DISCOVERY GUIDE
PARC NATIONALD'OPÉMICAN
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WELCOME TO THE PARK
Quebec’s national parks offer a unique experience. Fully explore this exceptional nature with the annual map of Quebec’s national parks:
unlimited access to ALL national parks for 12 months
many exclusive advantages, including a free night of camping
Details at sepaq.com
ANNUAL MAP QUEBEC NATIONAL PARKS
Our brand-new parc national d’Opémican: a magnificent place with a wealth of historyBordered on both sides by lakes Témiscamingue and Kipawa, the parc national d’Opémican aims, among other things, to protect a representative sample of the natural region of the south Laurentian Mountains.
Located between the hardwood forest and the boreal forest, the diversity of its landscapes is astonishing, but it is especially the silhouettes of tall pine trees rising more than 40 metres in height that hold our attention.
Be among the first visitors to navigate the Kipawa and Temiscaming lakes waterways, to camp atop rock walls overlooking Lac Témiscamingue and to gather around a campfire under the tall pines while listening to Anishinabeg legends.
THE FISHER, ANIMAL EMBLEM OF THE PARKA furtive carnivore the size of a cat, the fisher lives in the forests of the park. It uses its exceptional tree-climbing talent to pounce upon its prey. This mythical species is also at the heart of the Odjikanang aboriginal legend in which the Big Dipper constellation is also called “the fisher star.” If you don’t have the good fortune to see this acrobat in the park’s trees, look up to see its star!
Find out more at sepaq.com/opemican
THE FISHER
SUPERVISED ACCESS FOR DOGS
Dogs will be allowed at Parc national d’Opémican, in certain designated areas.
MAIN RULES*
• Dogs must remain in the places where they are authorized at all times.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash and under surveillance at all times.
•
The person in charge of the dog must pick up the animal’s excrement without delay.
•
Barking or howling dogs as well as dogs affecting the tranquility and safety of other visitors are not allowed.
*Individuals who fail to comply with any of the rules stated above may be required to leave the area and/or issued a statement of offence, where appropriate.
Compliance with the regulations is essential, and the offer could be reviewed if non-compliance is noted.
All details at sepaq.com/animals
AUTHORIZED PLACES
Summer trail
La Grande-Chute L’Estacade
Heritage trail (except for buildings) Chemin Jodoin
Des Éclaireurs
Camping Pointe-Opémican campground(Des Draveurs loop)
Picnic area Authorized in trails where dogs are allowed
Nautical access point Along Heritage trail, near sawmill stopover
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MUST-DOS
THE MISTIFYING GRANDE CHUTE Flowing into Temiscaming Lake, the Kipawa River drops more than 15m at the Grande Chute (falls), providing a thrilling sensory experience to young and old alike! A surprise awaits the children, as the forest turns into an unexpected playground!
ON THE ESTACADES TRAIL This trail of nearly 4 kilometres allows you to discover Pointe Opémican's key attractions. Hike along the mooring road and its sandy shoreline, then venture through the forest of tall pines along the charming White Creek and its crystal clear waters.
A B
CAMPING AMONG THE TALL PINES For a magical camping experience, campers can spend the night in one of our ready-to-camp units or bring their own tent to sleep among the forest of tall pines! Rustic campsites located atop the cliffs overlooking Temiscaming Lake or serviced campsites near Pointe Opémican's beautiful, sandy beaches are available.
THE SWEEPERS RALLY This experience specifically designed for children will give them a glimpse of what log driving was like! Explore the Boom trail on foot or by bike and discover the surprises the rally has in store for you. The rally and the discovery circuit for older adventurers is a perfect combination!
E F
C DCLIMBING THE INUKSHUK TRAIL The designers' meticulous attention to detail is sure to impress! Along the trail, you will come upon an Inukshuk, a structure of stacked stones, created by a famous local. For more information about this attraction, ask our park employees. And don't forget to take a selfie!
EXPLORING THE ARCHIPEL DE L’ÎLE AUX FRAISES The Strawberry Island area is one of the most stunning sectors of Lac Kipawa, a majestic lake whose reputation extends far beyond Quebec's borders. Thanks to various nautical circuits, you can access the archipelago and even camp on one of its islands! For a unique experience, find out about our canoe-bike circuit.
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Visitors Centre
Bureauxadministratifs
Chemin Cedar Pine
Chemin Opémican
Chem
in O
pém
ican
Chemin
Jodo
in
101
LacTémiscamingue
L'EstacadeTrail
DesPiersTrail
Des ÉclaireursTrail
PrucheraieTrail
3,0
0,30,5
3,0
2,1
1,6
0,5
1,3
0,6
Toroad 101
190
230
290
210
250
300
200
260
210
190
200
210
270
300
280
240
290
250
290
220
250
190
230 220
230
240
240
230
270
260
240
Pointe-OpémicanSector
(Access to waterfor dogs) Ready-
to-camp
Boucle desCageux
Boucle desDraveurs
Paroi-aux-Faucons
Inukshuk
LacTémiscamingue
RivièreKipawa
La Grande-ChuteTrail
L'InukshukTrail
La Paroi-aux-Faucons Trail
0,1
0,1
0,3
0,3
0,5
0,5
0,6
0,2
Toroad 101(5,4 km)
280
270
260
250
230
210
260250
240230
280270260250
240
230
250
250
220
250
240230
270
26025
0
220
210
200
270
290
270
270
270
260
260
260
240
Rivière-KipawaSector
0 200 400 600 800m
A self-perception terminal for access rightsis located at the entrance of the
Rivière-Kipawa sector.
0 100 200 300 400m
Ontario
101
0 5 10 15km
Les altitudes sont exprimées en mètres.Les distances de sentier sont exprimées en kilomètres.Cette carte intègre de l’information géographique de source gouvernementale.Pour des besoins de représentation, certaines données ont subi des transformationset des adaptations qui ont pu modifier la donnée originale.Données originales utilisées AnnéesBanque de données Sépaq Cartes topographiquesà l'échelle de 1/20 000 1980- 2000Source des données utiliséesMinistère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles© Gouvernement du Québec
L'information fournie sur cette carte peut changer sans préavis.En cas de disparité, l'information sur le terrain doit prévaloiren tout temps.
Registration Centre Canoe launch
Picnic
Lookout
Semi-serviced camping/Ready-to-camp
Parking lotPit toilets /Washroom facilityRecreational vehicledumping stationLength of trailsections
Start/EndHeritage trail
2020
Download viaAvenza Maps
Playground
Self registration post(Only access fee)
Boutique Nature shop
Rustic camping
Waste and recycling
Canoe deposit
Canoe rental
Bike rental
Shower
Secondary road
Bike path
Dogs allowed location
National park boundary
Trail
A
C
5
Visitors Centre
Bureauxadministratifs
Chemin Cedar Pine
Chemin Opémican
Chem
in O
pém
ican
Chemin
Jodo
in
101
LacTémiscamingue
L'EstacadeTrail
DesPiersTrail
Des ÉclaireursTrail
PrucheraieTrail
3,0
0,30,5
3,0
2,1
1,6
0,5
1,3
0,6
Toroad 101
190
230
290
210
250
300
200
260
210
190
200
210
270
300
280
240
290
250
290
220
250
190
230 220
230
240
240
230
270
260
240
Pointe-OpémicanSector
(Access to waterfor dogs) Ready-
to-camp
Boucle desCageux
Boucle desDraveurs
Paroi-aux-Faucons
Inukshuk
LacTémiscamingue
RivièreKipawa
La Grande-ChuteTrail
L'InukshukTrail
La Paroi-aux-Faucons Trail
0,1
0,1
0,3
0,3
0,5
0,5
0,6
0,2
Toroad 101(5,4 km)
280
270
260
250
230
210
260250
240
230
280270260250
240
230
250
250
220
250
240230
270
26025
0
220
210
200
270
290
270
270
270
260
260
260
240
Rivière-KipawaSector
0 200 400 600 800m
A self-perception terminal for access rightsis located at the entrance of the
Rivière-Kipawa sector.
0 100 200 300 400m
Ontario
101
0 5 10 15km
Les altitudes sont exprimées en mètres.Les distances de sentier sont exprimées en kilomètres.Cette carte intègre de l’information géographique de source gouvernementale.Pour des besoins de représentation, certaines données ont subi des transformationset des adaptations qui ont pu modifier la donnée originale.Données originales utilisées AnnéesBanque de données Sépaq Cartes topographiquesà l'échelle de 1/20 000 1980- 2000Source des données utiliséesMinistère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles© Gouvernement du Québec
L'information fournie sur cette carte peut changer sans préavis.En cas de disparité, l'information sur le terrain doit prévaloiren tout temps.
Registration Centre Canoe launch
Picnic
Lookout
Semi-serviced camping/Ready-to-camp
Parking lotPit toilets /Washroom facilityRecreational vehicledumping stationLength of trailsections
Start/EndHeritage trail
2020
Download viaAvenza Maps
Playground
Self registration post(Only access fee)
Boutique Nature shop
Rustic camping
Waste and recycling
Canoe deposit
Canoe rental
Bike rental
Shower
Secondary road
Bike path
Dogs allowed location
National park boundary
Trail
B
D
E F
65
Visitors Centre
Bureauxadministratifs
Chemin Cedar Pine
Chemin Opémican
Chem
in O
pém
ican
Chemin
Jodo
in
101
LacTémiscamingue
L'EstacadeTrail
DesPiersTrail
Des ÉclaireursTrail
PrucheraieTrail
3,0
0,30,5
3,0
2,1
1,6
0,5
1,3
0,6
Toroad 101
190
230
290
210
250
300
200
260
210
190
200
210
270
300
280
240
290
250
290
220
250
190
230 220
230
240
240
230
270
260
240
Pointe-OpémicanSector
(Access to waterfor dogs) Ready-
to-camp
Boucle desCageux
Boucle desDraveurs
Paroi-aux-Faucons
Inukshuk
LacTémiscamingue
RivièreKipawa
La Grande-ChuteTrail
L'InukshukTrail
La Paroi-aux-Faucons Trail
0,1
0,1
0,3
0,3
0,5
0,5
0,6
0,2
Toroad 101(5,4 km)
280
270
260
250
230
210
260250
240
230
280270260250
240
230
250
250
220
250
240230
270
26025
0
220
210
200
270
290
270
270
270
260
260
260
240
Rivière-KipawaSector
0 200 400 600 800m
A self-perception terminal for access rightsis located at the entrance of the
Rivière-Kipawa sector.
0 100 200 300 400m
Ontario
101
0 5 10 15km
Les altitudes sont exprimées en mètres.Les distances de sentier sont exprimées en kilomètres.Cette carte intègre de l’information géographique de source gouvernementale.Pour des besoins de représentation, certaines données ont subi des transformationset des adaptations qui ont pu modifier la donnée originale.Données originales utilisées AnnéesBanque de données Sépaq Cartes topographiquesà l'échelle de 1/20 000 1980- 2000Source des données utiliséesMinistère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles© Gouvernement du Québec
L'information fournie sur cette carte peut changer sans préavis.En cas de disparité, l'information sur le terrain doit prévaloiren tout temps.
Registration Centre Canoe launch
Picnic
Lookout
Semi-serviced camping/Ready-to-camp
Parking lotPit toilets /Washroom facilityRecreational vehicledumping stationLength of trailsections
Start/EndHeritage trail
2020
Download viaAvenza Maps
Playground
Self registration post(Only access fee)
Boutique Nature shop
Rustic camping
Waste and recycling
Canoe deposit
Canoe rental
Bike rental
Shower
Secondary road
Bike path
Dogs allowed location
National park boundary
Trail
DISCOVER OUR TRAILSTRAIL LENGTH AND DURATION* LEVEL OF
DIFFICULTY DEPARTURE POINT
La Grande-Chute – Take this short trail that leads to the famous Grande Chute! It is the perfect place to have a family picnic, and the trail also includes a mini challenge course for your little ones' delight!Adult supervision is recommended (near river)
1,2 km return trip 1 h E
La Grande-Chute parking lot.
Access via Chemin de la rivière Kipawa.
L’Inukshuk – Hike along rocky cliffs, through a cedar grove, and down a remarkable stone stairway. This trail opens up to the shores of Lac Témiscamingue and offers stunning views of the lake.Adult supervision is recommended (near rocky cliff)
2,4 km return trip 1 h I
L’Inukshuk parking lot. Access via Chemin
de la rivière Kipawa.
La Paroi-aux-Faucons – A splendid trail easily accessible with strollers. It will lead you to a rocky cliff, where peregrine falcons can often be seen. Look up, and you might be lucky enough to see one soaring in the sky.Adult supervision is recommended (near rocky cliff)
1,8 km loop 1 h E
La Paroi-aux-Faucons parking lot. Access via Rivière Kipawa Road.
L’Estacade – Hike or bike along this beautiful loop trail to discover the key attractions and services of the Pointe-Opémican sector.
3 km loop 1 h E
Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre. Access via
Chemin Opémican.
Piers – Quickly gain altitude with this trail that offers a magnificent view of the Opémican timber floating relay station and of Lac Témiscamingue. Can you spot the small hemlock fir stand on your way back?
1,7 km loop 1 h I
Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre. Access via
Chemin Opémican.
Chemin Jodoin – Take a wonderful hike or bike ride along the old access road of Pointe Opémican. It's the perfect place to take your dog out for a walk!
4 km return trip 2 h E
Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre. Access via
Chemin Opémican.
Des Éclaireurs - Get off the beaten path and go hike the plateau overlooking the Opemican Point. A nice loop for people who wants to start hiking longer trails.
6 km loop
3 h I
Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre. Access via
Chemin Opémican or La Prucheraie trail
De la Prucheraie - Make the pleasure last from the Sentier des Piers by taking this section that will bring you into a majestic forest. 1,6 km 30 mins
Pointe-Opémican Visitors Centre. Access via
Piers trail or Chemin Jodoin.
*Durations and levels of difficulty are indicated for information purposes only and apply to the summer season.F : Easy I : Intermediate D : Advanced
Hiking Mountain biking Self-interpretation Dogs allowed Family experience
Playground Picnic area Canoe rack Canoe launch Stroller accessible
• The challenge course in the La Grande-Chute trail
• A bike ride on the L’Estacade trail
• A walk with your all-terrain stroller along the La Paroi-aux-Faucons trail
• The «Saving Our Bats» and «Pointe-Opémican by Rabaska Canoe» discovery activities
• The Sweepers Rally
Our top picks at parkFree!Access and loan of equipment offered17 and under.Offer variable from one establishment to another. First come, first served.
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Ottawa
Natashquan
Percé
Tadoussac
Sherbrooke
Mont-Tremblant
Chibougamau
Sept-Îles
Port-Menier
Matane
Rimouski
Gaspé
Rouyn-Noranda
Val-d’Or
Trois-Rivières
Montréal
Québec
Gulf ofSt.Lawrence
UNITED STATES
NEW BRUNSWICK
LABRADOR
ONTARIO
QUÉBEC
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
NOVA SCOTIA
St.Lawrence River
Saguenay
Mont-Laurier
La TuqueRivière-du-Loup
MIGUASHA
LAC-TÉMISCOUATAGRANDS-JARDINS
GASPÉSIE
PARC MARIN DU SAGUENAY–SAINT-LAURENT
HAUTES-GORGES-DE-LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIE
FJORD-DU-SAGUENAY
ANTICOSTI
ÎLE-BONAVENTURE-ET-DU-ROCHER-PERCÉ
AIGUEBELLE
BIC
MONTS-VALINPOINTE-TAILLON
FRONTENAC
MONT-SAINT-BRUNO
YAMASKA
MONT-ORFORD
MONT-MÉGANTIC
JACQUES-CARTIER
MONT-TREMBLANT
OKA
PLAISANCE
ÎLES-DE-BOUCHERVILLE
OPÉMICAN
THE LARGEST NATURE ANDOUTDOOR NETWORK IN QUÉBEC
Sépaq has the privilege of developing territories of incredible richness. Among them, 24 national parks stand out as unique. These are protected areas that belong to all Quebecers and that provide lasting memories for visitors who proudly
make such exceptional destinations their own.
Discover all our destinations at sepaq.com
PARCS NATIONAUX | RÉSERVES FAUNIQUES | ÉTABLISSEMENTS TOURISTIQUES | SÉPAQ ANTICOSTI
QUÉBEC NATIONAL PARKS DAYSeptember 12, 2020
NATIONAL PARKS | WILDLIFE RESERVES | TOURIST ESTABLISHMENTS | SÉPAQ ANTICOSTI
FREE ADMISSION
SÉPAQ WINTER DAY JANUARY 30, 2021
FREE ADMISSION
FREE*
reusable bag with an in-store
purchase of $75 or more. The reusable bag is made
of natural wood fibre, a biodegradable and recyclable material.
*Value of $7.99. Eligible on all purchases of $75 or more after applicable rebates, discounts, and promotions and before applicable taxes. Exclusions: wood and convenience store products.Valid until December 31, 2020. Limited quantities available.
CHARACTERIZE TO BETTER DEVELOPOpémican must be built from the ground up! Did you know that before creating a trail or building a campground, a series of studies must be conducted to determine if the chosen path or site is appropriate? These characterization studies help identify and locate sensitive species and vulnerable habitats so that construction can be planned in areas and at times that are respectful of the plants and species populating the area.
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BATS IN DECLINEBat populations have been rapidly declining in the past few years. At Opémican, two endangered species, the sliver-haired bat and the hoary bat, were identified during the inventory work conducted prior to the park's creation. Rigorous monitoring of these mammal populations will be carried out over the years.
To learn more about these little creatures, we invite you to participate in the "Saving Our Bats" activity.
Coexisting in harmony with nature, it goes without saying in a national park!
CONSERVE FOR TOMORROW
A PROTECTED PILGRIMOnce peregrine falcons have chosen their nesting site, they fight beak and claw to protect it. Despite its title as the fastest predator in the world, the species is designated of special concern. Should they choose to nest on the cliff ledges bordering Lac Témiscamingue near the trails, an alternative path has been built to steer visitors away from the nests and avoid endangering the broods. Coexisting in harmony with nature, it goes without saying in a national park!
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RESPECT AUBERGE JODOIN RESIDENTSThe Auberge Jodoin chimney stacks are one of the chimney swift's preferred nesting sites. As the chimney swift is experiencing a marked decline and is one of the park's endangered species, we wish to sustain its population. Work to restore the building that could disturb the broods will thus be performed outside the nesting period, and the chimney stacks will remain untouched.
TO YOUR FISHING RODSWith the creation of Parc national d’Opémican, fishing enthusiasts must now record their catches. An ambitious research project has also been put into place, in cooperation with the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs, to gain insight on the state of the park's fish populations. This knowledge helps us, among other things, to determine the state of fish populations in our lakes and to better manage fishing to ensure healthy ecosystems and fish-bearing lakes!
The Auberge Jodoin chimney stacks are one of the chimney swift's preferred nesting site.
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SAVING OUR BATS Since the dawn of time, bats have been present in our nighttime stories... but how well do we really know them? Although these small mammals fly under the radar, their populations are now in sharp decline. Come delve into a fascinating story and unmask these beautiful and obscure creatures!
These activities may not be offered during the 2020 season.
BUILDING A NATIONAL PARKYou would like to know more on how a national park is created? Visit the construction site of Parc national d’Opémican to find out about the implementation stages. One of our park wardens will lead you on a tour and introduce you to its historic buildings.
A unique opportunity to learn about the process of creating a national park.
THE SECRETS OF OPÉMICANDiscover the various trails of the Rivière-Kipawa sector in the company of a park warden who will reveal some of the park's secrets and treasures.
POINTE OPÉMICAN BY RABASKA CANOELed by a park warden, set out on an excursion in a rabaska canoe to discover the Opémican timber floating relay station. Just like the "sweepers" back then, discover the area by navigating the waters of Pointe- Opémican. You'll be in on all of the historical buildings' secrets!
Adults: $ 11.50. Free for children under 17 years old accompanied by an adult.
“Opémican,” from the Algonquin word “Opemikon,” which means “along the path followed by the Amerindians.”
Come live the Opémican experience in a rabaska canoe!
DISCOVERY TIME
Legal Deposit: 2019 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
SÛRETÉ DU QUÉBEC: 310-4141 (general number) /*4141 (for cellphones)*Where cellphone networks are available. The costs and expenses incurred in conducting search and rescue operations are the responsibility of the wbene ciary. You can obtain protection against these risks from an insurer.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: 911Parc national d’Opémican
5555, ch. Opémican, C.P. 129 Témiscaming (Québec) J0Z 3R0
Information : 819-627-3551
Email : [email protected]
sepaq.com/opemican
IN THE WILD, YOUR SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSABILITY Sépaq’s mission is to ensure the widest possible access to Québec’s most beautiful natural treasures. Sépaq is committed to the safety of its visitors and urges you to play it safe!
Preparing yourself adequately is the first step in the safe and enjoyable practice of your favourite activities. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY and risk management is an integral part of your experience.
Before leaving for an excursion, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED to practice your chosen activity AND RESPECT YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS. Your outing should leave you with nothing but pleasant memories. We invite you to consult our safety guides for Sépaq activities, available at sepaq.com/security. You will also find a list of organizations that can help you plan your activities safely.
sepaq.com/security
Photo : Steve Deschênes, Parc national des Grands-Jardins
BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME
• Plan on going with at least one other person.• Check the weather report.• Pack water and food, even if the activity is only for a few hours.• See that you have appropriate clothing and footwear for anticipated weather conditions.• Let somebody know the exact location of your destination and the time you plan to return home.
ONCE YOU ARE ON SITE
• Do not rely on your cellphone.• Check how much time it will take to complete your activity.• Obey signs and notices, including bans on open fires.
WHEN YOU GET BACK• Once you have completed your activity, make sure that you report to our staff anything
wrong or any damage or problems you encountered.
CHECKLIST
Legal Deposit: 2019 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec
SÛRETÉ DU QUÉBEC: 310-4141 (general number)) /*4141 (for cellphones)*Where cellphone networks are available. The costs and expenses incurredin conducting search and rescue operations are the responsibility of thewbeneficiary. You can obtain protection against these risks from an insurer.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: 911 Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
4456, ch. du Lac-Supérieur Lac-Supérieur (Québec) J0T 1P0Information: 418-848-3169 Réservation: 1 [email protected] sepaq.com/jacquescartier
Photos: Parc national des Grands-Jardins, Steve Deschênes : Dominic Boudreault, Mathieu Dupuis, Agathe Girard-Tremblay, Jean-Pierre Huard, Steve Deschênes, Lise Génois, Caroline Langevin, Paul Binet – Dreamstime
PLAY IT SAFE
NE PAS ENVVOYER CETTE PARTIEAUX GRAPHISTES
REMINDERS
During your visit to a national park, you must always carry your entry fee receipt or your annual entry card.
Remember that animals are in their natural habitat and that you are a visitor. To ensure both your safety and theirs, feeding them is prohibited; otherwise they may lose their natural fear of human beings and become aggressive.
To preserve our natural riches, you are not allowed to remove any natural elements (animals, plants, dead wood, rocks, etc.). Please also keep to established hiking trails to avoid trampling flora.
Photos : Hélèna Baron, David Dohnal (Shutterstock), Mathieu Dupuis, François Fabianek, Dany Gareau, Catherine Simard