Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

Notice    

Welcome to Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is open to the public for day-use only according to the established schedule. Interpretive activities are offered. Please note that while Environment and Climate Change Canada establishes trails and infrastructure to support visitor access and use of selected National Wildlife Areas, staff are not always on-site for management of public safety.

Please respect the environment and leave no trace.

The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) is near Saint-Joachim, Quebec. It preserves an important habitat for many birds, including the Greater Snow Goose.

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 north-east of Québec City. Established in 1978 by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), its purpose is to protect the American bulrush marshes, the main habitat of the Greater Snow Goose during its migration.

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 and the Bobolink.

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 species of ducks and geese, there are around ten species of birds of prey and 30 species of warblers.

The Wood Duck, Northern Harrier, Pileated Woodpecker, Ruffed Grouse, Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, and American Redstart are not uncommon sightings in spring. The coastal marsh is home to the Red-winged Blackbird, Swamp Sparrow and American Black Duck, and the area offers the Nelson's Sparrow one of the rare nesting sites on the north shore of the St. Lawrence. The presence of the Bobolink is also noteworthy.

In winter, the wildlife area is home to almost 20 species of birds, including the Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, and Barred Owl. Among the mammals, the most common are the muskrat, white-tailed deer, and red squirrel. American porcupines, red foxes and black bears are occasionally seen.

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 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:

  1. 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
  2. non-commercial hiking on the road between the entrance to the wildlife area and the interpretation centre and on designated trails
  3. participation in a non-commercial group meal or non-commercial group event involving 15 or more people in designated areas
  4. 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
  5. non-commercial snowshoeing on designated trails
  6. 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 can be sure that you will find an activity for every member of the family. The recommended length of a visit is 2 to 4 hours.

Detailed information about the activities offered at Cap Tourmente NWA are found in the activities Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area pamphlet.

From May to October, visitors to the area can enjoy the following services:

  • 20 kilometres of hiking trails through a mosaic of habitats - Map of Hiking Trails (spring-summer-fall)
  • interpretation centre: information, permanent and temporary exhibitions
  • discovery tools
    • on the Fox's Trail nature rally with GPS
    • geocaches
    • historical trail
    • binoculars and identification guides
    • anti-collision course
    • big birds challenge
  • outdoor organized activities (for the general public, school groups and other groups)
  • picnic areas

From January through March:

  • 6 kilometres of winter hiking trails
  • bird feeders network
  • welcome area, information, and games in a heated building (on weekends and spring break)
Periods and business hours for the 2024 to 2025 season
Date Opening hours
From March 18 to 31, 2024 Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
From April 1 to November 3, 2024 Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
From November 4 to 11, 2024 Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
From November 12 to December 20, 2024 Weekly from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed on weekends
From December 21, 2024 to January 3, 2025 Closed
From January 4 to March 31, 2025 Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Interpretive activities schedule for the 2024 to 2025 season – individual clientele
Period Frequency Activity
From April 20 to May 20, 2024 Weekends and May 20 Focus on geese
From May 2 to 26, 2024 From Tuesday to Sunday Animation on bird banding by the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac (French only)
From May 25 to June 24, 2024 Weekends and June 24 A pilgrim coming from afar
From September 12 to October 20, 2024 From Tuesday to Sunday Animation on bird banding by the Observatoire d’oiseaux de Tadoussac (French only)
From September 21 to November 3, 2024 Daily Focus on geese
From January 4 to March 16, 2025 Weekends and from March 3 to 7, 2025 Big birds challenge and winter games (Knock Knock Knock, Snow Bingo, Who am I?, Branch out!)

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 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.

Further information on access and permits for the Cap Tourmente NWA can be found on the web page Management plans and activities for National Wildlife Areas.

Fees

Adults: $6
Students: $5
During the winter season: $4
Children under 12 accompanied by an adult: free admission
Passes and group rates available

Directions

Entrance geographic coordinates: 47°03.860' N 70°47.774' W

From Québec City, follow Route 138 toward Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. At Beaupré, follow the posted signs for the NWA.

Map of the area

Please read the long description.
Map of Cap Tourmente NWA
Long description

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 2024 season of the Hunt Program for the Greater Snow Goose

The Cap Tourmente 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.

Biological monitoring by Environment and Climate Change Canada indicates that the bulrush marsh is in a stable state of health and is therefore no longer a cause for 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 2024 and the long term.

Summary

Protected area designation: NWA

Province/territory: Quebec

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 (Canada Gazette): 1978 - Legal description

International Union for Conservation (IUCN) Management Category: IV - Habitat/Species Management Area: protected area aiming to protect particular species or habitats, and its 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 classif---ied 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

  • wild chervil
  • smooth bedstraw
  • common reed (phragmites australis)
  • rough mannagrass
  • japanese knotweed
  • jerusalem artichoke
  • garden yellow loosestrife
  • common valerian
  • creeping yellow loosestrife

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:

  1. 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
  2. non-commercial hiking on the road between the entrance to the wildlife area and the interpretation centre and on designated trails
  3. participation in a non-commercial group meal or non-commercial group event involving 15 or more people in designated areas
  4. 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
  5. non-commercial snowshoeing on designated trails
  6. 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)

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

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