Covering a little over 150 km², the Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau offers a vast territory for outdoor enthusiasts. It can be accessed from the following sectors: Massif, Grande-Jetée, Grande-Vallée, Pont Suspendu, and Contreforts. The park is gifted with a 120 km mountainous massif incorporating a network of multifunctional trails (hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing). Numerous shelters and rustic camping sites allow hikers to extend their stay. Crossed by a magnificent river, the Ouareau Forest highlights numerous wilderness lakes and a climbing wall recognized and managed by the Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l’escalade (FQME). The Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau is a complete offer that will satisfy any outdoor enthusiast!
Parks
Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau
Chertsey | Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci | Entrelacs | Saint-Côme
Activities
Lodging
Services
Pricing
Regulations
Maps
Contact
Activities
Summer season
Hiking
| Trail name | Lengths (km) | Elevation gain | Level of difficulty | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boucle du Belvédère de la Croix | 2,4 | 100 m | Intermediate | Massif sector |
| Boucle du refuge Corbeau | 20,6  | 830 m | Intermediate | Massif sector |
| Boucle du Mont Prud’homme | 3,1 | 150 m | Intermediate | Massif sector |
| Sentier du Refuge La Loutre | 3,3 | n/d | Intermediate | Massif sector |
| Boucle du Massif (via refuge Prud’homme) | 16 | 375 m | Advanced | Massif sector |
| Sentier de l’ancien poste | 16,5 | 300 m | Advanced | Massif sector |
| Sentier du belvédère du mont des Conscrit | 3,5 | 200 m | Intermediate | Grande-Jetée sector |
| Petite rivière du Nord | 2,1 | n/d | Beginner | Grande-Jetée sector |
| Sentier de l’ours | 6 | 25 | Intermediate | Grande-Jetée sector |
| La Pinède | 13,5 | 140 m | Intermediate | Grande-Jetée sector |
| Le Sommet | 7,8 | 50 m | Intermediate | Grande-Vallée sector |
| Boucle du lac Côté | 13,1 | 350 M | Advanced | Grande-Vallée sector |
| Mont-107 | 16 | 240 m | Advanced | Grande-Vallée sector |
| Sentier des Murmures | 5,5 | n/d | Beginner | Pont-Suspendu and Grande-Jetée sectors (linear) |
| Sentier du raccordement | 7 | 300 m | Advanced | Contreforts sector |
| Sentiers du Massif et des Contreforts | 40 | +910m/-990m | Advanced | Massif and Contreforts sectors |
The Ouareau Forest Regional Park is truly a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. With nearly 100 km of trails, you will find a hike that suits you. To extend your adventure, don’t forget our shelters and campsites, available upon reservation, which are at your disposal to live the experience of spending the night in the heart of the forest.
Rock climbing
You are invited to discover the climbing walls located at Lac Blanc, Lac Castor, and the Murmures trail. These walls are all affiliated with the Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l’escalade (FQME). The FQME regulates access rights and rules. Before you go, we advise you to contact the FQME to know the state of the walls or to obtain other technical information on climbing.
Wall of the Murmures trail (Pont-Suspendu sector)
If you want to climb multi-pitch routes in an enchanting setting, with several routes of 3 to 5 pitches, this is the place to be. There are also some nice sports and traditional routes, as well as several nice boulders to discover along the approach trail. There is a camping site and a river at the foot of the wall. LEARN MORE (french only)
Lac du Castor and Lac Blanc walls (Contreforts sector)
Lac Blanc: This west-facing wall is particularly suited to lead climbing. It is only possible to climb with a top rope if one person can reach the summit as a first rope climber. LEARN MORE
Lac du Castor: This wall offers generally shorter routes on a unique rock type. Unfortunately, the routes tend to dry out very late in the season and stay wet for a long time after it rains. It can get extremely hot in the summer when the humidex is on, but Lac Castor is just a short walk away to cool off in the water. LEARN MORE
Canoe and paddle board (SUP)
Paddleboard (SUP)
Paddleboarding is another way to discover the park during the summer months. Take advantage of the calm waters of our lakes and some marked sections of the Ouareau River to enjoy the great outdoors. It is a whole new perspective. You don’t have the equipment but you are curious to try it out? We offer a complete rental service (board, paddle, and personal flotation device) at the Contreforts, Pont-Suspendu, and Grand-Jetée registration centers.
- Contreforts sector: on the 1st lac du Castor, (from Wednesday to Sunday).
- IMPORTANT: Washing your canoe or board is mandatory before putting it in the water. A free washing station is at your disposal at 2890, Chemin Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci. You must present your proof of washing ticket at the registration center.
- Pont-Suspendu sector: marked circuit on the Ouareau River (3 km round trip)
Canoe
Six (6) canoes are at your disposal at the 1st lac du Castor (from Wednesday to Sunday), in the Contreforts sector. With the cliffs of the Sentier des Contreforts in the background, the setting is spectacular! A great activity to enhance your camping trip in the area. The canoes are located near your campsite. Please note that you must pay your rental fee at the reception desk of the Contreforts sector to obtain the key to unlock the canoes and take the life jackets and paddles.
Whitewater canoeing and kayaking
For the more adventurous, the Ouareau River offers the potential for whitewater canoeing and kayaking. Depending on the season, conditions on the river can vary considerably. The park does not supervise this activity. You must therefore be autonomous to practice it and take care to evaluate the risks. For those who would like to know more, consult the Fédération Québécoise du canot et du kayak website. In the “Search for courses” section, you can learn more about the possible courses in Matawinie, on the Ouareau River as well as on other rivers of the region.
Hebertism trail
In the Pont-Suspendu sector, a dozen hebertism modules are offered for the greatest pleasure of the children! In the heart of a beautiful pine forest, these playgrounds will nicely enhance your stay at the Pont-Suspendu campground or the Capucines refuge. They are located a few steps away! You can also try them out as a park visitor after a hike to the Pont-Suspendu or on the Murmures Trail. Daily access fee required.
Cycling
Grande-Jetée sector – 10 km
Easy-level linear trail in a multifunctional trail. The path is a 5 km round trip that leads to the Ouareau River and a picnic area. You can combine the activity with a hike using the Murmures trail. The second circuit is an intermediate loop of 5 km in the forest with two viewpoints on the Petite rivière du Nord and a pond.
Winter season
Cross-country skiing
The Massif sector is without a doubt a privileged area for snow enthusiasts. The exceptional snow conditions found here make it a preferred site for classic cross-country skiing (30 km) as well as snowshoeing (35 km).
| Trails length – Cross-country ski trails | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| # of trails | Loop (km) | Access (round trip km) | Total (km) | Level |
| 13 | 3 | 2 | 5 | Intermediate |
| 10 | 3,5 | 3 | 6,5 | Beginner |
| 6 | 2 | 6,5 | 8,5 | Intermediate |
| 11 | 2,5 | 4 | 6,5 | Intermediate |
| 12A | 2 | 3 | 5 | Intermediate |
| 12 | 3,5 | 3 | 6,5 | Intermediate |
| 15 | 3 | 6 | 9 | Intermediate |
| 16 | 2 | 7,5 | 9,5 | Intermediate |
| 21A | 2 | 9,5 | 11,5 | Intermediate |
| 21 | 4,5 | 9,5 | 14 | Intermediate |
| 23 | 3 | 13 | 16,5 | Intermediate |
Take advantage of this opportunity to extend your stay in nature by visiting one of our warm shelters. During the cold winter nights, you will appreciate the comforting warmth of the wood stove and share unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
Snowshoeing
Although the Forêt Ouareau is known for its ski trails, it also allows for exploration on snowshoes or crampons, depending on weather conditions. With over 100 km of trails and spectacular scenery, it’s no wonder that winter hiking enthusiasts return when winter sets in.
Take advantage of this opportunity to extend your visit in the wilderness by staying in one of our warm huts. During the cold winter nights, you will enjoy the comforting warmth of the wood stove and share unforgettable moments with your loved ones.
| Trail name | Length (km) | Elevation gain | Level of difficulty | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boucle du Belvédère de la Croix | 2,4 | 100 m | Intermédiaire | Massif sector |
| Boucle du refuge Corbeau | 20,6 | 830 m | Intermédiaire | Massif sector |
| Boucle du Mont Prud’homme | 3,1 | 150 m | Intermédiaire | Massif sector |
| Sentier du Refuge La Loutre | 3,3 | n/d | Intermédiaire | Massif sector |
| Boucle du Massif (via refuge Prud’homme) | 16 | 375 m | Avancé | Massif sector |
| Sentier de l’ancien poste | 16,5 | 300 m | Avancé | Massif sector |
| La Pinède | 13,5 | 140 m | Intermédiaire | Grande-Vallée sector |
| Le Sommet | 7,8 | 50 m | Intermédiaire | Grande-Vallée sector |
| Boucle du lac Côté | 13,1 | 350 M | Avancé | Grande-Vallée sector |
| Mont-107 | 16 | 240 m | Avancé | Grande-Vallée sector |
| Sentier des Murmures | 5,5 | n/d | Débutant | Pont-Suspendu and Grande-Jetée sectors (linear) |
| Sentier du raccordement | 7 | 300 m | Avancé | Contreforts sector |
| Sentiers du Massif et des Contreforts | 40 | +910m/-990m | Avancé | Massif and Contreforts sectors |
Tube sliding
The park offers a wide slope for tubing in the Massif sector, in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci. After a little snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, come and extend the pleasure with your family and taste the joys of winter!
This activity is offered free of charge with the purchase of the daily access fee. Parental supervision is required. No ski lifts. Tubes are available for loan at the registration center.
Lodging
Lodging
Services
Services
Massif registration centre
- Sanitary block (toilet and drinking water)
- Winter schedule: The Massif sector reception desk is open from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. from Thursday to Sunday.
- Equipment rental: Snowshoes and crampons from Thursday to Sunday between 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. The equipment must be returned by 3h30 P.M. maximum.
- Firewood, snacks, coffee, bottled water, beverages, mosquito repellent, crampons, and hiking accessories are for sale.
Luggage transport
The following rules apply: During the park’s open periods, luggage transportation is available until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and until 11:30 a.m. on weekends.
To book this service,
PLEASE CONTACT US WITHIN A MINIMUM OF 72 HOURS BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL.
Minimum price of $90.00, taxes included, (for 4 bags), and $20 per additional bag.
Rates are for a one-way trip, from one service point to a refuge or from one refuge to another.
Pont-Suspendu and Contreforts registration centres
- Dry toilets
- Equipment rental: canoes, paddle board
- Firewood sales, snacks, bottled water, beverages, and mosquito repellent.
- Pont-Suspendu | Summer schedule: Sunday to Thursday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., Friday and Saturday from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M.
- Contreforts | Summer schedule: Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., Friday and Saturday from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M.
- Septic tank emptying station for RVs: This service is not offered in the park. However, it is available in the Saint-Donat and Saint-Côme municipalities. To know where they are located, check the camps and refuges section.
Grande-Jetée and Grande-Vallée registration centres
- Dry toilets
- Equipment rental: bicycle, paddle board (Grande-Jetée only)
- Sale of wood, snacks, bottled water, beverages, and mosquito repellent
- Summer schedule: Sunday through Thursday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., Friday and Saturday from 9 A.M. to 10 P.M. / The Grande-Jetée sector is closed in the wintertime.
- Septic tank emptying station for RVs: This service is not offered in the park. However, it is available in some nearby municipalities. To know where, check the camps and refuges section.
Shuttle service from Montreal
Offered by our partner COOP Bonjour Nature, a solidarity travel agency dedicated to the Lanaudière region.
Package departing from Montreal for the summer of 2023, starting at $69 per person plus taxes (see details).
Departure will be near the Radisson metro station at 8 A.M. Stops along the way. Arrival at the Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau in the served area on the chosen date. Remember to bring a snack and a bottle of water. Activity ends in the afternoon. Arrival in Montreal at around 6:30 P.M.
Transportation by cab
Want to get to your trailhead or back to your car at the end of your ride? You can contact our local businesses:
Taxi Bruneau: 450-886-2331
Pricing
Pricing
| Daily Access | Adult | Child (6 to 17 years old) | Family | Group (20 people and more) | School group (6 to 17 years old) | Annual pass* Matawinie Parks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | 9,00 $ | 4,00 $ | 20,00$ | 6,00 $ | 3,00 $ | 75,00 $ |
| Cross-country skiing | 14,00 $ | 6,00 $ | 30,00 $ | 9,00 $ | N/A |
| Other services |
|---|
| $75.00 (for 4 bags), $17.25 per additional bag. Price for one way or return. 17.25 per additional bag. |
| Snowshoe rental: Including access fee: 18,00$/day With the rental of a refuge: 10,00$/day |
| Canoe, SUP and fatbike rental, half-day block 3 hours available in the morning and afternoon: $30.00/equipment. |
*: This pass gives access to all the following regional parks: Forêt Ouareau, Sept-Chutes, Chute-à-Bull, and Lac Taureau. Depending on the park, the following activities are available: hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing. Family pass available for $150.
Note 1- The park is patrolled at all times. When the reception area is closed, you must pay the access fee at the pay station located near the parking lots or via the online ticketing system. At any time, patrollers may ask for your access fee. Thank you for respecting this fee.
Note 2: Prices include taxes and can change without notice.
| Hébergement | Rates |
|---|---|
| Rustic campground | 40 $ |
| Extra tent / night | 35,00 $ |
| Camping visitor (without overnight stay/per day) | 9,00 $ |
| Visitor or additional person (with overnight stay) | 10,00 $ |
| Camping rustic / full season | 750,00 $ |
| In exclusivity | |
| Refuge Prud’homme (max. 8 persons) | 130,00 $ |
| Refuge Loutre (max. 2 persons) | 70,00$ |
| Refuge Pelletier (max. 8 people) | 130,00$ |
| Refuge Corbeau (max. 6 persons) | 100,00$ |
| Refuge Toussaint (max. 8 people) | 130,00$ |
| Refuge Capucines (max. 6 persons) | 100,00$ |
| Refuge du Pont-Suspendu (max. 4 persons) | 90,00$ |
| *Accommodation rates include daily access fees. | |
Réservation
To book your stay, you can use the online reservation center or call 1 866 266-2730
Notes:
Rustic camping and the refuges are without services (no water, electricity, or wastewater), except for the Canard Blanc refuge, which has solar panels.
The camping rate allows one piece of equipment (tent or RV) per site.
A fee of $35.00 for day campers or $250.00 for seasonal campers applies for a second tent when the site allows it.
Site reservation includes 2 adults and children. For additional adults sleeping in your equipment, a fee of $10/person/night will be charged upon arrival. For visitors (without overnight stay), the fee is $9/day.
Regulations
Regulations
IMPORTANT NOTICES
Le Massif and Pont-Suspendu sectors
• Hikers/dog owners can now come and enjoy the winter with their faithful companions at the entrance of Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci (Massif sector). However, they are ONLY accepted in the pink and yellow loops.
Grande-Jetée sector
• Once past the visitor center, the Chemin du Castor is now closed to ATVs. In order to respect the peace and quiet of other campers, we ask that ATV riders go directly to the federated ATV trail. Thank you for respecting the rules!
ACCESS AND STAYING FEES
- All persons accessing the regional park and using infrastructures or services for which a fee applies must register and pay the required fees.
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
- Domestic animals are allowed in a regional park, provided that they are kept on a leash not exceeding two (2) meters in length at all times, with the exception of public beaches, as well as on the cross-country ski trails of the Ouareau Forest Regional Park during the winter period.
- At all times, the owner must pick up their animal’s excrement and dispose of it in an appropriate place.
- The animals must not enter the buildings (reception area, sanitary block, shelter, etc.) at any time.
- Animals must be under constant supervision of the owner.
CAMPING/SHELTER STAY
- Camping in a regional park is prohibited other than in areas specifically designated for that purpose.
- It is forbidden to camp in a regional park without having paid the camping fee.
- The arrival time for short stays is between 3:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M.
- All persons camping in the park must vacate their campsite by 12:00 noon on the last day of their stay. The site must be left in the same condition as when you arrived.
CAMPING SITE
- A campsite may contain one (1) piece of camping equipment and two (2) vehicles, with the exception of sites determined by the park administration, which will be eligible to receive additional equipment.
CURFEW AND QUIET TIME
- The curfew is from 11:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. During this period, no noise within the campsites that could be heard from the neighboring site is permitted.
SPECIFIC MEASURES FOR DRONES
- In order to minimize the impact on the guest experience and wildlife, the use of drones for recreational purposes is not permitted in regional parks.
Maps
Maps
NOTE: For a map of the trail to the Capucines and Pont-Supendu refuges during the winter months, see the Contreforts Trail map (National Trail section).
Trail map – Massif and Pont-Suspendu sectors
This map shows the trails and sectors of the Massif and Pont-Suspendu areas. You can find useful information about the park, such as location, lenghts of the trails, etc.Trail map – Ponts Suspendu and Contreforts sectors
This map is also associated with the National Trail, but also gives access to the Capucines and Suspension Bridge refuges (winter only).Campground Map – la Rivière sector
This sector links the Pont-Suspendu and Grande-Jetée sectors.Contact
Contact information
Massif sector
2007, chemin du Massif
Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci,
Québec J0T 2A0
Schedule: Wednesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Note: Opening hours of the registration center vary during the low season. Please call to verify if the registration center is open. When the registration center is closed, you must pay your access fee at the pay station or online. Please note that the registration center schedule may also vary depending on the weather and park attendance.
Pont Suspendu sector
Chemin de la Forêt Ouareau
Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
514 668-1218 (summer only)
Schedule: Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The registration center is closed during the winter season. The access road is not plowed, but the refuges are available for lodging. When the registration center is closed, you must pay your access fee online. Please note that the registration center schedule may vary depending on the weather and park attendance.
Pont-Suspendu sector (winter only)
Contreforts Sector (National Trail)
Road 347 (chemin Saint-Côme)
Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
Schedule: Friday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (variable patrol hours in the evening)
Note: The registration center’s hours of operation vary during the low season. Please call to check if the reception area is open. When the registration center is closed, you must pay your access fee at the pay station or online. Please note that the registration center hours may vary depending on the weather and park attendance.
Grande-Jetée sector
Avenue du Castor
Chertsey
450 898-1457 (été seulement)
Schedule: Sunday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (variable patrols in the evening).
The registration centre is closed during the winter season. The access road is not plowed. When the registration centre is closed, you must pay your access fee online. Please note that the registration center schedule may also vary depending on the weather and the attendance of the park. ***Warning***: When using Google Maps, do not follow the route through the row 9. This road is not suitable for cars.
Grande-Vallée Sector
Rue des Pâquerettes
Chertsey
Schedule: variable according to the season (patrolled area).
When the registration center is closed, you must pay your fee at the pay station or online.
