Réserve faunique de Matane

Skiers who like to get off the beaten track will be able to access the Mont-Blanc sector thanks to our partner, Vertigo Aventures This link will open in a new window., which offers countless opportunities for guided mountain skiing descents. This ski area This link will open in a new window., with its optimal and diversified terrain, is located in the Chic-Chocs, on Réserve faunique de Matane. The Mont-Blanc sector includes the entire slopes of Mont Blanc, at an altitude of 1,065 m, and certain faces of Mont Craggy and Mont Pointu. It offers mountain adventure enthusiasts skiable slopes of 10 to 45°, as well as vertical drops of 150 to 500 m.

Guided stays This link will open in a new window. include

• snowmobile transport to the camp (30 km, 75 minutes).
• accommodation in yurts and prospector tents.
• the services of a certified avalanche guide.

This very popular 3-day minimum package This link will open in a new window. is for snow slider groups of 4 to 14 made up of friends or family, from beginners to experts in backcountry skiing, alpine touring, telemark skiing, or snowboarding. For any questions or bookings This link will open in a new window., please contact our partner Vertigo Aventures This link will open in a new window. by phone at 581-246-2251 or by email at vertigo@globetrotter.net.

Period: Mid-January to mid-April (depending on snow conditions)

From John Registration Centre, the reserve offers free access to three snowshoeing trails: two loops located near the John Registration Centre 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)

Did you know that the concentration of moose living in Réserve faunique de Matane is one of the largest in Québec? The reserve is divided into 37 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 to harvest 1 or 2 moose. This type of package is available only at the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs. Other stays are available under the European plan with or without a guide.

Density: 32 animals/10 km², according to the 2021 inventory

Period: see the Moose Hunting Package

Hunting regulations for this wildlife reserve This link will open in a new window.

Hunting stay guides

Hunting statistics and other useful documents

Map library

Small game hunting is available by the day in certain sectors only. The species you can hunt are ruffed grouse, spruce grouse and snowshoe hare. Hunters must purchase their right of access online or at the John Registration Centre.

Period: until November 17, 2024

Access to all sectors, with the exception of the Auberge de montage des Chic-Chocs, the Étang sector, the John sector and Route 34.

Hunting regulations for this wildlife reserve This link will open in a new window.

Hunting statistics and other useful documents

Map Library

Book

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Small game hunting is available with accommodations in certain sectors only. The species you can hunt are ruffed grouse, spruce grouse and snowshoe hare. Hunters must purchase their package online or by calling the John Registration Centre at 418-224-3345, ext. 1.

You can also hunt migratory birds if you hold a migratory game bird hunting permit This link will open in a new window. in addition to a small game hunting licence.

Period: see the Small Game Hunting Package

Hunting regulations for this wildlife reserve This link will open in a new window.

Hunting statistics and other useful documents

Map Library

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.

The daily catch and possession limit per angler on these bodies of water is:

• Speckled trout: 7 (administrative catch and possession limit)
• Lake trout: 2 (Lac Matane only)

Period: see the Fishing Package with Accomodations

Fishing plan and statistics

Map library

Book

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Bear hunting packages are offered with accommodations in 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 only.

Period: see the Spring Bear Hunting Package

Hunting regulations for this wildlife reserve This link will open in a new window.

Hunting stay guide

Map library

About ten lakes are offered for day fishing. Watercraft are provided on certain bodies of water.

The daily catch and possession limit per angler on these bodies of water is:

• Speckled trout: 7 (administrative catch and possession limit)
• Lake trout: 2 (Lac Matane only)

Period: May 23 to September 1, 2025

Regular and high season dates

Rates

Day fishing plan and statistics

Map Library

Practical guide for apprentice enthusiasts

Book

Anglers enjoy salmon fishing on Rivière Matane. Access rights for this activity are attributed by random draw by the Société de la gestion de la rivière Matane.

For more information, visit their website (in French only) This link will open in a new window..

Code of ethics for salmon anglers

It’s interesting to check out the terrestrial, winged, and aquatic fauna living at Réserve faunique de Matane! Our 1275 km² of territory is teeming with a number of different animal species that sometimes show themselves to the patient and discreet visitor if the right conditions are met. At John Registration Centre, you can find out how to increase your chances of having a memorable encounter with the moose, the monarch of the forest. The chances of a successful sighting depend largely on the weather, the time of day, the sector chosen, and the method used. Here are some of the animal species that can be seen in their natural habitat:

• Terrestrial fauna: moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, lynx, coyote, fox, beaver, hare, a number of small mammals, etc.
• Winged fauna: golden eagle, bald eagle, osprey, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, various species of warblers, etc. Over 150 species of birds.
• Aquatic fauna: Atlantic salmon, brook trout, lake trout, etc.

Period: From the beginning of June to the first Monday of September (Labour Day)

IMPORTANT: Wildlife watching is not permitted on the territory during the big game hunting season, i.e. as of the first Tuesday in September.

Cohabitation with vulnerable or threatened species

We ask for your cooperation to ensure harmonious cohabitation between visitors and the wildlife residing on the territory. It’s essential to preserve the peace and quiet of the species, especially those considered vulnerable or threatened, such as the caribou. These species are very sensitive to disturbance, so any situation that could lead to human interaction must be avoided.

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, on gravel road.

Period: June to the first Monday of September (Labour Day)

The International Appalachian Trail - Québec (IAT-QC) This link will open in a new window. crosses Gaspésie for a 650 km stretch, including more than 100 km in Réserve faunique de Matane. The renowned GR A1 This link will open in a new window. offers more than a dozen short hikes on our territory. From easy to expert level, these walking circuits, which vary in length from 1 to 6 hours, will take you along rivers, by lakes, at the foot of waterfalls, and on the ridges and summits of the Chic-Chocs mountain range. Whether you’re an occasional hiker or a top-notch athlete of the trails, you’ll find a circuit to suit your tastes and abilities. Come and experience the true beauty of our majestic landscapes!

Long-distance hikers will be able to spend the night along the Réserve faunique de Matane section of the IAT-QC, using the camping facilities provided for this purpose (platforms or shelters). You must book and pay for your night(s) in advance with our partner, SIA-QC, online This link will open in a new window., by calling 418- 560-4642 or by email at infosiaquebec@gmail.com. You’ll need to contact them directly concerning any question about long hiking.

Parking fees

$9.61 (plus taxes) per car and $5.65 (plus taxes) per motorbike, applicable per day and for the following parking lots: John Registration Centre, des Pins, Lac Matane, Mont Blanc, Petit-Sault, and Chute Hélène. Annual parking pass available for $57.62 (plus taxes). Free parking for holders of the Annual Québec National Parks Card or for those staying in Sépaq cabins or campgrounds at Réserve faunique de Matane. Fees payable at John Registration Centre.

Access periods:

• From June 24 to the firt Monday of September (Labour Day): hiking trails are open. For information on trail conditions, please contact the IAT-QC.
• From the first Tuesday of September to September 28, 2024: access to hiking trails is restricted by regulation, as big game is hunted during this period. New regulations come into force each year to govern hiking during the hunting season. Ask at John Registration Centre for information on the new rules before planning any hike and travelling here.
• From September 29, 2024 to June 23, 2025: hiking trails are closed. Access prohibited by regulation during the big game hunting period.

The calm waters of the 2 km-long Étang-à-la-Truite lake, await you for a peaceful recreational kayak ride.

Recreational simple or double kayak rental available at the Étang-à-la-Truite Registration Centre, located at 42 km from John Registration Centre, on gravel road.

Period: beginning of June to the first Monday of September (Labour Day)

Two lakefront circuits, on gravel roads, are available to cyclists: an unsigned 4 km round trip on the west shore of Lac Matane, and a signed 11 km loop around Lac Etang-à-la-Truite.

Étang-à-la-Truite biking circuit

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

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.

Period: beginning of June to the first Monday of September (Labour Day)

Canyoning is a combination of walking, abseiling, and swimming, and consists of travelling along a steep waterway known for its rugged profile. Our partner Eskamer Aventure This link will open in a new window. offers a full-day canyoning activity This link will open in a new window. at Ruisseau Beaulieu, which runs along the foot of Mont Nicol-Albert. Guide service, transportation to and from Beaulieu canyon, full equipment (except shoe rental), lunch, snacks, and access to their spa and showers are all included in this package.

For any questions or bookings This link will open in a new window., please contact our partner Eskamer Aventure This link will open in a new window. by phone at 418-967-2999 or 1-866-963-2999, or by email at info@eskamer.ca.

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Package

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

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.

For more information about this activity, see the Fishing with accommodations section.

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

For more information about this activity, see the Day fishing section.

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

For more information about our stays in nature, see the Accommodations section.

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.

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

For more information about this activity, see the Small Game Day Hunting and Small Game Hunting with Accommodations sections.

Four-star comfort accommodation in a protected wilderness area: that's the concept of  Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs . Unique in eastern Canada, this lodge is perched at an altitude of 615 m in the heart of Réserve faunique de Matane. Well-being, pleasure, and tranquility are the keynotes. Inside, you’ll discover a warm atmosphere where nothing is neglected by the innkeeper or team. Outside, 60 km² of nature are at hand to enjoy your favourite activities. The ideal setting for your business meetings, work sessions, or company retreats!

The Auberge includes

• Accommodation: 18 rooms with 2 single beds or 1 king-size bed, and a private bathroom.
• A restaurant: glassed-in dining room offering a refined menu inspired by local products.
• Functional areas: meeting room for 18 people, multifunctional room, cloakroom, and shop.
• Relaxation areas: lounge with fireplace and cathedral ceiling, outdoor spa, sauna, and hanging balconies.

For more information, check out the Auberge online, or contact the lodge directly by calling 1-800-665-3091, or by email at auberge.chicchocs@sepaq.com.