More than 4000 lakes. Two huge tanks. Almost 12,500 km2 area. La Vérendrye Game Reserve is an area of excess and a fabulous playground for canoe camping.
Photo credit: SÉPAQ / Claude Héon
In recent years, with the growing popularity of outdoor and nature activities, the Poisson Blanc and Kiamika Regional Parks in the Laurentians have attracted a lot of attention from campers drawn by the opportunity to pitch their tent on their islands.
To make you forget La Vérendrye a bit, it lies further west, just after Mont-Laurier, and spans the Outaouais and Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions.
And yet those who have the courage to take Route 117 to reach this venerable sanctuary will (re)discover a wild and peaceful paradise worthy of its statistics.
Adventures of yesterday and today
This area, which became a nature reserve in 1979, bears the name of explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de La Vérendrye, a pioneer of French exploration of North America in the 18th century.
Two hundred years later, its adventurous spirit still soars in this natural space, which includes almost 800km of canoe camping loops.
To help modern canoeists navigate this vast area, 18 routes have been developed, circular routes in the form of a loop of 2 to 10 days and more.
“Everything is connected at La Vérendrye,” explains Jeff Thuot, outdoor guide and experienced canoeist who knows the reserve well. The lakes are connected by rivers or portages. We can go for months! »
Especially since the Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec (Sépaq), which recently took over the management of canoe camping expeditions – previously offered by Canot Kayak Quebec, and has been since 1993 – had the bright idea of introducing the “first come, first” system served” for the many campsites (2 to 20 people) on the various racetracks.
A remarkable freedom and flexibility that allows you to choose the number of kilometers you want to paddle daily and even create your own canoe route to your heart’s content!
However, to avoid overcrowding on certain routes, you must reserve your route before departure. The same applies to campsites rated “R”, pitches that are only available for groups of 10 to 20 people or five or more tents.
An aquatic maze
La Vérendrye has a total of around 500 campsites for this activity, distributed throughout the territory, on the islands or on the water. Each has a shared fire pit (no wood provided) and a nearby outhouse. No drinking water point. You need to filter or treat the river water.
To orientate yourself, each route has a detailed map that can be downloaded in paper form or via the Avenza Map application. An essential tool if you don’t want to get lost in this vast lakefront and forest maze. Jeff Thuot recommends:
“When you look at the course, you realize that it is easy to navigate. But on the ground you don’t know whether it’s an island, a bay or a dead end at the other end of the lake. It is therefore important to have a map to find yourself well. »
For all types of canoeists
The vastness of the territory and wide range of canoe camping trails allow you to cast your net widely, from easy to challenging, with as many calm waterways as rapids.
However, exploring such a wild playground requires some experience, both in navigating and managing its autonomy.
Newcomers and families can still find a course within their reach by opting for a permanent campsite. There are several pitches just one kilometer from the Le Domaine reception, allowing for a tailor-made adventure.
The game reserve also offers canoe rentals and all the necessary equipment. A shuttle service is also offered as an entry or exit door between the various circuits and the reception. It is not possible to use the services of a tour guide. But it won’t be long, Sépaq assures.
Photo credit: SÉPAQ / Claude Héon
Practical information
– Rate: $14.75 per adult per night, free for children 17 and under.
– Rental: From $37 per day per boat. This includes a canoe or kayak, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD) with whistle, ladle and rope bag.
– The circuits can also be used with a paddle board (SUP).
– Info and reservations: sepaq.com or call 1.844.897-4980.