Did you know that Quebec has many protected areas accessible to the general public?
In addition to playing an essential role in preserving biodiversity, most of these places prove to be hidden treasures for outdoor enthusiasts who wish a real contact with nature.
Here are three places to discover:
Ecological reserve of La Forêt-La-Blanche
Mayo, Outaouais
Open year -round, this ecological reserve protects one of the last old forests in Quebec. It offers 12 kilometers of hiking trails and rackets punctuated by 10 points of interest to discover thanks to a free mobile application.
– The “Le Ouaouaron” trail is one of the most spectacular in the Ecological Reserve of the Forest-La-Blanche. Photo credit: Jim McEachern
Gault-de-l’Université-McGill nature reserve
Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Montérégie
Property of McGill University since 1958, this nature reserve of more than 1,000 hectares is a research station. It offers 25 kilometers of perfect trails for hiking, observation of birds and educational activities.
– It is possible to observe many migratory birds on the site of the Gault-de-l’Université-McGill nature reserve. Photo credit: Alex Tran
Projected biodiversity reserve of Île-aux-Lièvres
Rivière-du-Loup, Bas-Saint-Laurent
Located in the heart of the river, this protected area is free from cars! After the crossing, visitors will notably have access to pedestrian trails and unusual wilderness campsite sites.
Before moving to a protected area, consult your website to find out the accessible sectors and enabled activities.
Benefits of nature for health
Take advantage of Quebec’s protected areas to get back in full energy! There are many benefits of nature:
- Reduction of heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, stress and mental fatigue
- Improved mood, vitality and cognitive functions
- Attention restoration
Source : The benefits of nature on overall health. Report made on behalf of the sepaq, 2021, 15 pages.
To find out more about Protected areas in Quebec
(Start of the box) The establishment of a network of protected areas plays an essential role in preserving the variety of species, ecosystems and wild genetic resources. This network is essential for the attenuation of climate change and it facilitates our adaptation to them. (End of the box)
