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 three distinct sectors: the Rivière-Kipawa sector, the Pointe-Opémican 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 – Pointe-Opémican sector offers a compendium of pleasures in an enchanting setting for young and old alike. There’s 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 Rivière-Kipawa sector includes the possibility of exploring a small adventure circuit for children near Grande Chute, staying in any one of four Étoile ready-to-camp units, and 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.
With the opening of Pointe Opémican, Parc national d’Opémican will quickly become a popular destination for families, and its spectacular backcountry will attract 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.
Parc national d’Opémican will become a unique discovery site, 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 map of the territories covered by the ban on open fires
Discover La Grande-Chute and L'Inukshuk star trails, as well as the other trails in the park that all have their own special caracter.
Periods:
- Pointe-Opémican sector: June 17 to September 12, 2022
- Rivière-Kipawa sector: June 17 to October 9, 2022
The trails remain open the rest of the year in autonomy (no services). Please note that as of the first snowfall, vehicle access is no longer permitted (gates) but pedestrian access remains available.
Table of trails
Suggestions for trails accessible to persons with restricted mobility
Elsewhere at Sépaq
Enjoy the full extent of this wonderful territory, along the water, on pathways traveled by the Anishnabeg. Paddle on Lac Témiscamingue and Lac Kipawa. Canoe depots are located at strategic locations throughout the territory, providing access to the most beautiful scenery in the park.
Canoe rental by the hour, half day, and day.
Come to the Laniel Registration Centre or the Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre for rental.
Periods:
- Pointe-Opémican sector: June 17 to September 12, 2022
- Rivière-Kipawa sector: June 17 to October 9, 2022
Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)
Elsewhere at Sépaq
Whether aboard a recreational kayak or a sea kayak, discover the immensity of this unique territory along waterways travelled by the Anishinabeg. Exploring the islands of Lac Kipawa, walking along the spectacular walls of Lac Temiscamingue, or admiring the magnificent scenery of Baie d’Opémican are just a few of the reasons to explore the most beautiful landscapes in the park from the water!
Rental offered
Periods:
- Pointe-Opémican sector: June 17 to September 12, 2022
- Rivière-Kipawa sector: June 17 to October 9, 2022
Elsewhere at Sépaq
In calm weather, Baie d’Opémican offers spectacular scenery for stand-up paddleboarders. A Hawaiian invention, paddleboarding is a combination of surfing and kayaking. The board, designed for calm waters, is more substantial (longer, wider, and thicker) and therefore more stable than the traditional surfboard designed for waves. Safe and accessible, paddleboards are available in two sizes at Pointe-Opémican sector rental centre.
Rental offered
Period: June 17 to September 12, 2022
Elsewhere at Sépaq
Pedal peacefully through the tall pines, without cars or traffic lights, enjoying the fresh air of Temiscamingue and the shade of the forest. You’ll discover the attractions of Pointe Opémican along the 3 km stretch of De l’Estacade trail.
Rental offered
Period: June 17 to September 12, 2022
Bicycles on loan for children absolutely free of charge
A free bicycle loan for children aged 17 and under in a family environment. Bikes in limited numbers. First come, first served.
Elsewhere at Sépaq
In order to make its trails accessible to persons with reduced mobility, Parc national d'Opémican has acquired outdoor equipment for persons with reduced mobility. The equipment can be rented free of charge at the rental centre upon presentation of the CAL card and upon availability.
- Kartus wheelchair: specialized wheelchair designed to run in duo on multifunctional trails (available in summer).
- Hippocampe wheelchair: wheelchair adapted for swimming, sand, and snow (available in summer).
Please consult the bi-weekly activity calendar posted in the following areas:
- Pointe-Opémican and Laniel Visitors Centres
- Throughout the Pointe-Opémican site
- At all outhouses of the Rivière-Kipawa and Pointe-Opémican campgrounds
Activities in English are included on the same calendar as those given in French. Furthermore, all our naturalists are bilingual, so don’t be shy to ask!
Have you seen a strange bug and are wondering what it is? Have you wondered what all these old buildings were used for? What was that bird which kept you up all night? Come chat with our naturalist about everything you always wanted to know about Opémican. All questions welcome!
Details:
- Join us at the Boom Shed in the Pointe-Opémican sector (check the activity calendar on-site for times)
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 1h
- Activity free of charge
- Given in English only
Discover the fauna inhabiting Opémican through a fun rallye-course in the Estacades trail! First, fetch an answer-sheet from the Visitors Centre. Starting your course heading towards the Jodoin Inn, spot and identify all eighteen animals. Hint: take a look at some tree trunks! Autonomous activity for all ages.
Details:
- Visit the Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre to get your answer-sheet
- Period : from June 17 to October 9, 2022
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 60 min.
- Activity free of charge
Who is this mysterious mammal, this long dark slinky slinking in the forest with a taste for porcupine? Join our naturalist to learn all about Kana the Fisher, mascot for the Parc national d’Opémican.
Details:
- Meet us at the play areas in Rivière-Kipawa or Pointe-Opémican sectors
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 20 min.
- Activity free of charge
- Family-oriented activity (6-12 years old)
- Given in both French and English (depending on attendance and staff)
Sweepers, pointers, ‘cageux’, what does it all mean? This treasure hunt game helps clear up and explain all these terms coming to us from another era and another world: the world of log-drivers, steamboats and boom-tugs. Suggested age 10+.
Details:
- Meet us at the Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 1h30
- Activity free of charge
- Please bring a cell phone or camera.
- Given in French only at this present time.
Dotted across this strip of land along the shores of Lac Témiscamingue, our patrimnocial buildings speak for nearly a century of teeming naval and logging activities on the lake’s turbulent waters. Come listen to their stories through this guided tour!
Details:
- Meet us at the Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 1h30
- Activity free of charge
- Given in French only at this present time.
Since the dawn of time, bats have appeared in our nocturnal sotries and are shrouded in myth and misconceptions, but do we truly know them? The only mammals capable of powered flight are experiencing a sharp decline. Join us on an epic journey to discover these amazing little creatures!
Details:
- Visit the Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 20 min. (family game version) or 60 min. (seminar presentation)
- Activity free of charge
- Given in French only at this present time.
Far from light pollution, join our team in discovering the wonders of the nght sky. Observable planets, meteor showers, the Aurora Borealis, the Milky Way, stars far and wide… the sky truly is the limit during this activity! Whether discovering the night sky for the first time or interested in learning more about its wonders, join us for an introductory presentation by our team. Suggested age 12+.
Details:
- Visit the Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 80 min.
- Activity free of charge
- Observation portion of the activity dependent on weather
- Given in French only at this present time.
Explore a trail in a naturalist’s company as they unravel the mysteries behind the spectacular transformation which our forests undergo as winter draws nearer.
Details:
- Starting in September 2022
- Meet us at the start of the Paroi-aux-Faucons trail (Rivière-Kipawa sector)
- The activity calendar is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the service desks, posted throughout the park, or by calling the front desk: 819-627-3551.
- Length : 1h
- Activity free of charge
- Bilingual
Un parc national est un endroit protégé parce qu’il contient beaucoup de trésors. Un garde-parc, c’est quelqu’un qui aime la nature avec passion et curiosité, et qui participe à la protéger et à la faire découvrir. En te voyant confier plusieurs missions qui feront appel à ta logique, à tes actions, à ton sens de l’observation et à ta créativité, tu pourras, grâce à un livret, développer les compétences requises pour devenir à ton tour apprenti garde-parc.
Détails :
- Rendez-vous au centre de services de la Pointe-Opémican
- Le calendrier des activités est mis à jour aux deux semaines. Vous trouverez les détails aux comptoirs d’accueil, sur les babillards du parc ou en téléphonant à l’accueil au 819 627-3551.
- Durée : 1 h
- Cette activité s’adresse aux enfants (6 à 12 ans).
- Activité gratuite
Come and navigate majestic Lac Témiscamingue aboard a rabaska to discover the view that the workers of the Opémican Depot had during the log driving era. Learn about the flora and fauna of the lake with our park warden and naturalist!
Details
- Meet at Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre
- The calendar of activities is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the reception desks, on the park bulletin boards, or by calling the registration centre at 819-627-3551.
- Booking required
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $12.50/person
- Children (6 to 17 years old): Free of charge when accompanied by an adult
- Given in french only at this present time.
Aboard the logging boat, immerse yourself in the daily life of a "sweeper" and learn about the way of life of the Pointe-Opémican workers.
Details
- Meet at Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre
- The calendar of activities is updated every two weeks. Details are available at the reception desks, on the park bulletin boards, or by calling the registration centre at 819-627-3551.
- Booking required
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $12.50/person
- Children (10 to 17 years old): Free of charge when accompanied by an adult
- Given in french only at this present time.
As a site for conservation and education, national parks are true laboratories in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school!
Park educational activities
Elsewhere at Sépaq
Pointe-Opémican sector
Two camping loops totaling 59 wooded sites located near service and recreation areas. On site: discovery-activity starting points, watercraft and bicycle rental, Boutique Nature shop, and mini convenience store. Camping loops are accessible by car via the main access road (gravel pavement).
- Boucle des Draveurs (two-service sites): dumping station at the exit. Access to De l’ Estacade and Des Piers trails. Dogs allowed.
- Boucle des Cageux (two-service and without services sites): dumping station at the exit. Access to Des Piers trail. No dogs allowed.
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, Paroi-aux-Faucons campground has everything it takes to seduce you. Located in the Rivière-Kipawa sector, it features four separate campsites (wood included). Perched above a 70 m rock wall overlooking Lac Témiscamingue, it will offer you views to take your breath away.
The sites are semi-serviced and 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’s no washroom facility in the sector either. Only a dry toilet is available. No direct access to the lake.
Important notice: Being located near a large cliff, this campsite is 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)
Book
Elsewhere at Sépaq
Explore the backcountry of Parc national d'Opémican and connect with nature at its purest! Check out our canoe-camping circuits on the map, and contact us for bookings at 819 627-3551.
Please note that some of these circuits include portages or lake passages that can involve some major technical challenges (high winds, deep water, long distances to cover). So extensive experience is required, and we do not recommend that beginners venture out on these circuits.
The circuits are completely autonomous, and leave-no-trace camping is the order of the day.
Period:
- June 16 to October 9, 2023
Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)
Elsewhere at Sépaq
Hiking
Day Fishing
Canoeing
Kayaking
Stand-up paddleboarding
Biking
Equipment for persons with reduced mobility
Opémican Fauna Rallye-course
Log-driving Jargon
History of a strange Point
S.O.S. Bats!
Colours of Autumn
Apprenti garde-parc
Pointe-Opémican aboard a rabaska
To the rhythm of the Sweepers
Educational activities in nature
