Pointe-au-Père National Wildlife Area pamphlet
What makes Pointe-au-Père NWA so special?
Pointe-au-Père National Wildlife Area (NWA) was created in 1986 to protect part of the Pointe-au-Père cordgrass marsh and other habitats used by a variety of migratory birds, particularly shorebirds. The NWA is located in Rimouski, on the south shore of the Lower Estuary of the St. Lawrence. Despite its modest size--just 22 hectares--this protected area boasts a large diversity of habitats. Its salt marsh is surrounded by shrubs and contains numerous ponds as well as patches of herbaceous plants such as cordgrass.
The Pointe-au-Père NWA and Marsh are:
- one of the best sites in Quebec to observe shorebirds, including Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers;
- home to many species of waterfowl such as the American Black Duck, Common Eider and Brant;
- frequented each year by over 120 bird species, including some species of precarious status such as the Nelson’s Sparrow and endangered species such as the Red Knot.
Located in an urban area subject to increasing environmental disruption, this intertidal marsh is of critical importance to wildlife. Environment and Climate Change Canada protects this NWA to help preserve the biodiversity of an increasingly rare type of habitat in Quebec.
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 Pointe-au-Père NWA?
To reduce human pressure on this protected area located in an urban zone, Environment and Climate Change Canada limits public access to a single designated area where visitors can observe birds, take photos and hike along a short walking trail. Access to the shore and other areas within the NWA is prohibited for conservation reasons.
Long description of the map
Location of the NWA on an illustrated map of Canada. The NWA location is indicated by a general annotation in the province of Quebec.
Who can I contact?
Environment and Climate Change Canada - Quebec RegionCanadian 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
Page details
- Date modified: