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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