Whether you are a fan of ice fishing, winter vacations or even winter camping, several ZECs, members of the Quebec network, can welcome you in winter.
Even if there is not much snow at the moment, some of these areas will have created places and activities to satisfy lovers of winter adventures traveling alone, as a couple or with family.
You can explore the winter scene of several Zecs for hiking, snowmobiling, ice fishing and even small game hunting. These unique areas also offer you the opportunity to observe wildlife in their winter habitat.
For ice fishing, once the ice appears, you have the opportunity to take advantage of the lakes where you can catch pike, zander, brown trout and many other species that can be fished in winter.
Don't think that the fish won't bite because it's cold.
To practice ice fishing in a ZEC, you must register and pay fishing fees. The price may vary from one area to another. So it's good to check before you go there. You must comply with regulations regarding the amount of fish per species and also record your catches.
The ZEC staff you select will certainly be able to help you plan your excursion. To find out the list of ZECs offering this activity, just go to the website reseauzec.com/peche-sur-glace.
ACCOMMODATION OF YOUR CHOICE
During an expedition to a ZEC, it is possible to spend the night in a yurt in the middle of snowy nature in winter. Photo provided by Réseau Zec
Several Zecs are equipped to welcome you with maximum comfort in winter.
In fact, you have the choice to stay in a yurt, chalet, shelter or retreat during your winter activities. Since the distances to be covered in different areas are often quite large, it is best to find out about the options available to you.
Located in the Charlevoix region, ZEC Lac-au-Sable offers you the opportunity to stay in a yurt. In Beauce, ZEC Jaro puts at your disposal the Auberge du Refuge du Cerf, which can accommodate large groups. In the same ZEC there are also exceptional accommodation and chalets that offer everything you need to live your adventure in complete comfort.
On the territory of ZEC Mitchinamecus it is possible to observe wildlife, explore the surrounding area on snowmobile trails, while staying overnight in a chalet or in a heated caravan.
These are just a few examples of the options available to you in the world of ZECs.
For the more adventurous
It is possible to experience winter camping in certain ZECs. Photo provided by Réseau Zec
Adventurous souls can also go winter camping in certain ZECs. In these areas you can actually expect a comprehensive range of options.
To find out everything, it's best to visit the website reseauzec.com.
For your travels in the ZEC area and to explore the winter offers, you can use the georeferenced maps of the 63 ZECs in the network. They are free in the Avanza Maps app.
In summary
PULL
You have until January 15th To for one of the raffles organized by Sépaq to win an elk or deer hunt in game reserves. You can also register for the draw for places on certain types of packages at Sépaq Anticosti. To do this you need to go to the website www.sepaq.com. There you will find all relevant information under the “Draw” tab.
OUTFITTER SHOW
Meet season for the National Hunting and Fishing Outfitter Show is quickly approaching. The first show will take place in Laval at the Sheraton Convention Center from January 18th to 21st. In the Quebec region, the amateur meet is scheduled for Jan. 25-28 at the Lévis Convention Center. This will be an opportunity to meet all industry stakeholders who will present travel destinations, new equipment and more.
SEPAQ OPPORTUNITIES
By visiting the sepaq.com website, you will discover all the opportunities that national parks and certain wildlife reserves offer you for winter activities. We are thinking, among others, of the Portneuf Game Reserve with its outdoor winter stays in very well-equipped chalets or the lake areas of Noël or Pékan in the Laurentides Game Reserve. There are also the Devlin Chalets in Jacques Cartier Park. Given the weather we're having at the moment, it's a good idea to check the website carefully to see if the activities you want are actually offered. There is a wide range of options for a stay in nature.