Baie des Loups Migratory Bird Sanctuary
The Baie des Loups Migratory Bird Sanctuary (MBS) is located east of the Romaine village, in Québec. It protects an important habitat for the common eider, the Atlantic puffin and the razorbill.
Importance of the sanctuary: migratory birds and other wildlife
The Baie des Loups Migratory Bird Sanctuary is situated on the north coast of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, east of the village of La Romaine and near the hamlet of Wolf Bay (formerly Baie-des-Loups). This sanctuary was established in 1925 in order to protect essential nesting sites for the common eider as well as for other seabirds.
The three main species that currently nest in this sanctuary are the Atlantic puffin, common eider and razorbill. Baie des Loups sanctuary is one of the largest nesting sites for the Atlantic puffin in the Gulf of St. Lawrence; second only to Baie de Brador Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
Did you know?
The Atlantic puffin swims underwater when catching fish. It can dive up to 61 metres deep (200 feet), but it usually only stays under the water for 20 or 30 seconds at a time.
Other species also nest within the borders of this sanctuary including:
- herring gull
- ring-billed gull
- great black-backed gull
- black guillemot
- red-throated loon
- common tern
- arctic tern
According to a species inventory, completed in 2012, the Double-crested Cormorant is also present, having reappeared in the sanctuary after being absent since 1977.
Landscape
Covering 3610 hectares, the Baie des Loups sanctuary encompasses several islands, islets and rocks. The adjacent marine waters extend within 1.5 kilometres of the sanctuary’s boundaries except to the north. The terrestrial portions of the sanctuary are mainly composed of tundra as the islands are continually windswept, limiting the plant life to stunted conifers as well as low-lying grasses and plants. The remainder of the landscape is made up of rocky outcrops and small freshwater ponds.
Map of the area
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Long description
Map showing the location of the Baie des Loups Migratory Bird Sanctuary (MBS) in relation to Québec, Baie Coacoachou, Baie des loups, Ile des Loups, and the Saint-Lawrence Golfe. The map shows the boundaries of the refuge, which cover the Ile des Loups and the small island and surrounding waters. The scale of the map is in kilometers. An inset shows the location of the shelter in Canada.
Access to the sanctuary
Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, such as Baie des Loups, are established across the country to protect migratory birds during critical periods of their life cycle. Whether these areas are used for feeding, resting or nesting, they play an important role in the survival of many species. Access to each migratory bird sanctuary varies by site and is at the discretion of the landowner and land manager. Please ensure that you are aware of how you can help protect this sanctuary and please read the restrictions, including those on firearms and hunting, which are in place to conserve the wildlife that call it home. It is also important to remember that dogs and cats must not be allowed to run at large inside Migratory Bird Sanctuaries.
If you would like further information on what is permitted in Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, please visit the Management and Activities section of the website. For more information on Baie des Loups Migratory Bird Sanctuary in particular, please contact our regional office.
Key facts about Baie des Loups Migratory Bird Sanctuary
| Protected Area designation | Migratory Bird Sanctuary |
|---|---|
| Province or territory | Quebec |
| Latitude/longitude | 50° 10' N 60° 18' W |
| Size | 3610 hectares |
| Date created (Gazetted) | 1925 |
| International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Management Category | Strict Nature Reserve (Ia) |
| Additional designations | Baie des Loups Important Bird Area |
| Main habitat type | Tundra and stunted conifers, rocky outcrops and ponds |
| Key bird species | Atlantic puffin, common eider, razorbill, ring-billed gull, herring gull, great black-backed gull, common tern, arctic tern, common murre, black guillemot, red-throated loon and double-crested cormorant |
| Listed species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) | None |
| Management agency | Canadian Wildlife Service, Quebec Region |
Related links
Baie des Loups Migratory Bird Sanctuary on Google Maps (Please note that the Google map is a complementary source of information and does not represent the official map or site name)
Environment and Climate Change Canada – Quebec Region
Canadian Wildlife Service
Protected Areas Unit
801-1550, avenue d'Estimauville
Québec, Quebec G1J 0C3
Toll Free: 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only)
Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
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