Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Notice
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is open to the public for day-use only according to the established schedule. Interpretive activities are now open.
Please note that for health and safety measures, masks are still required in federal buildings, indoor gathering limits will be implemented and social distancing is encouraged.
Respect the environment and leave no trace.
Remember, you are responsible for your own safety.
The Cap Tourmente National Widlife Area (NWA) is near Saint-Joachim, Quebec. It is a very important place for many birds like snow geese.
Description
The Cap Tourmente NWA, made up of marshland, plains and forests, is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, 50 kilometres (km) east of Québec City. Established in 1978 by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), its purpose is to protect the American bulrush marshes that serve as the primary habitat of the greater snow goose during migration periods
The wildlife area was recognized as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention in 1981, becoming the first site to earn this distinction in North America. Its many historic buildings testify to more than 400 years of human occupation and farming activity, making it one of the founding sites of Canada.
Situated at the junction of the Canadian Shield, the St. Lawrence Lowlands and the Appalachians, the wildlife area also lies at the confluence of the Upper and Fluvial estuaries of the St. Lawrence. The territory offers contrasting landscapes shaped by the meeting of the river, large coastal marshes, plains and mountains, and features a multitude of habitats that are home to a very wide diversity of animal and plant species. The wildlife area is home to more than 180 bird species, 30 mammal species, 22 types of forest stands and 700 plant species. Many of these species are at risk, including the peregrine falcon, the bobolink, and the butternut.
In spring and fall, migratory birds congregate in the narrow corridor framed by the river and the cape's escarpment and invade the mosaic of habitats in the wildlife area. The area is renowned for the awe-inspiring spectacle of the greater snow geese gathering at the site by the tens of thousands during migration.
In addition to 20 different duck and goose species, some 10 or more species of birds of prey and 30 warbler species have been observed.
In the spring Nelson's sharp-tailed sparrow makes the wildlife area one of its rare nesting sites on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, while the presence of the bobolink is also worthy of mention. Additionally, birds that frequent the NWA consist of wood duck, northern harrier, pileated woodpecker, ruffed grouse, scarlet tanager, indigo bunting, American redstart, red-winged blackbirds, swamp sparrows and American black ducks.
Nearly 20 species are observed in the winter, including black-capped chickadee, blue jay, and barred owl. Among the mammals, the most common are the muskrat, the white-tailed deer and the red squirrel. The American porcupine, the red fox, and the American black bear are also observed on occasion.
The primary threats and management challenges to the ecological integrity of the Cap Tourmente NWA include neighbouring land development, poaching, invasive alien plants, and the impact of visitors.
Find more information on Cap Tourmente NWA in the summary table below.
Management
Under the Canada Wildlife Act, NWAs are protected and managed in accordance with the Wildlife Area Regulations. The primary purpose of NWAs is to protect and conserve wildlife and wildlife habitat. For this purpose and according to the legislation, all activities in a NWA that could interfere with the conservation of wildlife can be prohibited. Consequently, most NWAs are not accessible to the public and all other activities are prohibited in all NWAs. However, some activities may be authorized through Schedule I.1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations or the issuance of permits as long as they are consistent with the management plan goals for the NWA. For more information, consult the NWA Management and Activities section.
Authorized activities listed in Schedule I.1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations for Cap Tourmente NWA, include:
- non-commercial wildlife viewing on the road between the entrance to the wildlife area and the interpretation centre and on designated trails and at lookouts and observation towers and in designated areas
- non-commercial hiking on the road between the entrance to the wildlife area and the interpretation centre and on designated trails
- participation in a non-commercial group meal or non-commercial group event involving 15 or more people in designated areas
- non-commercial operation of a vehicle, other than a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle, on the road between the entrance to the wildlife area and the interpretation centre and in designated parking areas
- non-commercial snowshoeing on designated trails
- activities referred to in items 1 to 5 in designated areas during designated periods between sunset and sunrise, in addition to during the period referred to in subsection 3.1(3)
Planning your visit
The natural beauty and many outdoor activities available at Cap Tourmente make this NWA a wonderful place to spend a day. Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife observation, photography or one off the various interactive programs that are offered seasonally, you're sure to find something for every member of the family. The recommended visit duration is 2 to 4 hours.
Detailed information about the activities offered at Cap Tourmente NWA are found in the Activities Pamphlet.
From May through October you can enjoy:
- 20 kilometres (km) of hiking trails through a mosaic of habitats - Map of Hiking Trails (spring-summer-fall)
- interpretation centre
- discovery tools
- On the Fox's Trail nature rally with GPS
- geocaches
- historical trail
- binoculars and identification guides
- anti-collision course
- seek and collect
- Bigbirds challenge
- outdoor organized activities (for the general public, school groups and other groups)
- picnic areas
From January through March you can explore:
- 6 km of winter hiking trails
- network of bird feeders
- welcome area and information in a heated building (on weekends)
Periods and business hours for the 2022-2023 season
Due to COVID-19, periods and business hours are subject to change without notice.
| Date | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| From March 14 to April 22 2022 | Weekly 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Closed on weekends and on April 15 and 18 |
| From April 23 to October 30 2022 | Daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm |
| From October 31 to December 23 2022 | Weekly 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Closed on weekends and November 11 |
| From December 24 2022 to January 4 2023 | Closed |
| From January 5 to March 17 2023 | Daily from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
| From March 18 to March 31 2023 | Weekly 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Closed on weekends |
| Period | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| From May 7 to May 23 2022 | Weekends | Focus on the geese |
| From May 28 to June 26 2022 | Weekends | A pilgrim coming from afar |
| From September 24 to October 30 2022 | Daily | Focus on the geese |
The schedule of activities is subject to change without notice.
For more information, please contact: (418) 827-4591 or cap.tourmente@ec.gc.ca
Public facilities
Toilets, interpretation centre, parking. These facilities are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Special warning
- There are bears present within the territory
- there may be biting insects during the summer season
- camping is prohibited at all times
No food service is available on site.
Dogs are allowed, but it is mandatory that they be kept on a leash.
Please note
Access to the Cap Tourmente NWA is restricted to designated areas and times of the year, and subject to payment of an entrance fee. Access to Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) is forbidden outside of these opening times. The NWA can be closed without notice. Any authorized activities are listed in Schedule I.1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations; signage is also posted at access points.
For more information on what is permitted in NWAs, consult the NWA Management and Activities page.
Fees
Adults: $6
Students: $5
Winter: $4
Free for a child under 12 years old accompanied by an adult
Passes and group rates available
Directions
Entrance geographic coordinates
From Québec City, follow Route 138 toward Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. At Beaupré, follow the posted signs for the NWA.
Map of the area
Long description
Map showing south-eastern Quebec and a section of the St. Lawrence River. The boundaries of the Cap Tourmente NWA are indicated. The wildlife area overlaps a portion of the St. Lawrence River shoreline roughly following the intertidal water line to the east of Beaupre and Saint-Joachim and to the south of the Rivière Sainte-Anne and highway 138. The wildlife area extends inland in several irregularly shaped pieces all located very closely together. The scale on the map is in kilometers. Permanent water, intertidal water, roads and highways are all indicated on the map. A small inset national map situates the NWA in Canada.
This map is for illustrative purposes only and should not be used to define legal boundaries.
Controlled fall hunt program for the greater snow goose
Notice
Cancellation of the 2023 season of the Hunt Program for the Greater Snow Goose
Created in 1978, the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) protects an important American bulrush marsh that is a staging area for the Greater Snow Goose. The Cap Tourmente NWA controlled hunt program is a conservation measure implemented under the Wildlife Area Regulations to protect the marsh from excessive grazing by Greater Snow Geese.
A recent scientific study and biological monitoring by experts from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Université Laval indicate that the bulrush marsh is healthy and no longer of concern. This is due in part to the stabilization of Greater Snow Goose numbers and a change in bird behaviour. A sharp decline in hunting success (53 percent) has also been observed at the Cap Tourmente NWA over the past 20 years.
The continuation of the Cap Tourmente NWA hunt program as a conservation measure is therefore no longer warranted. ECCC is proceeding with the Wildlife Area Regulations revision process, which includes various consultation steps, to cancel the hunt program in 2023 and the long term.
Summary table
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Protected Area designation | NWA |
| Province/territory | Québec |
| Latitude/longitude | 47°05' North / 70°47' West |
| Size | 2,308 ha |
| Reason for Creation of protected area | Protecting the bulrush marsh, the main habitat of the greater snow goose during migration |
| Date created (Gazetted) | 1978 - Legal description |
| International Union for Conservation (IUCN) Management Category | IV - Habitat/Species Management Area: protected area aim to protect particular species or habitats and management reflects this priority. |
| Additional designations |
|
| Keystone or flagship species |
|
| Listed Species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) | Birds:
Mammals:
Insects: Vascular plants: Numerous other species are classified as at risk under provincial legislation. |
| Main habitat type | Intertidal marsh and broad expanses of American bulrush. |
| Faunistic and floristic importance | Presence of wetlands, agricultural fields and forest providing a popular staging area for migratory birds and important breeding grounds. Wide diversity of plant and animal species and habitats within a relatively limited area. Presence of wildlife and plant species at risk. |
| Invasive species |
|
| Additional links | Birds:
Mammals:
|
| Main threats and challenges | Neighbouring land development, poaching, invasive alien plants, impact of visitors. |
| Management Agency | Environment and Climate Change Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) |
| Public access and usage | Authorized activities listed in Schedule I.1 of the Wildlife Area Regulations for Cap Tourmente NWA, include:
|
Note: If there is a discrepancy between the information presented on this web page and any notice posted at the NWA site, the notice prevails as it is the legal instrument authorizing the activity.
Notice from Environment and Climate Change Canada
Download PDF version (PDF; 65 KB)
We would like to inform the public that the Cap Tourmente NWA, located in the Municipality of Saint-Joachim, is a protected area. Established in 1978, the purpose of the NWA is to protect migratory birds, wildlife and their habitats, as well as several species at risk.
To protect this area, we would also like to inform people circulating in the NWA of their obligation to comply with the rules of the Canada Wildlife Act and the Wildlife Area Regulations. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in a fine or prosecution.
Activities allowed without a permit but with a right of access in designated developed areas (trails, observation areas, as well as resting and picnic areas) are: hiking, nature observation, photography and picnics. Picnics are permitted only on benches, tables and in observation areas. During winter, snowshoeing is permitted only on open marked trails.
Without a permit issued by the Minister specifying the authorized activities, the following are prohibited in the NWA:
- walking off developed trails and access roads
- using any means of transportation; for example, snowmobiling is prohibited across the NWA
- damaging, destroying or removing a plant
- having a domestic animal without a leash
- dumping or depositing any garbage or substance that would degrade or alter the quality of the environment
- engaging in recreational activities
- camping, or starting or maintaining a fire
For complete information about the applicable regulations, please consult the Wildlife Area Regulations.
To file a complaint or report illegal activities, please contact us by phone at 1-800-668-6767 or email at ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca.
Nothing in this notice infringes on ancestral rights or Aboriginal treaty rights.
Contact us
Cap Tourmente NWA
570 chemin du Cap-Tourmente
Saint-Joachim, Québec G0A 3X0
Administration: 418-827-3776
Interpretation center: 418-827-4591
Fax number: 418-827-6225
Email: cap.tourmente@ec.gc.ca
Environment and Climate Change Canada - Quebec Region
Canadian Wildlife Service
Protected Areas
801-1550, avenue d'Estimauville
Québec, Québec G1J 0C3
Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only)
Email: Enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca
Related links and documents
- Cap Tourmente NWA management plan
- Greater Snow Goose population monitoring at Cap Tourmente NWA
- Cap Tourmente NWA pamphlet
- Map of hiking trails
- Map of winter hiking trails
- Nature as far as the eye can see! pamphlet
- Cap Tourmente NWA 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)
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