sector.

A paradise for nautical activities, an ideal family destination, a dream location for a walk through the historic heart of log driving – the Pointe-Opémican sector offers a compendium of pleasures in an enchanting setting for young and old alike. This sector is home to a campground, near Lac Témiscamingue and its sandy shores, featuring about 60 sites under the tall pines and a small village of 11 Étoile ready-to-camps.

Experiencing the joys of the Rivière-Kipawa sector includes the possibility of exploring a small adventure course for children near the Grande Chute, staying in any one of four Étoile ready-to-camp units, or pitching your tent at a rustic campsite near the cliffs of Lac Témiscamingue! Whether by canoe, kayak, bike, or on foot, the landscapes of Lac Kipawa, its famous river, and of Lac Temiscamingue will suddenly become accessible from the small village of Laniel.

Parc national d’Opémican quickly become a popular destination for families, and its spectacular backcountry is attracting adventurers as well. The extent of cultural heritage will surprise visitors, whether along the Opémican heritage circuit or through the Anishinabeg presence on the land.

This unique place waiting to be discovered is characterized by the dominant presence of tall white and red pines, symbols of the junction between the territory’s deciduous and boreal areas. This park has elements essential to the composition of a remarkable landscape: rugged and relatively low topography and many rock walls, which are found mainly along Lac Témiscamingue.

Consult the Discovery Guide Consult the new regulations concerning outdoor fires

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Étoile ready-to-camp

Cubic in shape, the Étoile ready-to-camp is supported by a canvas-sealed wood structure. In addition to offering greater height, capacity (six people), and storage, it’s perfectly integrated with the environment in which it’s located. This type of accommodation includes three double beds, all you need for cooking for six people, a fridge, auxiliary heating and lighting, and a table with chairs. Outside, you’ll find a propane stove, a picnic table, four garden chairs, and a fire pit. You simply need to bring your own food and bedding.

Pointe-Opémican sector

Eleven ready-to-camps are located in the Des Remorqueurs loop of the Pointe-Opémican sector and offer access to many services including the Visitors' Centre, comfort stations, discovery programs, equipment rentals, and nearby hiking and biking trails.

Period: mid-June to mid-October (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

Rivière-Kipawa sector

Four Étoile ready-to-camp sites are offered in the Rivière-Kipawa sector. Located under the tall pines and above the rock walls of Lac Témiscamingue, the four ready-to-camp sites offer a breathtaking view.

These sites are not accessible by car (distance of 100 to 200 metres between the parking lot and the sites). There’s no access to running water. There is no potable water available in this sector; visitors are responsible for providing their own drinking water. Potable water is available for sale at the Laniel Registration Centre. There is also a tap with potable water available at the highway rest stop in Laniel. Non-potable water is provided near the ready-to-camp units for dish washing. There is no comfort station in the sector, only an outhouse is available. No direct access to the lake. USB outlets only (solar energy). Cellular reception is also very limited in this sector.

Important notice: Because these sites are located near a large cliff, they are less recommended for families with young children or, at the very least, constant adult supervision is required.

Period: mid-June to mid-October (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

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Camping

Pointe-Opémican sector

Two camping loops totaling 59 wooded sites located near our service and recreation areas. On site: Visitors' Center with Souvenir Nature shop and small convenience store, comfort stations, discovery activity meeting points, and watercraft & bicycle rentals. Camping loops are accessible by car via the main access road (packed gravel).

Boucle des Draveurs (two-service sites): dumping station at the exit. Dogs allowed.
Boucle des Cageux (two-service sites and sites without services): dumping station at the exit. No dogs allowed.

This sector offers access the Estacade, Piers, de la Prucheraie, and the Éclaireurs trails.

Period: mid-June to mid-October (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

Rivière-Kipawa sector

Attention all rustic camping enthusiasts! For direct contact with nature, to get away from it all in total peace, the Paroi-aux-Faucons campground has everything you’ve been looking for! Located in the Rivière-Kipawa sector, it features four separate campsites (firewood included). Perched above a 70 m rock wall overlooking Lac Témiscamingue, it offers spectacular views that will take your breath away.

These rustic sites offer a great introduction to interior camping as they are not accessible by car (distance of 100 to 200 metres between the parking lot and the sites). There is no potable water available in this sector; visitors are responsible for providing their own drinking water. Potable water is available for sale at the Laniel Registration Centre. There is also a tap with potable water available at the highway rest stop in Laniel. Non-potable water is provided near the parking lot for dish washing. There is no comfort station in this sector either. An outhouse is available near the parking lot. There is no direct access to the lake. Cellular reception is also very limited in this sector.

Important notice: Because these sites are located near a large cliff, they are less recommended for families with young children or, at the very least, constant adult supervision is required.

Period: mid-June to mid-October (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

Campgrounds map (in French only)

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Canoe-camping

Explore the backcountry of Parc national d'Opémican and connect with nature at its purest! Check out our canoe-camping routes on the map, and contact us for bookings at 819-627-3551, option 2.

In order to facilitate navigation along all our canoe-camping routes, we recommend downloading the Avenza Maps application. This app will allow you to follow along on our maps like a GPS point, even in areas with poor or no cellular service. Use the QR codes on our maps to download both the app and the maps free of charge.

The circuits are completely autonomous, and leave-no-trace camping is the order of the day.

Canoe-camping package

Technical advice before going canoeing (watch the video)

Île-aux-Fraises sector

This sector on Kipawa Lake offers two camp sites, each situated on their own island. You will feel alone in the world during your canoe trip in the Île-aux-fraises sector. There are two possible departure points, either the registration centre in Laniel or the canoe depot at Dorval Bay. Both canoe and sea kayak rentals are available.

Please note that this route covers, in part, a very technical lake (high winds, deep water, boat traffic, several islands and bays, potential long distances to cover). As a result, a certain experience is required, and we do not recommend that beginners venture out on this route.

Period : June 20 to October 13, 2025 (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

White Lake sector

This route provides access to several small, interior lakes, ending at Russell Bay on Kipawa Lake. Two sites are spread out amongst these lakes, offering flexibility in planning your trip. Motorboats are prohibited on these small lakes and are accessible only by canoe, making this sector perfect for beginners. Parking and departure point at Long Lake; canoe rentals are available.

Period : June 20 to October 13, 2025 (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

Rivière-Kipawa sector

This route travels across the middle of the Rivière-Kipawa sector and offers access to a scenery that is both wild and spectacular. Departure point is from the Laniel Registration Centre with put ins at both the Petit lac de Laniel and the Premier lac des portages sauvages. Canoe rentals are available at the Laniel registration centre, with the canoe depot at the Premier lac des portages sauvages.

Please note that the final portage (from the Troisième Lac des Portages Sauvages to Lake Temiscamingue) on this route is very long and covers terrain that is variable and at times very steep. As a result, some experience is required. We also recommend to plan your trip accordingly.

Period : June 20 to October 13, 2025 (depending on the sector, subject to change without notice)

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Canoe-camping package

Park access authorization

There is a limit to the number of visitors that can enter a national park on any given day. It is therefore strongly recommended that you purchase your right of access online before a visit or that you acquire an annual pass. This guarantees you access to the park, will ensure a smoother arrival at the site and avoid unnecessary travel when the maximum capacity is reached. It can be purchased up to 30 days before a visit. You may be denied access to a sector, a trail, or an activity if a parking lot is full or if the maximum capacity has been reached.

Daily Access Annual Card