Réserve faunique de Matane

Some twenty lakes are spread among 8 accommodations sectors. You can fish for speckled trout in all of the lakes and for lake trout in Lac Matane.

Catch and possession limit:

• Speckled trout: 10
• Lake trout: 2 (Lac Matane)

Period: see the Fishing Package with Accomodations

Documentation and statistics

Bear hunting packages are offered with accommodations in fully-equipped cabins. During your stay, take advantage of an expert's advice and benefit from quality services (watchtower on baited sites, meat storage and animal registration). You’ll also have the possibility to fish according to the sector and the fishing plan in place (extra fee).

Stays are available under the European plan.

Periods:

• May 28 to June 27, 2021
• May 27 to June 27, 2022

About ten lakes are reserved for day fishing. Several lakes are accessible by personal boat. Watercraft are provided on certain bodies of water.

Boat launching ramp is available at Lac Matane for anglers with their personal boat.

For day fishing, the catch and possession limit is:

• Speckled trout: 10
• Lake trout: 2 (Lac Matane)

Period: May 28 to September 6, 2021

Regular and high seasons dates

Rates

Day Fishing Plan – 2021 (in French only)

Documentation and statistics

Map Library

Book

Guided observation activities are offered to visitors who would like to find out more about moose and black bear.

Over 150 bird species live on the territory, including the Golden Eagle. There is also an abundance of warbler species. 

A shuttle service from Matane to John Registration Centre is now available to enjoy the activities. Two departures per day are offered:

• From Matane to John Registration Centre: 10 a.m. (return at 4 p.m.)
• From Matane to John Registration Centre: late afternoon (return during late evening)

A service between John Registration Centre and Lac Matane (starting point for the evening activities) is also offered.

Note that due to the exceptional situation related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, this activity is cancelled for the 2020 season.

Choice of activities:

• Black Bear Watching
• The nature of the Chic-Chocs
• Moose Photo Safari
• Fall Safari

Standing up on a big surfboard, paddle in hand, you can try testing your balance on Étang-à-la-Truite. It’s fast and easy to learn, and guaranteed fun!

Rental available at Lac Étang-à-la-Truite located at 42 km from John Registration Centre (gravel road).

Period: June to the end of August

The International Appalachian Trail cuts though the wildlife reserve for over 100 km. The trails, classified easy to very difficult, follow the ridges and summits that rise almost 1,000 metres in altitude. Hiking is the only way you can reach Chute Hélène, a waterfall 70 metres high!

Backpacking enthusiasts can camp or stay in a hut along the nternational Appalachian Trail.

Period: the end of June to the end of August

Please note that a new regulation is in place for hikers wishing to circulate during hunting season, from September to November.

Table of trails

For questions or reservations, please contact our partner, the International Appalachian Trail, at 418-560-4642 or by email at infosiaquebec@gmail.com.

The 2 km-long body of water, L'Étang à la truite, is perfect for kayaking.

Rental available at Lac Étang-à-la-Truite located at 42 km from John Registration Centre (gravel road).

Period: June to the end of August

Fatbike rental is available at Lac Étang-à-la-Truite, located at 42 km from the John Registration Centre (gravel road).

Fatbike rental (electric or not) is available at John Registration Centre.

Period: June to the end of August

Free bikes for the children

Free bike loans for children of 17 years of age and under in a family situation. Limited quantities. First come, first served basis.

Canyoning alternates between hiking, rappelling, and swimming and involves making your way through a rugged and steep-sided valley. This 8-hour activity is offered by our partner Eskamer and takes place on a stream, Ruisseau Beaulieu, that flows by the base of Mont Nicol-Albert. You'll be fully equipped from your head to your feet, as well as provided with meals and snacks.

For any questions or to make a reservation, please contact our partner Eskamer by phone 1-866-963-2999 or 418 763-2299 or by mail at info@eskamer.ca

The concentration of moose living in Réserve faunique de Matane is one of the largest in Québec. The reserve is divided into 38 hunting sectors. Moose hunting stays are assigned through random draw at the beginning of the year. After being assigned, some stays may remain unclaimed and thus become available once more. For more information on available stays, please contact the customer service at 418 562-3700.

Certain moose hunting sectors are offered under the American plan, including meals and the services of an experienced guide for 2 or 4 hunters. This type of package is available at Étang-à-la-truite and at the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs. Other stays are available under the European plan.

Density: 33 animals/10 km², according to the 2012 inventory

Period: see the Moose Hunting Package

Hunting regulations for this wildlife reserve

Hunting statistics and other useful documents

Stay guides

Small game hunting is available by the day. Hunters must purchase their right of access on line or at the reserve. The species you can hunt are Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse and snowshoe hare.

Period:

• October 26 to November 7, 2021 (depending on sectors)

Sectors #1, 13, 15 and 22.

Rates

Statistics

Map Library

Small game hunters can harvest Ruffed Grouse, Spruce Grouse and snowshoe hare.

You can also hunt migratory birds if you hold a migratory game bird hunting permit in addition to a small game hunting licence.

Period: see the Small Game Hunting Package

Statistics

New! You can now venture into the Mont-Blanc sector thanks to our partner, Vertigo Aventure, an outfitting company that offers all kinds of opportunities for guided downhill skiing in wilderness locations. The skiable area is distributed over 8 slopes on 3 mountains: Blanc, Craggy, and Pointu. The slopes span a difference in altitude that ranges from 150 to 500 m.

The ski package includes:

• travel to and from the site by snowmobile (30 km)
• accommodation in a yurt and a prospector’s tent
• a guide with certified avalanche training.

The package has a 3-day minimum and is meant for groups of 3 to 10 whose level of proficiency can range from beginner to expert in wilderness skiing, be it ski touring, telemark skiing, or snowboarding. If you have any questions or wish to make a booking, please contact our partner Vertigo by phoning 418-368-1453 or by sending an e-mail to mont-blanc@globetrotter.net.

Period: mid-January to late April

From John Registration Centre, the reserve offers free access to three snowshoeing trails accessible to all: two loops located near the reception of a length of 1 km and 2 km, and trail of 7 km which joins the International Appalachian Trail.

Period: December to April (depending on snow conditions)

Map of trails (in French only)

Package

A family package for 2 adults and their children under 18 is available on weekdays from early July to early September.

At all times

Children under 18 are lodged for free 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 who holds a right of access for day fishing may fish free of charge.

Children under 18 are lodged for free 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.

Young people under 18 can camp on group campgrounds in wildlife reserves for a cut rate of $7.50 per person per night. This activity is free for children in a family situation.

A family hunting package under the European plan is offered by random draw at 50% off the regular price for the whole group of hunters. To enter, at least one hunter must be a child 12 to 17 years old and have a hunter's certificate.

Children under 18, accompanied by an adult with a small game hunting right of access for the day, are allowed to hunt for free.

Take advantage of our safe installations to watch black bears at the end of the day. The guide will help you understand the biology and habits of this fascinating species.

A shuttle service from Matane is now available to enjoy this activity. 

Note that due to the exceptional situation related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, this activity is cancelled for the 2020 season.

Before sunset, slip into your walking shoes and get your camera ready for the moose photo safari. Learn more about the influence of mud flats on moose density and antler growth. This guided activity takes place at the end of the day. A trip by minibus is planned in the most suitable locations in the reserve for moose observation.

A shuttle service from Matane is now available to enjoy this activity. 

Note that due to the exceptional situation related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, this activity is cancelled for the 2020 season.

Check out the boreal forest's iconic wildlife while learning about their behaviours, biology, and future prospects. During this safari, you’ll be accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide. Transportation will be provided from John Registration Centre for the duration of the event. This is a unique opportunity to witness the legendary September hubbub. As bears prepare for hibernation, they become more active. Moose, on the other hand, are lovestruck and serenade one another, as a peaceful prelude to rutting. Meanwhile the beaver is busy completing its preparations for winter.

Note that due to the exceptional situation related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, this activity is cancelled for the 2020 season.

A household word, Chic-Chocs is emblematic of the Gaspé region. What does Chic-Chocs mean? What does it represent? Who lives in the territory? It’s your turn to discover the nature of the Chic-Chocs. During a guided afternoon hike lasting about 90 minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to become immersed in the boreal forest and get to know the workings of this complex ecosystem.

Note that due to the exceptional situation related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation, this activity is cancelled for the 2020 season.

Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs, the first mountain lodge in Eastern Canada, offers very comfortable accommodations, fine dining and a multipurpose room for work sessions.

The Lodge includes:

• 18 rooms each with 2 single beds or 1 king-size bed and a private bathroom
• A meeting room that seats 18 people
• Suspended balconies
• Dining room
• Lounge with fireplace
• Sauna
• Outdoor spa
• Boutique
• Mud room (for muddy footwear)
• Multipurpose room

Period: July 2 to September 10, 2021

Let us help you with your plans