Journal - Quebecgetaways.com
Transcription
Journal - Quebecgetaways.com
English version PARC NATIONAL Journal d’Oka 2011-2012 Inside Picnics : May 7 to October 23, 2011 - A park between lake and mountain............. 4 - Archaeological dig: discovery of a 2,000-year-old pottery workshop................ ..5 - Shoreline Stabilization Project..................... 6 - Conservation in action................................ ..7 - Explore the park.......................................... ..8 - Park map....................................................... 9 - Discover the wildlife................................... 10 - Group Dynamics.......................................... 11 - Winter Activities........................................ .12 - Rates......................................................... ..13 - Discovery Activities.................................... 14 Equipment Rental (water sports) : May 14 to September 5, 2011 (subsequent weekends depending on weather conditions) Swimming : June 4 to September 5, 2011 Parc National d’Oka is open 365 days a year. Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to sunset. General Information Parc national d’Oka Telephone : 450 479-8365 Fax: 450 479-6250 E-mail : [email protected] Web site : www.parcsquebec.com 2020, chemin d’Oka Oka (Quebec) J0N 1E0 Photos : Parc national d’Oka, Gilles Archambault, Richard Dumoulin, Mathieu Dupuis, Jean-Pierre Huard, Pierre Lalonde and Gabriel Trahan, Sépaq Cerulean Warbler : Michel Lamarche, FindNature.com This document was printed on 100% recycled paper made in Québec, containing 100% postconsumption fibres and produced without using elementary chlorine. The inks used for this production contain vegetable oils. Protect and Discover Cover page : Lac des Deux Montagnes, photo by Mathieu Dupuis. Maps and Graphic design : Dominic Baron Printing : Norecob Translation : Maurice Roy 3 The Mission of Parcs Québec With a view to achieving harmonious development at the cultural, social, economic and regional levels, Parcs Québec is responsible for the conservation and development of territories that are representative of Québec’s 43 natural regions and exceptional sites, due notably to their biological diversity, while ensuring that they are accessible for educational and outdoor use. All of Québec’s national parks were created in accordance with World Conservation Union standards. A national park is a relatively vast area: - that represents one or more ecosystems that are moderately or not at all transformed by exploitation; - where animal and plant species, geomorphological sites and habitats are of particular interest from a scientific, educational or recreational viewpoint, and that offers scenery of great beauty; Welcome to the park Parc national d’Oka team is delighted to welcome you in the heart of this protected natural area. To take full advantage of your stay, we invite you to read this Park Journal. It will guide and help you discover an area moulded by history and rich with scenery. During your visit, let yourself be charmed by the generous nature and admire its diversity. Exploring hiking trails, cross-country skiing at night on a lit trail or discovering nature along with a park warden are only some of the attractions you will not want to miss. A range of activities are in store for you! Let yourself be dazzled by the unexpected secrets of Parc national d’Oka and take part in protecting them with us. The park management is making every effort to adopt responsible practices with respect to the environment and sustainable development. Some of these actions call on your involvement. Join us to protect and preserve this natural, exceptional and historic heritage. - in which the highest competent authority of the country has taken measures to eliminate exploitation and to instill respect for the ecological, geomorphological or aesthetic aspects on the whole; - where a visit is authorized, under certain conditions, for educational, cultural or recreational purposes. 4 A park between lake and mountain Parc national d’Oka is one of the busiest parks in Québec. Its proximity to urban centres and its long beach along Lac des Deux Montagnes are some of the reasons for its popularity among summer visitors. In addition to these attractions, the park is also a conservation area that shows itself off to visitors year round with a whole range of discovery and outdoor activities. Covering 23.7 square kilometres, Parc national d’Oka offers a variety of habitats that help to preserve a biodiversity representative of the natural region of the Saint-Lawrence Lowlands. The numerous plant species found in the area, including some thirty species designated under a specific legal protection status, make it one of the richest parks from a floristic standpoint. In addition, its various environments, especially the Rivière aux Serpents and the Grande Baie marsh, provide protected and favourable habitats for a wide range of wildlife and flora. With respect to the cultural and religious heritage, the park features a roman-inspired historic infrastructure, unique in Americas: a set of four oratories and three chapels built between 1740 and 1742. The park and all its natural wealth are yours to discover, whatever the season! Richard Rozon Director, Parc national d’Oka www.parcsquebec.com Archaeological dig: discovery of a 2,000-year-old pottery workshop Over the last 3 years, the conservation and education service began an archaeological dig near the park beach. Erosion caused by Lac des Deux Montagnes is threatening a 2,000-year-old pottery workshop. Retrieving underground traces of these activities carried out by Amerindians women a long time ago helps to prevent the destruction of valuable information on our history. Over 2,500 clay pottery fragments have been retrieved to date. In ancient times, pottery making mistakes lead to pots exploding and potters leaving fragments in the fire. Traces left in ovens have also been observed on the beach: a fire pit, reddened sand and stones shattered due to the heat. Since 2009, park visitors have been invited to take part in the digs carried out in August. Last year, participants discovered two polished stone tools that were used to smooth out the inside of the pots (Picture on bottom left). Jérémie and Mylène also made a surprising discovery: a pottery rim decorated with a small wave-shaped motif. So what is in store for 2011? Take part in L’apprenti archéo: une fouille dans le passé. With an archaeologist, dig out prehistoric remains. This discovery activity is slated for August, as part of archaeology month. Mandatory registration over the phone (450 479-8365), at the Camping Information Centre or Le Littoral Visitors Centre. Protect and Discover 5 Shoreline Stabilization Project The shores of Parc national d’Oka are and have been widely exposed to waves and ice from Lac des Deux Montagnes, especially when water levels are very high. This leads to shoreline erosion and the loss of shrub and forest cover over an area in excess of 4 kilometres. In keeping with its conservation and protection mission, the park management will be implementing measures over the coming years designed to rehabilitate banks and preserve the shoreline ecosystem. There will be two types of measures: first, physical barriers that encourage and protect the reintroduction of native species that used to be present. Next, bank works will prevent plants being trampled by visitors in these sectors. All restoration efforts need to be supported by raising awareness among all users of the beach to the damages of nature, and especially to the man-made damages that disturb the shores. The idea is to change visitors’ behaviour in a protected natural area. This includes following the trails made available to users to go to the beach and staying within the areas identified for practicing activities. In addition, preserving the species associated to this habitat is of paramount importance to preserve the unique character of the park beach. There 6 are many examples of threatened animals and plants. Just think of the Map Turtle that seems to be deserting the park despite its presence in the Lac des Deux Montagnes area. Let’s also mention the sedge family, plants that are specific to shoreline and wetland areas. They include many rare species that are trampled every year on the beach. Your involvement in the project ensures the preservation of a unique natural heritage, where access to and preservation of a natural environment team up in making this magnificent setting even more beautiful. max. 1.5 m high SHRUBS GREEN RIPRAP BEACH WOODED AREA STAIRS TO BE REMOVED IN THE FALL STONE STAIRS ACCESSIBLE WHEN THE WOODEN STAIRS ARE REMOVED IN THE FALL Estimate by Biofilia The boardwalks will take visitors to the beach, lessening the impact of trampling while improving traffic in the picnic areas. The riprap and the planting of shrubs will also ensure shore stabilization and protection. www.parcsquebec.com Conservation in action The young people who planted trees Since 2009, the park conservation and education service began restoring old agricultural land parcels to their original state by planting trees. The replanting project was carried out in partnership with the students of the École secondaire d’Oka Le Boisselier youth cooperative. The students are monitoring greenhouse growth and are involved in planting. The parcel-restoring approach is designed to prevent weedy plants, which affect biological diversity, from taking over land areas. Between now and the end of 2011, over 2,000 additional trees and shrubs should be planted in addition to the 3,000 already put into the soil in 2010. In a spirit of respect for the ecological integrity of the park, native species were selected for replanting. First, quick-growing trees were selected to improve the planting success rate in fields where herbaceous plants can be over six feet high. The species involved include the willow, the balsam poplar, the American white ash and the red ash. Later, slow growing trees will be planted, such as the sugar maple, the red maple and the northern red oak. When visiting the park, pay attention to the fields running alongside the entrance to the Calvaire d’Oka. Observe young trees coming up through the dense grass! Enhancing the Calvaire d’Oka The Calvaire d’Oka’s three chapels have been standing on the hill for over 260 years. In addition to four oratories, the Sulpicians built the chapels between 1740 and 1742 to evangelize the Amerindians. They are today a landmark in the region’s landscape. The trail linking them forms a Way of the Cross that numerous visitors who come to the park appreciate hiking. A few years ago, the park management began an enhancement project of the site and its buildings. A discovery pavilion, located at the foot of the hill, is now exhibiting impressive images and vignettes on the history of the area and the natural environment for visitors. A new signage concept guides hikers from one oratory to another. Rest areas help every one relax and take in the view. Under the forest canopy, walk back in time and discover a Way of the Cross, unique in Americas. La Grande Baie, a first-rate habitat for wild birds Each spring, park wardens carry out an inventory of the marsh birds spending the summer in the Grande Baie grass beds. As part of the marsh monitoring program set up by Bird Studies Canada, the inventory will help identify the distribution and the population dynamics of avian species breeding in Canada’s largest marshes. Unfortunately, marshes are becoming increasingly rare in Canada because they are Protect and Discover backfilled for urban and agricultural development. The Grande Baie marsh is protected by the park and is a unique habitat for the fauna, which is constantly searching for prime sites. Stroll along the Grande Baie foot bridge and take the opportunity to observe secretive birds with strange names, such as the Virginia rail, the American coot, the small bitterns or the pied-billed grebe! 7 Explore the park Hiking Departure point L’Érablière trail Maple stand Discovery and Visitors Centre Distance Difficulty level 1.2 km Easy • Rallye : Les secrets d’une érablière* (length : 45 minutes) Grande Baie trail March and silver maple stand Discovery and Visitors Centre 3.5 km Easy Calvaire d’Oka Parking 4.6 km Easy La Sauvagine trail Shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes, Lac de la Sauvagine, Rivière aux Serpents and silver maple stand Le Littoral Visitors Centre or Discovery and Visitors Centre 13.8 km Intermediate Le Sommet trail • 3.9 km shared trail Calvaire d’Oka Parking 6.5 km Possess firearms, hunting or trapping equipment; Throw trash anywhere except in the containers provided. Hard * Rallyes and brochure are available at the closest toll booth or visitors centre. All distances are based on a round trip. Cycling 8 Damage or collect shrubs or herbaceous plants or any parts of them; Cut down trees or any part of them or collect dead wood; Calvaire d’Oka trail Way of the Cross built in 1740 La Route verte : La Vagabonde (section inside the park) Bring pets; Kill, capture, hurt, molest, harass, feed or tame animals; • Rallye, destination le marais* (length : 45 minutes) • Self-guided trail* Park bicycle path In a park, it is prohibited to: To ensure the park’s conservation, other regulations apply. You can consult the complete list of park regulations, as well as the list of authorized activities and services, at the information kiosks or ask a member of our team who will be pleased to answer your questions. Thank you for your cooperation! On the beach : Le Littoral Visitors Centre Discovery and Visitors Centre 3.2 km Easy 7.8 km Easy to Intermediate www.parcsquebec.com Park map SENTIER DU SOMMET (6.5 km) MONTREAL (50 km) SENTIER DU CALVAIRE D’OKA (4.6 km) 640 344 344 DISCOVERY AND VISITORS CENTRE L’ORÉE SENTIER DE L’ÉRABLIÈRE (1.2 km) DEUX-MONTAGNES TOLL BOOTH TOLL BOOTH OKA Oka-Hudson Ferry NIGHT WATCH STATION AERATED POND 344 RIVIÈRE AUX SERPENTS FOOTBRIDGE SENTIER DE LA SAUVAGINE (13.8 km) TOLL BOOTH CAMPING INFORMATION CENTRE PARK GATEHOUSE PARK GATEHOUSE SENTIER DE LA GRANDE BAIE (3.5 km) OBSERVATION TOWER LE MÉANDRE OKA (1 km) LA GRANDE BAIE L’ANSE LE REFUGE LAC DE LA SAUVAGINE LES DUNES LA CRÊTE LE LITTORAL VISITORS CENTRE LAC DES DEUX MONTAGNES LAC DES DEUX MONTAGNES PAVILLON DES DÉCOUVERTES Discovery map ! Get your Summer/Winter map at any point of service. Do your part in saving paper. $ 2.00 deposit. Protect and Discover Administration Washroom Telephone Picnic Area Access for Disabled Persons Restaurant Parking General Store Laundry Room First Aid Boutique Nature Equipment Rental (water sports) Bicycle Rental Boatlaunch Community Place Stopover Interpretation and Protection Office Lookout Point Oratory Cross Gîte sous les pins Playground Park Boundary Park Road Footpath Hiking Trail Bikeway Mountain Bike Trail Swimming Area Shared Trail 9 Discover the wildlife On the lookout for the cerulean warbler Cerulean warblers are insect eating birds that live on mature deciduous tree tops. However, they are becoming increasingly rare in Quebec. Indeed passerine populations have greatly declined since their reproductive habitat has been devastated by the forest industry. It is believed that there are between 500 and 1,000 breeding pairs throughout Canada and only a few dozen in Quebec. Faced with these findings, biologists have designated it as a threatened species in Quebec and a species of special concern in Canada. We know very little about the life cycle of cerulean warblers aside from their low population size. Several studies, follow-ups and inventories are currently being carried out by various scientific communities and bird organizations in Quebec to improve knowledge about the bird’s behaviour, distribution area and reproduction. Some parts of Parc national d’Oka encompass the breeding habitat of the secretive cerulean warbler. The closed arches of the majestic sugar maples and red oaks that spread throughout the Calvaire d’Oka and the Grande Baie areas provide favourable havens. However, cerulean warblers have never been spotted or heard here. During the summer of 2011, the conservation and education service is planning to carry out an initial inventory to find out how many warblers there are and their distribution in the park. Will the cerulean warblers show up? If so, how many pairs will be identified? And what about broods and chicks? Several questions have not 10 yet been answered. To know more, feel free to ask a park warden! fox. Luckily no case has been identified in the greater Montreal area. Observe and respect raccoons as they are part of Quebec’s biodiversity. It is possible and fun to share this animal’s territory. With this in mind, avoid feeding or trying to tame them. Store your food in a safe place, for instance in the trunk of your car. Keep your campsite clean so odors do not attract them. Remember that these small animals have a nose for food and very dexterous paws! Thieving raccoons! There are countless stories about campers being targeted by raccoons. This nocturnal mammal roams at night, alone or in a group, looking for any food that it could lay its hands on. Raccoons feed on frogs, crawfish, insects and small fruits. They also wander into campsites. Indeed why should they spend all their energy looking for food that is harder to find when they can treat themselves in a 24-hour buffet? Marshmallows, chips, sausages, bread, everything is laid on the picnic tables or left beside the fire. If you were in their shoes, you would undoubtedly behave the exact same way. Aside from being described as an animal with an insatiable appetite, raccoons are known for carrying rabies, just like skunks and the red www.parcsquebec.com To know more about this animal, you are invited to take part in the Démasquons le raton discovery activity every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in front of Community Place. Group Dynamics Planning a group getaway ? If you are between the ages of 2 and 99 and want to enjoy a day in a spectacular natural setting, join one of the 650 or so groups that visit the park on an annual basis. Whether to : • Reward your students for a busy school year by chilling out on the beach and carrying out some archaeological digs; • Encourage your scouts by having them witness the migration of the winged wildlife in the Grande Baie marsh; • Have your outdoor group take in the Calvaire d’Oka vista and the changing fall colors; • Set up a lively twofold event for your coworkers : a meeting combined with cross-country skiing lessons. Our staff will make your visit unforgettable. Reserve for a day, arrange accommodations, have an entertainment package, include meals or not : anything is possible ! Contact us and let us show you a great time ! Information and reservations 450 479-8365 ext. 241 • [email protected] Protect and Discover Winter Break General public free discovery activities Special equipment rental packages Camp Oxygène for kids 5 to 13 (with or without accommodations) f Introduction to cross-country skiing f Snowshoeing in the evening f Discover an exceptional environment with the park wardens f Sliding f Campfires 11 Winter Activities Learn to enjoy the pleasures of winter The park, on foot, on snowshoes or on skis Snow Walking Le Rivage West (A) Le Rivage East (A) Les Dunes (B) Le Calvaire d’Oka Departure point Distance Difficulty level d Snowshoeing 2.6 km 3.2 km Easy d Cross-country skiing and a 4-kilometre lit trail Le Littoral 3.8 km Easy 12.4 km 6.0 km Expert Hard dO ver 46 linear kilometres, including 37 for classical skiing and 23 for ski skating 3.5 km Easy Le Littoral Park Gatehouse L’Écureuil (C) Le Littoral La Montée (D) Secteur Le Sommet Le Littoral Park Gatehouse 16.2 km 9.2 km Expert Expert Le Littoral Park Gatehouse 10.8 km 3.8 km Expert Hard Le Littoral 14.0 km Hard Le Centenaire (1) Le Littoral 4.0 km Easy La Pinède (2) Lit trail ! Le Littoral 4.0 km Easy La Grande Baie (3) Le Littoral 12.6 km L’Érablière (4) Le Littoral 10.6 km La Colline (5) Le Littoral 16.5 km Le Louis Hébert (6) Le Littoral 7.2 km La Poursuite (8) Le Littoral 16.3 km Easy to Expert Easy to Expert Easy to Expert Easy Easy to Expert Le Marais (E) d Snow walking Le Littoral Snowshoeing Secteur Les Chapelles d Sliding Cross-country Skiing Discover the cross-country ski school s Courses offered to children 4 to 13 O n the menu: having fun and being active, an enthusiastic team, learning ski techniques, the discovery of the natural environment. Register at [email protected] sD ay or evening customized courses (packages available) Extend your stay ! r R ustic camping r Turnkey accomodation package rG îte sous les pins : a rustic inn All distances are calculated based on a round trip. Snow conditions 450 479-8365 voice mailbox 500 www.parcsquebec.com Parc national d’Oka is a member of Regroupement de ski de fond des Laurentides. Visit: www.skidefondlaurentides.com. Snowshoeing at Calvaire d’Oka From January 7 to March 10, 2012 Every Friday and Saturday evening Accompanied group hike in La Montée trail. 3.8 km course. Start: 7:30 p.m.. Length: 2 hours. Rates: $15.25/adult and $7.63/child, between 7 to 17, including the equipment. Reservations are required. (Entry fees and taxes not included). On week days, make it an outing for your group ! 12 www.parcsquebec.com Rates Accomodations (entry fees and taxes not included) May 6 to October 9, 2011 Camping 3 services (water, electricity and pump-out) $ 38.50/night 1 service (electricity) $ 32.25/night Without service (water, washrooms nearby) $ 26.00/night $ 101.00/night Package including the campsite with electricity, a tent trailer that can sleep a maximum of 6 people, including 4 adults, food-preparation equipment that includes a camp stove under an awning, a fridge, dishes, utensils, pots and pans, and the following services: access to running water and to washroom facilities (showers and toilets). Huttopia Tent $ 113.00/night Package including the campsite with electricity, a Huttopia tent that can sleep a maximum of 5 people, including 4 adults, food-preparation equipment that includes a camp stove under an awning, a fridge, dishes, utensils, pots and pans, and the following services: access to running water and to washroom facilities (showers and toilets). Bedding rental: Parking Rates Cost of a room: $ 62.00/night (2 adults and their children) Types of vehicles Daily Additional person: Ready-to-camp Tent Trailer Gîte sous les pins (available year-round) $ 15.80/pers. December 2, 2011 to March 24, 2012 Rustic camping $ 20.25/night Turnkey Camping under the tent $ 69.00/night $ 11.50/night Equipment Rental (taxes not included) 1 hr 3 hrs 1 day Fixed BBQ $ 27.00 Portable BBQ $ 10.53 Canoe $ 14.26 $ 28.31 $ 40.38 Volleyball net $ 5.27 Solo kayak $ 12.73 $ 25.24 $ 36.21 Tandem kayak $ 15.36 $ 30.50 $ 43.67 Locker $ 3.51 Sunshade / Beach chair $ 5.27 Pedal boat (2) $ 14.26 $ 28.31 $ 40.38 Pedal boat (4) $ 17.56 $ 33.79 $ 48.28 Power Paddler $ 5.49 Windsurfing $ 16.90 $ 37.09 Child chariot carrier $ 7.46 $ 14.70 $ 20.85 Hybrid bicycle $ 11.85 $ 23.48 $ 33.57 Bicycle for child $ 7.24 $ 11.41 $ 16.24 Camp Oxygène (taxes not included) August 18 – 19 and 22 to 26, 2011 March 5 to 9, 2012 Day camp (5 to 13) $ 38.98/day August 21 to 25, 2011 March 4 to 8, 2012 Camp with accommodations (7 to 13) $ 77.08/night Package including a tent that will accommodate a maximum of 6 people, including 4 adults, a rustic campsite, ground mats, a wood stove, one pack of fire starters and one bag of logs per night. (taxes included) Car / boat Motorcycle Camper or trailer Minibus Bus Season parking sticker $ 10.00 $ 5.75 $ 10.00 $ 20.00 $ 40.00 $ 60.00 $ 34.50 $ 60.00 s.o. s.o. Notes: Guests only pay parking fees when the beaches are supervised. The season parking sticker is valid for only one summer season. Season dates vary from park to park. The sticker is recognized in all parks where a parking fee is charged. The Parc national d’Oka reserves the right to change or block access to various parking areas without notice depending on time of season and customer traffic. If the sticker is lost, stolen or damaged, the holder will have to purchase a new one at the current price to replace it. Entry fees (taxes included) valid until March 31, 2012 Person, category or group Daily for one park Yearly for one park Yearly all parks Basic Rates Adult $ 5.50 $ 27.50 $ 49.50 Child aged 6 to 17 $ 2.50 $ 12.50 $ 22.50 Child 5 years and under Free Family Rates 1 adult with children aged 6 to 17 2 adults with children aged 6 to 17 $ 8.00 $ 40.00 $ 72.00 $ 11.00 $ 55.00 $ 99.00 Group Rates (group of 15 or more, upon reservation) Adult $ 4.75 Youth aged 6 to 17 $ 2.00 School group Free Notes: For camping guests who arrive before the scheduled time, parking is free in the camping sectors, upon availability of space. Notes : The annual Park and Network Card are valid for one year starting from the month the cardholder confirms when purchasing the card. These cards remain valid until the last day of the expiry month. In the event of loss, theft or breakage, the holder will be required to pay the cost of replacing the card. Parc national d’Oka reserves the right to block access without notice depending on the season and customer traffic. Only campers aged 18 or over may rent a camping site. On weekends, minimum reservations for 2 nights. Note : The prices, terms and services mentioned in this newsletter are subject to change without notice. Protect and Discover 13 Discovery Activities Daily Hours Meeting point Au marais, ouvrez l’oeil ! Zoom sur une saison Joignez le reptile à l’agréable Mission conservation ! Et que ça saute En bref, des siècles d’histoire au Calvaire d’Oka Au marais, ouvrez l’oeil ! 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Grande Baie tower L’Orée (Calvaire d’Oka) Community Place Discovery and Visitors Centre Community Place Calvaire d’Oka Grande Baie tower Jeux de découverte Démasquons le raton On «conte» sur vous ! Pavillon des découvertes Community Place Activities Spring : April 30 to June 19 Saturday Sunday Saturday April 30 to May 21 May 1 to 22 May 28 to June 18 12 10 1 13 Sunday May 29 to June 19 4 11 Monday May 23 12 Summer : June 24 to August 14 Everyday Saturday 9 L’éveil du lac $ Concours : façonnez le parc en sable 16 Les chauves-souris, un monde à l’envers 5 1 La flore, un peu, beaucoup, à la folie ! Histoires de familles Vivre en l’an zéro En un tour d’horizon... Joignez le reptile à l’agréable 16 Les chauves-souris, un monde à l’envers 4 Et que ça saute 14 La nuit, au Calvaire d’Oka 2 Les détectives… sur la piste des animaux Soirée pierres et mystères 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. June / July 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. August 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. June / July 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. August 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. June / July 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. August 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. June / July 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. August 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Joignez le reptile à l’agréable Mission conservation ! Au marais, ouvrez l’oeil ! On «conte» sur vous ! Et que ça saute Mission conservation ! En bref, des siècles d’histoire au Calvaire d’Oka Histoires de familles La flore, un peu, beaucoup, à la folie ! Joignez le reptile à l’agréable Et que ça saute En un tour d’horizon… 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Community Place L’Orée (Calvaire d’Oka) Grande Baie tower Community Place Community Place Discovery and Visitors Centre Calvaire d’Oka Community Place Community Place Community Place Community Place Community Place 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Le Littoral 7 6 15 Sunday 3 Monday 18 Tuesday 8 19 Wednesday Thursday Friday 17 Community Place Water Sports Equipment Rental On the beach (Pavillon des découvertes) Community Place Community Place Community Place On the beach (Pavillon des découvertes) Community Place Community Place Community Place Community Place Start of the Calvaire d’Oka trail Community Place Community Place Fall : August 15 to October 10 Saturday 1 13 12 August 20, 27 / Sept. 3 / Oct. 8 Sunday 15 4 13 11 Sept. 4 / Oct. 9 Monday Aug. 15 / Sept. 5 / Oct. 10 Wednesday August 17 Friday August 19, 26 / Sept. 2 August 19, 26 / Sept. 2 18 5 1 4 19 Winter : January 7 to March 10 20 Randonnée à raquettes au Calvaire d’Oka $ Saturday / Friday Winter break March 5 to 9, 2012. Refer to the discovery activity schedule available in January ! Special activities Sunday 14 August 7, 14, 21 and 28 Sept. 4, 11 and 18 October 9 22 23 21 L’apprenti archéo : une fouille dans le passé ! $ 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Halte-là, oiseaux de rivage en vue La fête de la pomme, du fromage et de l’histoire 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. www.parcsquebec.com Le Littoral Boatlaunch Calvaire d’Oka Discovery presentations 1 Joignez le reptile à l’agréable Snakes and turtles can be fascinating. Keep your cool, just like them ! 2 Les détectives… sur la piste des animaux Some animals may often be difficult to spot, yet they leave clues to their presence. Follow along with a park warden and become as clever as a fox ! 3 L’éveil du lac $ Observe nature’s awakening as you drift on the peaceful waters of Lac des Deux Montagnes. Paddle silently into the early morning mist. Rates (taxes not included) : $ 5.27/adult, $ 2.66/child between 5 to 17 (Entry fees and parking rates not included). Make your reservations at the Camping Information Centre or Le Littoral. Restricted seating. Equipment provided. 4 Et que ça saute Amphibian or batrachian ? Come and untangle the whole lot and discover how these surprising animals challenge the laws of nature and manage to survive from one season to the next ! 5 La flore, un peu, beaucoup, à la folie ! An area with so much plant life to uncover ! A wide range of plants make up the landscape; some are rare, others invasive, some are beautiful and others are funny or smelly… but all have their place in the lush green world around us ! 6 Démasquons le raton With its mischievous and inquisitive eyes, nimble hands, skilful fingers and oversized stomach… come and discover the true nature of this clever animal ! activities in game form 7 Jeux de découverte A range of different games reveals more of the fascinating world around you. Play roulette, bean bag and snakes and ladders with a taste of nature ! Come and have fun at the beach ! 8 Vivre en l’an zéro Archaeological finds indicate that Amerindians camped in Parc national d’Oka around year zero. Take part in the life of the camp, simulate you’re fishing with a net or hunting with a spear and fashion clay to make your own pottery. 9 Concours : façonnez le parc en sable Call to all artists ! Use gold sand to recreate the park landscape, from the hills down to the lake. By working as a team, you will have the opportunity of appreciating the scale of its contours. Equipment provided. The winning team will have its work photographed and displayed at Le Littoral. Meeting a park warden The wood duck, animal emblem of the park 10 Zoom sur une saison Did you know that the national parks are represented by animal emblems ? The wood duck is the emblem of Parc national d’Oka. The fact that the park is a very productive nesting ground for this species is the reason behind this choice. Yet, a hundred or so years ago, the wood duck was going through hard times. For more information on this arboreal animal, have a look at the Au Marais, ouvrez l’œil discovery activity. Performance every 10 minutes The awakening of nature and the enchantment of life in the undergrowth ! Stop by the Calvaire d’Oka in springtime. 11 En bref, des siècles d’histoire au Calvaire d’Oka An odd character is waiting for you at the Calvaire d’Oka! Stop for a few minutes and listen to him give an account of the Way of the Cross dating back to 1742! 12 Au marais, ouvrez l’oeil ! It’s always fun to observe waterfowl from the Grande Baie observation tower. Bring your binoculars and keep a sharp eye for the wood duck, the park’s animal emblem. 13 Mission conservation ! Researches, a follow-up program on biological integrity, indicators and inventories… come and discover the tools that Parc national d’Oka uses to protect its natural resources. Evening activities 14 La nuit, au Calvaire d’Oka Once hikers have left the Calvaire d’Oka at night, the wildlife moves into action! Open your eyes and ears and be on the lookout: discover the forest on a beautiful summer night. 15 On « conte » sur vous ! Outdoor performance under the stars. The campers at Parc national d’Oka are sensitive to the environment. But what’s with the weird neighbours in campsite 115 ? Come and have a laugh with them! Bring a chair. In case of rain, the event will take place indoors. 16 Les chauves-souris, un monde à l’envers Take part in a night-time adventure when the bats hang out. You’ll witness the visitors’ high flying acrobatics. Don’t forget to bring along some insect repellent and your flashlight. 17 Soirée pierres et mystères An investigation has begun to discover who is responsible for shaping the landform of the park. Simple experiments will reveal the clues needed to solve the mystery. 18 Histoires de familles What’s more fun than a good old family slide show! Not long ago, several people played a significant part in the park’s history and landscape. Examine this protected territory, yesterday and today, through our story-teller’s eyes and recollections. 19 En un tour d’horizon... Step into the heart of Parc national d’Oka’s biodiversity with a naturally friendly guide. You’re the skipper; you decide which route you want to take in order to travel from one environment to the next and let yourself be taken by new discoveries. 20 Randonnée à raquettes au Calvaire d’Oka $ Snowshoe at night up to the chapels! Along the trail, your guide will point out the surroundings. To reward your efforts, you will be amazed by a starry night and a warm cup of tea will be waiting for you at the top. (Prior reservations) Rates (taxes and entry fees not included): $ 15.25/adult, $ 7.63/child between 7 and 17. Special activities 21 La fête de la pomme, du fromage et de l’histoire Come and listen to period characters tell you the story of a Way of the Cross dating back over 260 years! Along the way, admire the reproductions of religious bas-reliefs displayed in the oratories and chapels. You will also get to taste the famous Oka cheese and apple products, courtesy of local producers. 22 L’apprenti archéo : une fouille dans le passé!$ Whether you are an archaeology buff, come and uncover some historical treasures! Take part in an actual dig and learn how to carry out the work of archaeologists. You will be protecting artifacts and broadening the knowledge of this historic site. Prior reservations at the Camping Information Centre or at Le Littoral. Rates (taxes not included) : $ 13.17/adult, $ 6.58/child between 7 and 17 (Entry fees and parking rates not included). 23 Halte-là, oiseaux de rivage en vue * Be ready to discover the mysterious lifestyle of shore birds that fly thousands of miles on their fall migration. Discover them as they stop off on the beach. Don’t forget your binoculars! New *Activities are designed for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Protect and Discover 15