National park · Canada
Laurentides Wildlife ReserveRéserve faunique des Laurentides
Go if you are driving Route 175 between Québec City and Saguenay and want a real forest stop: Camp Mercier at km 94 (mile 58) for a half-day walk or ski, L'Étape at km 135 (mile 84) for the lake and a bed. Skip it as a standalone destination — there is no shuttle, no town, and most of the reserve is closed to casual visitors.Go if you are driving Route 175 between Québec City and Saguenay and want a real forest stop: Camp Mercier at mile 58 (km 94) for a half-day walk or ski, L'Étape at mile 84 (km 135) for the lake and a bed. Skip it as a standalone destination — there is no shuttle, no town, and most of the reserve is closed to casual visitors.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
7,861 km² (3,035 sq mi)3,035 sq mi (7,861 km²)
approximate
Established
1968
Best months
Feb–Mar, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 7,861 km² (3,035 sq mi)3,035 sq mi (7,861 km²)
- About 7,861 km² across Capitale-Nationale, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Mauricie; the highest point is about 1,219 m (check).
- Established
- 1968
- Best months
- Feb–Mar, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
The Réserve faunique des Laurentides is not a national park with a gate and a loop road. It is 7,861 km² of managed forest, lakes and mountains north of Québec City, run by SÉPAQ for hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Visitors use two roadside reception points on Route 175 — Camp Mercier and L'Étape — plus a handful of chalet and camping sectors reached by gravel road. If you want a marked trail network and a day-use ticket, that is Camp Mercier. If you want to sleep by a big lake, that is L'Étape and La Loutre. Everything else needs a package, a boat or a snowmobile.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1968.
Size and age
7,861 km² (3,035 sq mi)3,035 sq mi (7,861 km²) · national park since 1968
About 7,861 km² across Capitale-Nationale, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Mauricie; the highest point is about 1,219 m (check).
Why go
- A genuine boreal forest stop on the Québec City–Saguenay drive, not a service station with a view.
- Camp Mercier runs about 70 km (43 mi) of cross-country ski trails and 33 km (21 mi) of snowshoe trails, with snow that lasts later than in the city.Camp Mercier runs about 43 mi (70 km) of cross-country ski trails and 21 mi (33 km) of snowshoe trails, with snow that lasts later than in the city.
- More than 2,000 lakes and rivers, with brook trout, lake trout and Arctic char fishing by permit.
- Cheap beds and campsites inside the reserve, 40 minutes from Québec City.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovAvoid
- DecGo
- JanDeep snow; ski and snowshoe trails at their best
- FebColdest but most reliable snow; clear days
- MarLong daylight, still full snow cover
- AprThaw; trails turn to slush and ice
- MayMud, blackflies starting, some roads soft
- JunFishing season underway; blackflies and mosquitoes peak
- JulWarmest; busiest camping weekends
- AugWarm, fewer insects late in the month
- SepDry, cool, no bugs; best walking month
- OctFall colour on the birch and fir; frost at night
- NovBetween seasons: no snow trails, no summer trails, hunting season
- DecSnow arrives; ski season opens around mid-month (check)
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MooseMay–Jun, Sep–Oct · Most often seen at dawn and dusk near wetlands and roadside salt; slow down on route 175, collisions are common. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| BeaverMay–Sep · Active at dusk on quiet lakes and streams. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Black bearMay–Oct · Keep food in the car or a locker; never feed one. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Woodland caribouDec–Mar · Present in the reserve but very rarely seen; the population is small and declining (check). | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Waterfowl, loons and heronsMay–Sep · Nesting along the lakes and rivers. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Blackflies and mosquitoesJun–Jul · Heavy in early summer; repellent and long sleeves matter more than any trail choice. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Québec City
Drive north on autoroute 73, which becomes route 175. Camp Mercier is at km 94 (mile 58), L'Étape at km 135 (mile 84).Drive north on autoroute 73, which becomes route 175. Camp Mercier is at mile 58 (km 94), L'Étape at mile 84 (km 135).
1.5 h to Camp Mercier
From Montréal
Autoroute 20 east to Québec City, then 73 north to route 175.
4–4.5 h
From Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean
Route 175 south from Chicoutimi; L'Étape is the last rest area of this kind before Québec City.
1.5–2 h
From Canada trip planning
Where this stop fits in an east or west Canada itinerary.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Mercier sector | The main day-use and winter sports hub: ski and snowshoe trail network, a newer building with a view over the slopes, a slide and an outdoor fireplace. | Open summer, fall and winter; day ticket or access right at the reception. |
| L'Étape and La Loutre sector | Rest area on route 175 at km 135 (mile 84), on the west shore of Lac Jacques-Cartier, with restaurant, gas station, convenience store and EV charging.Rest area on route 175 at mile 84 (km 135), on the west shore of Lac Jacques-Cartier, with restaurant, gas station, convenience store and EV charging. | Open summer and fall for camping; the roadside services run year-round (check). |
| Lac Jacques-Cartier | The largest lake in the reserve, about 12 km² (5 sq mi), with an observation point on its northern shore.The largest lake in the reserve, about 5 sq mi (12 km²), with an observation point on its northern shore. | Reached from L'Étape; boating and fishing under reserve rules. |
| Portes de l'Enfer (Pikauba valley) | A boxed-in stretch of the Pikauba river between mountains over 1,000 m, with a cliff of roughly 200 m; a lodge and about 10 log cabins serve anglers and hunters. | Package or cabin booking; not a casual day visit. |
| Gîte-du-Berger sector | Reception point and cottage on the north shore of Lac Clarence-Gagnon, along route 169. | Open with a booking; quieter than the route 175 stops. |
| Thomas-Fortin Ecological Reserve | A 117.86 ha protected patch of balsam fir and white birch inside the reserve, never disturbed by fire or insect outbreaks. | Conservation area; no visitor facilities. |
Sketch map
- 1Camp Mercier reception · Headquarters≈47.317, -71.183Approximate; km 94 (mile 58) of route 175.Approximate; mile 58 (km 94) of route 175.Map ↗
- 2L'Étape rest area and La Loutre · Ranger station≈47.560, -71.231Approximate; km 135 (mile 84) of route 175.Approximate; mile 84 (km 135) of route 175.Map ↗
- 3Lac Jacques-Cartier · Beach≈47.583, -71.217Approximate centre of the lake.Map ↗
- 4Portes de l'Enfer (Pikauba valley) · Viewpoint≈47.633, -71.350Approximate; about 12 km (7.5 mi) northwest of Lac Jacques-Cartier.Approximate; about 7.5 mi (12 km) northwest of Lac Jacques-Cartier.Map ↗
- 5Mont-Apica belvedere · Viewpoint≈47.970, -71.410Approximate; summit about 880 m beside route 169.Map ↗
- 6Camping Belle-Rivière · Sleep≈48.239, -71.717Approximate; north shore of Lac de la Belle-Rivière.Map ↗
- 7Gîte-du-Berger sector · Sleep≈48.050, -71.150Approximate; north shore of Lac Clarence-Gagnon along route 169.Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate, taken from the two route 175 reception points and the main named features, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily access right (droit d'accès), Camp Mercier sector | CAD 10–20 (≈ US$8–15) | person | 2026 estimate; SÉPAQ day rates vary by sector and season (check). |
| Cross-country ski or snowshoe day ticket, Camp Mercier | CAD 15–30 (≈ US$11–25) | person | 2026 estimate; trail pass is separate from the access right (check). |
| Fishing permit (daily, Québec resident) | CAD 20–40 (≈ US$15–30) | person | 2026 estimate; non-resident rates are higher and the reserve may add its own fishing access fee (check). |
| Camping, La Loutre or Belle-Rivière | CAD 30–55 (≈ US$25–40) | night | 2026 estimate for a serviced tent pitch, two adults (check). |
| Chalet or cabin, reserve sectors | CAD 120–300 (≈ US$90–250) | night | 2026 estimate; price depends on sector, size and season (check). |
| Vehicle entry | Free | vehicle | No separate car fee at the reception points; you pay per person or per package. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Day access right permit or guide
Fishing access and permit permit or guide
Hunting (moose, small game) permit or guide
Camping or chalet booking permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- C$10–20≈ US$8–15
- C$15–30≈ US$11–25
- C$20–40≈ US$15–30
- C$30–55≈ US$25–40
- C$120–300≈ US$90–250
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on SÉPAQ — Réserve faunique des Laurentides before you go.
Park rules
- Dogs
- Allowed in wildlife reserves but only in certain places; check the sector rules before you bring one.
- Fishing
- Licence plus reserve access right required; only lakes listed as open in the current fishing plan, with catch limits per species.
- Hunting
- Moose sectors are drawn by lottery; small-game packages are sold in advance. Wear orange in fall if you are walking anywhere near active sectors.
- Camping
- Only at designated campgrounds and cabins; no wild camping in the reserve.
- Fires and litter
- Fires only in provided pits; carry out everything you bring in.
- Winter trails
- Ski and snowshoe trails are for the marked network; do not walk on groomed classic tracks.
Where to stay
In the park
La Loutre campground and cabins
About 144 sites and eight cabins on the west shore of Lac Jacques-Cartier at the L'Étape rest area, with restaurant, gas and EV charging next door.
In the park
Camping Belle-Rivière
About 45 pitches and four ready-to-use tents on a 10 km (6.2 mi) lake, reached by 6 km (3.7 mi) of forest road off route 169.About 45 pitches and four ready-to-use tents on a 6.2 mi (10 km) lake, reached by 3.7 mi (6 km) of forest road off route 169.
In the park
Reserve chalets and cabins
Sectors including Croche-McCormick, Gîte-du-Berger, Mercier, Myrica and the Pikauba lodge; book well ahead for hunting and fishing seasons.
Near the park
Québec City
Full range of hotels and hostels, about 40 minutes from Camp Mercier.
Safety
Moose and deer on route 175 high
Winter driving and cold high
No phone signal away from route 175 medium
Getting lost off marked trails medium
Blackflies and mosquitoes low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Camp Mercier reception building, washrooms and the nearby slide area are the most accessible part of the reserve.
- The groomed ski and snowshoe networks and the L'Étape lakeside area involve uneven snow or gravel; check current conditions with SÉPAQ before relying on them.
- Most chalets and outlying sectors are reached by gravel road and are not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Buy the access right and fishing permit rather than fishing unlicensed; the fees fund habitat work in the reserve.
- Pack out all rubbish — there is no collection in the back sectors.
- Keep to marked trails in the Thomas-Fortin ecological reserve area and other protected patches.
- Do not feed or approach moose and bears; a fed animal usually becomes a dead animal.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Laurentides Wildlife Reserve?
There is no single park gate fee. You pay a per-person access right at the sector you use — Camp Mercier or La Loutre — and a separate trail pass if you are skiing or snowshoeing. Budget roughly CAD 10–20 per person for access and CAD 15–30 for a ski or snowshoe day ticket in 2026; fishing and camping cost extra. Rates change by season, so confirm on the SÉPAQ page for the reserve before you drive up.
What are the best hikes in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve?
The reserve is built around ski, snowshoe and fishing sectors rather than a big hiking network. The most useful walks are the marked snowshoe routes at Camp Mercier, including the route to the Le Pic relay and lean-to at about 800 m; the short lakeside walk and lookout at L'Étape on Lac Jacques-Cartier; and the Mont-Apica belvedere beside route 169. Longer routes exist but you should take the current SÉPAQ trail map, because signage is limited.
When is the best time to visit Laurentides Wildlife Reserve?
February and March for snow sports, and September and early October for walking and fall colour. June to August is warm and good for fishing and camping but brings blackflies, mosquitoes and full campgrounds. November is the weakest month: too little snow for winter trails, too late for summer ones, and hunting season is on.
Do I need a permit to fish or hunt here?
Yes. Fishing needs a Québec licence plus the reserve's fishing access right, and you may only fish lakes listed as open in the current annual fishing plan. Moose hunting is quota-based and sectors are allocated by lottery, so it is planned months ahead, not on arrival. Small-game packages can be booked with or without accommodation.
Can I visit without a car?
Not realistically. There is no shuttle or public transport into the reserve. Route 175 crosses it between Québec City and Saguenay, and the reception points at Camp Mercier (km 94) and L'Étape (km 135) are roadside stops on that highway. Without a vehicle you cannot reach the trailheads, campgrounds or chalets.
Is Laurentides Wildlife Reserve the same as a national park?
No. It is a wildlife reserve managed by SÉPAQ with the provincial forests and wildlife ministry, where hunting and fishing are core activities. National parks such as Grands-Jardins, further east in Charlevoix, have stricter protection and a single day-use fee. Federal and provincial park passes do not cover this reserve's access rights.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go