Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area pamphlet

What makes Cap Tourmente NWA so special?

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) was created in 1978 to protect an American Bulrush marsh where Greater Snow Geese gather by the tens of thousands in spring and fall. This 2399-hectare protected area is located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, about 50 kilometres northeast of Québec’s city centre. Situated between the river and the mountain, the NWA features a variety of ecosystems, such as a tidal marsh, a coastal swamp, agricultural fields and several types of forest. These contrasting landscapes, dominated by a majestic cape, are

  • frequented by over 180 bird species, of which more than 100 are breeding;
  • home to a number of species at risk or of precarious status, including the Peregrine Falcon, Bobolink and Butternut;
  • recognized as a Ramsar site (a Wetland of International Importance);
  • the site of historic buildings testifying to over 400 years of human occupation and agricultural activity.

Cap Tourmente NWA faces a variety of threats such as shoreline erosion, invasive exotic species and accidental oil spills. Environment and Climate Change Canada is working to protect the integrity of this heritage gem.

What are Environment and Climate Change Canada Protected Areas?

Environment and Climate Change Canada establishes marine and terrestrial NWAs for the purposes of conservation, research and interpretation. NWAs are established to protect migratory birds, species at risk, and other wildlife and their habitats. NWAs are established under the authority of the Canada Wildlife Act and are, first and foremost, places for wildlife.

Migratory Bird Sanctuaries (MBSs) are established under the authority of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, and provide a refuge for migratory birds in marine and terrestrial environments. The current Protected Areas Network consists of 54 NWAs and 92 MBSs comprising more than 12 million hectares across Canada.

What can I do at Cap Tourmente NWA?

The NWA is open to the public. Opening times vary throughout the year, and entrance fees apply. Visitors can go for a hike, observe nature and take pictures along the walking trails. Picnicking is also permitted in designated areas. From April to October, an exhibit on biodiversity is displayed at the interpretation centre, and information and interpretation services are available on-site. In the fall, controlled hunting of the Greater Snow Goose is authorized in certain sectors within the NWA.

Who can I contact?

Environment and Climate Change Canada - Quebec Region
Canadian Wildlife Service
801-1550 D’Estimauville Avenue
Québec, Quebec G1J 0C3
1-800-668-6767
Email: ec.enviroinfo.ec@canada.ca
Protected Area web site

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