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Trails of the Reserve
Four trails to explore, observe, and discover nature in its raw state. The Lac-Saint-François National Wildlife Reserve offers over 10 km of hiking trails. You can even bring along your canine companion on a leash.
Marais-Fraser Area
2,4 km
Beginning at the visitor centre, this trail first provides access to the observation tower, offering visitors a panoramic view of the Lac-Saint-François National Wildlife Reserve. One can notably observe the platforms where ospreys nest. A unique spot for a picnic.
A marked hiking trail crosses the marsh for several hundred metres, passing through a boardwalk.
Trille-Penché Area
800 m
It is the newest of our trails, developed with financial assistance from the Fonds Hydro-Québec pour l’environnement. The trail is located alongside Pointe Fraser, not far from the visitor centre.
The wooded trail is easy to navigate and equipped with walkways, benches, and a shelter. It passes through a forest “cedars” (Thuja occidentalis) and by a spectacular old linden (Tilia americana).
The Trille-Penché Trail provides an overview of the characteristic habitats of the Lac-Saint-François National Wildlife Reserve, which consists of more than 50 different plant groupings. The main groupings of dry habitats are found along this trail. In early spring, you can admire carpets of Nodding Trilliums (Trillium cernuum).
There are also a few Butternut trees, whose status is precarious in Quebec. To familiarize yourself with the tree species of Quebec’s southern forest, pick up our brochure, which guides you through each station to discover the trees of this trail.
Digue-aux-Aigrettes Area
3,7 km
This trail encircles an area developed by Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting duck reproduction. This type of basin maintains water levels to optimize use by waterfowl.
The seawall surrounding the basin is made from materials taken from the borrow pit, which becomes a canal. A 3.7 km trail adorned with several lookout points will allow you to observe waterfowl as well as several other bird species, including the graceful Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) and, of course, the Great Egret.
A brochure describing each point of interest on this trail has been prepared by the Amis de la Réserve nationale de faune du Lac-Saint-François.
This trail is very popular among birdwatchers and photographers.
Piasetski Area
5,9 km
For the most part, this trail crosses a higher, thus drier sector of the national wildlife reserve. The Hyckory Maple Grove dominates, with all the associated flora.
In the wetter part, you can notably observe the infamous Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) as well as Skunk Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus).
A brochure prepared by the Amis de la Réserve can be obtained at the visitor centre. Allow approximately two hours for completing the loop.
