IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET TO LE DOMAINE WITHOUT A CAR? answer
WHICH OTHER SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT LE DOMAINE?  answer
CAN WE DRINK THE WATER? answer
ARE THERE A LOT OF MOSQUITOES?  answer
ARE BLACK BEARS DANGEROUS?  answer
HOW DO I CHOOSE A CIRCUIT?  answer
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VARIOUS CANOE TYPES: FIBERGLASS, KEVLAR AND ROYALEX?  answer
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?  answer
WHAT ARE THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES?  answer

ARE THE CAMP SITES COMMUNAL?

Our campsites are not usually shared by more than one group. However, during very busy weekends (first weekend of August and Labour Day), you should expect to share your site. Sites come in various sizes (1 to 5 tents). We recommend you look for sites that match the number of tents you have. If due to lack of choice you find yourself at a site meant for several tents and you are only occupying one space, you must allow access to other campers. Also, you are not allowed to set up more tents than the number indicated for that site.

WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE AT THE CAMPSITES?

The facilities consist of: separate, levelled areas for each tent, a safe fire pit, a communal area proportionate to the number of tents allowed, privies and canoe put-ins. Note: There are no facilities (pole between two trees) to hang up your food out of the reach of animals.

CAN WE ONLY CAMP ON SITES WITH FACILITIES?

In order to minimize the environmental impact on La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, you are only allowed to camp on official sites. Camping on beaches that have no campsites is prohibited.

CAN WE CAMP FOR MORE THAN ONE NIGHT AT THE SAME SITE?

No. You must change campsites every night. Three fixed campsites on which it is authorized to camp up to four consecutives nights are available upon reservation. For more information, read the Reservation section.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CAMPERS ALLOWED PER CAMPSITE?

A maximum of 10 campers is permitted per campsite. Sites designated for groups of 10 to 20 persons are available, upon reservation, on Circuits 10, 11, 15, 30 and 60.

CAN WE MAKE CAMP FIRE?

Yes, you are allowed to make fires unless a ban has been issued by SOPFEU (Société de protection des forêts contre le feu) or if the risk of forest fires is high. You must use the fire pits provided at each campsite. Before leaving the site, make sure you have extinguished the fire (with water) and cleaned up all your waste. It is strongly recommended that you bring along a cooking stove. Check forest fire risk at the SOPFEU website.

IS THERE FIREWOOD AT THE CAMPSITES?

No. You may, however, gather dry wood at most sites or close by. Where a campsite is in frequent use, we recommend fetching wood from as far away as possible, by canoe. Note: Cutting living trees or removing bark from living silver birch is strictly prohibited.

CAN A CIRCUIT BE RESERVED? OR A CAMPSITE?

Reservations can only be made for circuits when the shuttle has also been reserved. We have to limit the number of persons using each circuit to ensure the availability of campsites. Our policy is: first come, first served. We can also reserve campsites designated for groups of 10 to 20 persons (circuits 10, 11, 15, 30 and 60) as well as the fixed campsites. For other campsites, just choose a site on your circuit.

IS FISHING ALLOWED?

In order to fish in La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, you need a Québec sport fishing permit and a
La Vérendrye access permit for fishing. The commonest types of fish are walleye and northern pike. There is speckled trout in some bodies of water to the south. See permit rates.

ARE THERE ANY CIRCUITS IN WHICH MOTOR BOATS AREN’T ALLOWED?

None of the circuits is reserved exclusively for canoe-campers. However, most of our visitors say they have not been inconvenienced by motor boats. Canoeable waterways such the Chochocouane and Gens-de-Terre rivers are examples of circuits that are largely inaccessible to motor boats.

CAN CABINS BE RENTED?

Cabins can be rented at Le Domaine, Lac Granet and the Dozois reservoir (Nadagam). For information and reservations visit www.sepaq.com.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET TO LE DOMAINE WITHOUT A CAR?

Yes. Le Domaine can be reached by bus from Montreal, Ottawa and Val d'Or.

CAN FOOD BE BOUGHT AT THE RESERVE?

There is limited food at the convenience store (dépanneur) at Le Domaine. The closest towns for buying provisions are Mont-Laurier (100 km from Le Domaine) and Grand Remous (75 km from Le Domaine), if you’re coming from Montreal or the Laurentians. If you’re coming from the Outaouais, you can buy provisions at Maniwaki (100 km from Le Domaine) or Grand Remous (75 km from Le Domaine). If you are coming from Abitibi-Témiscamingue, you can buy provisions in Val d'Or (182 km from Le Domaine) or in Louvicourt (146 km from Le Domaine).

ARE WE ALLOWED TO DO A CIRCUIT WITH JUST ONE CRAFT?

When travelling by canoe or kayak, it is advisable to do so in groups of two or three craft. This makes rescue easier if you should get into trouble. However, no restrictions apply to single-craft trips whether with one or two persons aboard.

IS THERE A SPECIAL GROUP RATE?

There are no special prices for groups. Rates for camping are charged per person, per night. See access permit rates.

WHERE CAN WE GET MAPS?

Maps are available at Le Domaine, also from the Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak and at some outdoor equipment stores. The general map of La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve gives you an overview of all the circuits. We also publish map-guides (1/50,000 scale) for most of our circuits, providing useful details for your trip (campsites, portages, distances, etc.) and to help orient you in the reserve. To order

WHERE DO THE WINDS BLOW FROM?

The winds blow mostly out of the west. 

ARE THE BARRELS YOU RENT OUT BEAR-PROOF, IF USED TO TRANSPORT FOOD?

Our watertight barrels generally offer effective protection from most animals, but are not resistant to the claws of a bear, or even raccoons, attracted by the smell of food. To avoid unwanted visits, make sure your barrels are always kept clean. Keep food well away from your tent before going to sleep and hang it up high. A good way is to tie a rope between two trees, at least 3 metres from the ground, and hang your food well away from the trunks and upper branches.

DO YOU OFFER INSURANCE FOR CANOE DAMAGE?

No. We are not able to offer insurance for canoes or any other equipment. The renter is responsible for any breakages to rental equipment.

IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE TO THE RESERVE?

There is no entry fee to pay at wildlife reserves but you do have to pay for an access permit in order to camp.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TO PARK MY VEHICLE?

No. Parking is free.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE AVAILABLE?

We accept payment in cash, Visa and MasterCard credit cards, and debit cards.