Where to find wildlife in Quebec
Quebec is a beautiful province with stunning and abundant wildlife. If you have dreamt of seeing bears, whales and hundreds of bird species, then planning a vacation in Quebec will not disappoint you! From the rugged landscapes of the Laurentian Mountains to the expansive boreal forests of the north, Québec offers a sanctuary for an astonishing array of animal species, each contributing to the province's rich biodiversity. From the majestic moose that roam the forested expanses to the elusive black bear that prowls the dense woodlands, this article will tell you all the places where you can observe wildlife.
In this guide, I will not only tell you where but also the best season to discover the fauna. We will also highlight sanctuaries and humane zoos along with useful information in the article.
So get your camera and your hiking boots ready for your next adventure!
BEFORE GETTING STARTED, HERE ARE A FEW GUIDELINES AND REMINDERS TO BE A GOOD TRAVELLER:
When visiting animals in the wild, it is of supreme importance to respect their natural behaviour and habitat by minimizing noise and disturbance while in the wilderness. It's essential to prioritize their well-being and conservation. Hence, it is important that you do not touch or feed the animals, let them stay wild. If you start feeding them they will get used to humans. Please stay on the designated path. There is a reason why you are asked not to go off-road, you can damage the vegetation and destroy habitat. It is also important to keep your distance. If you see a wild animal keep a safe distance between you and them.
In the wild
Quebec has a high number of National and Provincial Parks along with Wildlife Reserves all protecting the animals and their habitats. In a park, you will be able to see a combination of several types of animals. Below at the best places to see wildlife observation in the province.
(For obvious reasons, I will not cover hundreds and hundreds of animals animal species, I will only cover a few. )
Whales
Few places in the world offer the opportunity of seeing whales roaming freely in the waters like the Saint-Lawrence River in Quebec. The province has several places to observe the largest animals in the world. After all, there is a scenic route called the Whale Route dedicated to spotting these magnificent creatures.
The Saint-Lawrence waters have 13 species of whales. There are 8 Toothed whales and 5 Baleen whales (the ones that have brushes as teeth). The whales (and dolphins) are the Atlantic white-sided dolphin, White-beaked dolphin, Long-finned pilot whale, Minke whale, Humpback whale and Fin whale which are the second-largest animals.
The best time to go whale watching in Quebec is from Spring to Fall. Most of the whales come to the region to eat from May to November, then they migrate south to reproduce. The whales come to the region to feast as they don’t eat in the south. Whales love the colder temperatures so they are most active around September or October.
You can see them along both shores of the Saint-Lawrence River, Côte-Nord and the Bas-St-Laurent and Gaspésie. Be prepared to be amazed by the wonders of Quebec by the sea region. Go to my other article for all the travel tips you need to know about whale watching in Quebec.
TADOUSSAC
Tadoussac and its surroundings are THE spot where to see them. This is the best place to see them, period. You can learn all about this charming town, by going to my dedicated article.
The town of Tadoussac has 2 viewpoints. Pointe-de-l’Islet trail which is right at Tadoussac's marina and Marine Mammal Interpretation Centre (CIMM) offers a great viewpoint of the Saguenay Fjord.
Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay is popular for its “Beluga nursery”. Beluga moms like to go to the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite with their babies. It offers tranquil water with little disruption and plenty of food. To see them, you will need to do an easy hike of 6 km to La Halte du Béluga. From here, sit on a rock and wait to be amazed.
Parks Canada has 3 land places in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park: Cap-de-Bon-Désir, Pointe Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre and Marine Environment Discovery Centre. At these 3 stops, you have marine biologists and naturalist guides who are there for you to ask questions and do activities.
THE WHALE ROUTE
The whale route is in the Côte Nord which goes from Tadoussac to Kegaska. It follows Route 138 bordering the St. Lawrence River for 1250 kilometres. Here, you will be able to stop at small fishing towns, lighthouses, unique rivers and forests. The main stops are Tadoussac, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve and Kegaska. Since Route 138 borders the river, you might even have a chance to see whales from the car, so don’t fall asleep!
You can take guided whale-watching excursions in the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, Sept Îles Archipelago or Mingan Archipelago. The route also has Several interpretation sites. To know all the stops along this route, click here. The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is worth all the hours of driving, trust me! You can read more about it in my Cote Nord article.
On our Cote Nord trip, we saw whales in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan having our breakfast while watching the whales is an experience on its own! The other place where we saw whales was at the hidden beach of Cap Ferré. Sit by the beach, have a picnic and observe whales, we saw around 5 whales. from here, you can take a short hike to the Red Stream.
GASPÉSIE AND BAS-SAINT-LAURENT
Rivière-du-Loup is where the river widens into the sea. From here you can take a tour operator into the Marine Park. or you can go to the different islands. If you are in luck, maybe you will see some in the Parc National du Bic, but here, the spotlight of the park is on the harbour seals!
One of my favourite spots in the area is l'Île Verte. Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs (known as Île Verte) is a heavenly island in the Lower St. Lawrence region. This tiny island of around 15km long is only accessible by ferry during the summertime. The island has an idyllic landscape, with one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen! This untouched rugged island has Québec’s oldest lighthouse. The day we arrived, there was a whale near the lighthouse with the pink sunset in the backdrop.
The best spot to see the whales is Forillon National Park, located at the easternmost tip of the peninsula. It marks the end of the long Appalachian mountain chain and it is at the easternmost point of the Gaspé Peninsula. Here you can take whale-watching or sea kayaking excursions departing from Gaspé Bay. In this area, you will most likely find ginormous blue whales and playful humpbacks.
Another possibility to see the whales is in Percé. This is the icon of the region with its gigantic Percé rock dominating the landscape. Here you can take whale-watching tours or you can go to The National Park of Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé.
You can read all about these 2 regions and how to plan a great road trip in my other article.
Northern Gannets
Hop on a boat to see thousands of northern gannets.! The National Park of Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is home to 200,000 seabirds, including 110,000 northern gannets. It is the world’s most accessible colony of these birds. Every March, the birds return every year, to the same spot with the same partner to lay their eggs. They stay until October to breed and raise their chick. Then, as all snowbirds, they head south, separately, to escape the harsh winters.
Northern Gannets are highly skilled divers and feed primarily on fish, such as mackerel, herring, and cod, which they catch by plunge-diving from great heights into the ocean.
In the park, rangers can explore the island with you and talk to you about the island’s curious yearly visitors. I would highly suggest doing the guided visit with them! We learnt so much through our guided visit, they will explain the animal behaviour, why they nest here and the type of vegetation the island has. If we had not done the visit with the guide, we would not have enjoyed it as much.
To see them, you will embark on one of my favourite road trips, touring la Gaspésie.
Birds
If you are a birdwatcher, then the Magdalen Islands will be a paradise for you as there are over 300 species of birds. The variety of natural environments makes the archipelago the perfect playground for our flying friends. There are several excursions that are tailored exclusively for bird watching. Here are the best spots to go bird-watching:
La Martinique, the whole area between the West Dune (Coulombe Road to Étang-du-Nord) and the beach of La Martinique (along route199). Here we had the pleasure to see Sanderling and Piping plovers. These little birds do crazy migrations all the way down to Chile from northern Canada. The Pointe-de-l’Est National Wildlife Reserve is accessible by the trails of L’Échouerie and the Marais salés. L’île aux Goélands to L’Étang-du-Nord (Delaney Road), L’île Paquet, called « aux Cochons », next to the Havre-aux-Maisons marina, L’île Rouge, next to the bridge connecting l’île du Cap aux Meules to Havre aux Maisons, The cliffs of l’île d’Entrée, The Parc des Buck trail for the observation of birds in the forest.
On the Côte-Nord, the Mingan Archipelago National Park is home to some 45,000 seabird couples, including common eiders, scoters and long-tailed ducks. Besides seabirds, there are a number of forest birds on the Mingan Islands, including warblers, buntings and some birds of prey. A little northern of the park, at the mouth of Lake Salé, the Baie-Johan-Beetz marsh is home to American bitterns, green-winged teals, common goldeneyes, osprey and merlins. You can also observe several species of ducks and nearly 40 species of passerines. Lastly, If you want to see bald eagles, then, you should head to Anticosti island which has the largest concentration of bald eagles in Québec, with 40% of active nests. The remote island is also home to some 200 bird species.
In Tadoussac, go to the Observatoire d’Oiseaux de Tadoussac (OOT) for fine bird watching. This is the first bird observatory in the province. The area has 4.5 million birds.
Frontenac National Park, near Québec City, is home to more than 200 species of birds from 42 different families. Among these species, there’s the Great Blue Heron, the park's emblematic bird due to its impressive nesting site. In this area, you also have the Marais du Nord which is a bird-watching paradise and is home to 160 bird species, 33 mammal species and 10 reptile species.
Geese
Quebec is situated along major migratory routes for geese, particularly during the spring and fall migrations. The best times to see geese in Quebec are during the spring and fall migrations when large flocks of geese pass through the province on their way to and from their breeding and wintering grounds. Spring migrations typically occur from March to May, while fall migrations occur from September to November.
These routes often follow river valleys, wetlands, and agricultural areas where geese stop to rest and feed. Observing from designated wildlife viewing areas or along riverbanks can provide excellent opportunities to see migrating geese.
Along the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, coastal areas and marshes provide important habitats for nesting and feeding geese. The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area might be the best spot to see them. The Wildlife area protects vast coastal wetlands and mountains. This is where large snow geese gather here by the tens of thousands during their spring and autumn migration. The park also has over 180 bird species, 30 mammal species and 700 plant species.
Atlantic Puffins
Atlantic Puffins are easily recognizable by their colourful beak with orange, yellow, and blue markings, as well as a black and white body. These seabirds typically nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs or offshore islands, where they excavate burrows in the soil or use rocky crevices as nesting sites. Puffins are highly social birds and often return to the same breeding colonies year after year. Atlantic Puffins are expert divers and swimmers, using their wings to "fly" underwater in pursuit of small fish such as herring, sand eels, and capelin, which make up the bulk of their diet. Despite their ability to swim and dive underwater, Atlantic Puffins are somewhat clumsy flyers, with rapid wing beats and a distinctive "flapping" flight style.
These little cute birds exclusively nest in Île aux Perroquets with the Razorbill (these birds are the same family as penguins but these can fly not like the real penguins that live in the southern hemisphere). Both birds cohabit with other birds on this island, it is a true bird-watching heaven. The island also has a lighthouse. The island is located in the magnificent Mingan Archipelago National Park. The park reserve is made up of about 20 main islands as well as a string of beautiful granitic islets. In total, the archipelago has around 1,000 islands and islets. The best time to see the puffins is from mid-June to late September when the park is open to the public.
Seals
The funny seals can easily be seen in the water popping up their heads from the shores in the province. You can see them in Gaspésie and Côte Nord, on the north shore of the St-Lawrence River. However, the Magdalen Islands are where you can see them the most. You will be able to observe up to four species of seals: grey, harbour, hooded and harp seals. The gray seal, the common seal also called the harbour seal can be seen in their natural environment at the end of Grande Échouerie beach, at Grosse-Île, at the Corps-Mort rock and the end of the Dune-du-Sud beach, and just in front of the Grande-Entrée fishing port. Some tours will take you to special places to observe them better. These 2 species are mostly visible in the Summer months. Sadly, the harbour seal is currently under observation due to the decline of their population all along the Saint Lawrence.
If you are coming to the Maggies in Winter, then you will have the privilege to see the harp seal pups. This is an Arctic species which migrates to the coast of Newfoundland and Les Îles de la Madeleine around the end of December. March is when Harp seals come to give birth, this is the opportunity for you can see the "whitecoats" pups. Seeing them up close is now officially high on my bucket list.
Bic National Park in Gaspésie is known for its capes, bays, coves, islands and mountains. It is also famous for being home to large populations of harbour seals and grey seals. The park has 25 km of hiking trails, and 15 km of bike trails which will take you through numerous lookouts to admire the views and to watch the seals. In the park, you can also do sea kayaking. The best hikes will be to walk along the shore, you will have a big chance to encounter harbour seals as they like to hang out on the rocks in the coves and bays! Please follow the regulations of the parks when encountering wild animals.
The small island, Île aux Lièvres in the St. Lawrence River is known to be a common place to admire seals basking in the sun.
While you can see the seals by the bay, take the opportunity to go on a sea-kayaking excursion among the seals.
Black Bears
Black Bears are found particularly in forested areas with abundant food sources such as berries, nuts, and insects. The best time to see black bears in Quebec is during the spring and summer months, particularly from May to September. During this time, black bears are active as they forage for food to prepare for winter hibernation. They can often be seen near rivers, streams, and forested areas where food sources are plentiful. The black bear is the only bear other than the polar bear that can be seen in Quebec.
Quebec is home to several national parks and wildlife reserves where black bears can be spotted in their natural habitat. Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, Parc National de la Gaspésie, and Parc National du Mont-Tremblant are known for their black bear populations as well as la Pourvoirie du Lac Moreau. The best way to observe the black bear is to do a guided bear-watching tour. Domaine de l’Ours Noir Baie-Comeau has cabins created for observation. You can also see them at the Réserve Faunique des Laurentides and at Station Touristique Duchesnay which offers an observation tower.
La Mauricie National Park is one of the biggest in the province. It has more than 150 lakes of all sizes which are perfect to swim on a hot summer day or to canoe your way through to admire the fall colours. The park covers more than 500km and has plenty of hiking trails, trail bicycling, and recreational fishing and in winter you can snowshoe or country skiing. The highlight of this park is that it is Black Bear territory, if you are lucky like us, you might see a cub and its mama bear! The park also has some amazing wildlife including tailed deer, beavers and rare Canadian wood turtles.
La Mauricie is one of 15 national parks near Montreal.
Moose
Did you know that moose is the biggest antlered animal on the planet?
Moose are commonly found throughout the forested regions of Quebec. The best time to see moose in Quebec is typically during the early morning or late evening hours, especially during the spring, summer and fall months. Moose are most active during these times, and they are often seen foraging for food or moving between different habitat areas.
The Laurentian Mountains region, including areas such as Mont-Tremblant National Park and Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, is known for its moose population. These forests offer prime habitat for moose, with abundant food sources and suitable habitat. The Gaspé Peninsula, located in eastern Quebec, is another area where moose can often be spotted, particularly in forested areas and along river valleys. Parks such as Forillon National Park and Gaspésie National Park (more specifically the Mont Ernest-Laforce sector) are good places to look for moose, so keep your eyes peeled for these giants. The Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region in central Quebec is also home to a significant moose population. Visitors to this area may have opportunities to see moose in forested areas, wetlands, and along the shores of Lac-Saint-Jean. Lastly, Matane Wildlife Reserve offers a variety of activities to observe the moose in its natural habitat. This is probably your best chance to see this animal in all its splendour.
Beavers
Beavers are the animal emblem of Canada, the forest engineers, can be found in various habitats, including rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are most active during the early morning and evening hours, particularly at dawn and dusk, making these times optimal for observing them in the wild. Beavers are most active during the spring and summer months, especially from May to October when food sources are abundant, and they are busy building and maintaining their dams and lodges.
Plaisance National Park in Outaouais has many beaver families. Be on the lookout for the large rodent’s lodge, you might see them in the vicinity. La Mauricie National Park, Mont-Tremblant National Park, and Jacques-Cartier National Park (especially on the Scotora trail) are known for their beaver populations. You see them on Canoeing or Kayaking Trips by paddling quietly and keeping an eye out for beaver lodges, dams, and activity along the shoreline.
White-tailed Deer
Deer are often found in forested habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, where they seek cover and forage for food. Look for deer trails, tracks, and signs of browsing on vegetation as indicators of their presence in the area. The fall and winter months, particularly during the mating season (rut) in the fall, are excellent times to see deer in Quebec. During this time, deer are more active and visible as they engage in mating behaviours and prepare for winter.
Parks such as La Mauricie National Park, Mont-Tremblant National Park, and Jacques-Cartier National Park are known for their deer populations. However, if you want to see a lot of deer, then Anticosti National Park, a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, should be on your list. In the village of Port-Menier, you'll have the chance to get up close with these Bambi. Anticosti Island has the highest concentration of deer in eastern North America! Its isolation from the continent protects Anticosti deer from diseases, and its particular geographical location differentiates them in a number of ways from their counterparts on the continent. Closer to Monreal, the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park has over 120 deer.
Bonus: Refuge Faunique Marguerite-D'Youville
This is a wildlife reserve about 20 minutes south of Montréal. The Island, Île Saint-Bernard, has 8 km (easy) trails where you can observe wildlife up close. If you are an avid bird watcher, this reserve will delight you. There are more than 240 species of birds. You can also spot White-tailed Deer, beavers, marmots, chipmunks, turtles and much more! The reserve is also known for the great variety of its ecosystems: marshes, swamps, banks, wasteland, maple groves and oak groves.
This is one of the places where I’ve had most of my wildlife encounters in the province! We saw at least 10 different types of birds, 4 deer, a baby beaver who was building its dam, a marmot, turtles, and a cute chipmunk. This park has a special farm and I love going there more and more.
The park is a great half-day trip from Montreal.
Beaver Photo by Francesco Ungaro on Unsplash
Zoos and Sanctuaries
The list of places below aims to protect animals from the province and aim at the animals wellbeing. They are also not your ordinary zoo with small enclosures.
Nat Geo did a great article about how to do wildlife tourism right. I would highly suggest reading it since you will be watching a lot of wildlife on the trip.
Ecomuseum Zoo
The Ecomuseum Zoo is located in the suburb of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue on the western tip of Montreal Island. Unlike traditional zoos, the Ecomuseum Zoo is dedicated to the conservation and presentation of Quebec's native species, offering an immersive experience of the province's natural heritage. Spanning over 11 hectares of natural habitats, the zoo provides a home to over 115 different animal species, ranging from majestic birds of prey to elusive mammals and reptiles. Here, you can explore the diverse ecosystems of Quebec, from the boreal forest to the St. Lawrence River, as they encounter animals such as the lynx, black bear, river otter, and snowy owl. Through educational exhibits, interactive presentations, and guided tours, the Ecomuseum Zoo fosters a deeper appreciation and understanding of Quebec's wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving their habitats for future generations to enjoy.
The zoo is a CAZA (Canada Association of Zoo and Aquariums) member that ensures the animals’ well-being.
Ferme 5 Étoiles
Ferme 5 Étoiles, located in Sacré-Coeur, near Tadoussac, is an animal rescue center and a holiday resort. They take orphans or injured animals, rehabilitate them and put them back in the wild. The ones that are not rehabilitated back, stay at the farm and you can see them and interact with them by helping the staff with the feeding of animals. Here you will be able to see moose, wolves, bison, deer, lynx, sled dogs, chickens, rabbits, raccoons and more. The farm also offers activities like Sugar Shack in the Spring, dog sledding and snowshoeing in Winter and quad trail and sea kayaking in the Summer. You can stay overnight at the many room styles available.
Quebec Aquarium
The Quebec Aquarium, situated in the heart of Quebec City, offers a mesmerizing journey into the depths of marine life. With over 10,000 specimens representing 300 species, this aquatic wonderland showcases the rich biodiversity of the St. Lawrence River and beyond. Visitors can marvel at graceful beluga whales, playful seals, and colourful fish, in immersive exhibits that recreate their natural habitats. Through engaging educational programs, interactive displays, and captivating live shows, the Quebec Aquarium invites visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of the underwater world and gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of marine conservation.
The aquarium is a CAZA (Canada Association of Zoo and Aquariums) member that ensures the animals’ well-being.
Centre d'Interprétation des Oiseaux de Proie de Godbout
The "Centre d'interprétation des oiseaux de proie de Godbout" translates to the Godbout Birds of Prey Interpretation Center. It is located in Godbout, a small municipality in the Côte-Nord region. This center is dedicated to educating and raising awareness about birds of prey, such as eagles, falcons, owls, and hawks. The center is a refuge for birds of prey with permanent disabilities who cannot return to the wild. You will be able to observe around ten birds of prey in presentation aviaries, adapted to their species and their disabilities. You can learn more about the help they bring to the animals here.
Exploramer
Exploramer, in Gaspésie, is an interactive marine science museum and aquarium. The science museum features a variety of aquarium exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life found in the region. Visitors can observe and learn about local fish species, crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine creatures in their natural habitats. Exploramer's outdoor interpretive site offers panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and provides information about the local marine environment, including the geological formations, tides, and marine biodiversity of the region.
Parc Oméga
Parc Oméga, nestled in the heart of the picturesque town of Montebello in the Outaouais region, offers a unique and immersive wildlife experience unlike any other. Spanning over 2,200 acres of natural landscapes, this expansive park provides a sanctuary for native Canadian wildlife to roam freely in their natural habitats. You can embark on a scenic drive through the park's winding trails, encountering a diverse array of animals such as majestic elk, curious deer, playful wolves, and elusive bears along the way. Beyond the wildlife drive, Parc Omega offers a range of activities including hiking trails, picnic areas, and educational exhibits, providing visitors with opportunities to connect with nature and learn about the importance of wildlife conservation.
You can buy carrots and feed the cute deer and wapitis that will poke their heads through your window car to eat the treats. Through the car route, you will see coyotes, arctic foxes, black bears, moose, eagles and beavers, to name a few. There are two areas where you can leave the car and walk along with these magnificent animals.
The park is open all year long and offers very different experiences depending on the season. This gives you opportunities to go back to the park! Did you know that you can stay at the park overnight? There is a cabin with views of the wolf enclosure, a long-time dream of mine!
The zoo is a CAZA (Canada Association of Zoo and Aquariums) member that ensures the animals’ wellbeing.
Bioparc
The Bioparc de la Gaspésie is home to about 40 animal species indigenous to the region in a setting that resembles their natural habitat. Here, you can see animals ranging from cute raccoons to giant moose. The Bioparc gives prominence to the indigenous species of Quebec and these are subdivided into 5 ecosystems: the bay, the barachois, the river, the forest and the tundra.
The well-being and comfort of the animals at the Bioparc is of the highest priority and is a part of the fundamental values of the animal park. The park has an extensive educational and conservation program. Also, some of the animals are rescued so it provides them with a good life after they had an accident or if they were left orphans, meaning they could not survive in the wild.
The zoo is a CAZA (Canada Association of Zoo and Aquariums) member that ensures the animals’ well-being.
Montreal Biodôme and Insectarium
The Biodôme, located in the heart of Montreal's iconic Olympic Park, offers an immersive journey through four distinct ecosystems found in the Americas. Visitors can explore the lush tropical rainforest, the diverse ecosystems of the North American wilderness, the fascinating marine world of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the unique biodiversity of the South American rainforest. Through interactive exhibits, educational presentations, and hands-on experiences, the Biodôme invites visitors to discover the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of environmental conservation.
Right next to the Biodome, Montreal Insectarium is situated within the enchanting grounds of Montreal's Botanical Garden and offers a captivating exploration of the world of insects. With its vast collection of over 250,000 specimens representing thousands of insect species, this unique museum provides visitors with an opportunity to discover the incredible diversity and beauty of these often misunderstood creatures. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs, the Montreal Insectarium invites visitors to learn about the vital roles that insects play in ecosystems, from pollination and decomposition to food production and biodiversity.
The zoo is a CAZA (Canada Association of Zoo and Aquariums) member that ensures the animals’ well-being.
Refuge Pageau
Refuge Pageau is nestled in the pristine wilderness of Amos, Quebec, and stands as a beacon of hope and compassion for wildlife in need. Founded by Michel Pageau in 1986, this non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned wildlife, with a focus on native species found in the boreal forest region. Home to over 150 animals, including bears, wolves, lynx, and birds of prey, Refuge Pageau provides a safe haven where animals can receive expert care and rehabilitation before being returned to their natural habitat whenever possible. Through educational programs, guided tours, and interactive experiences, visitors can learn about the challenges facing wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving their natural habitats.
Saint-Félicien Wildlife Zoo
The Saint-Félicien Wildlife Zoo is located in Saint-Félicien in the region of Lac-St-Jean. The park covers over 485 hectares (1,200 acres) of boreal forest, the zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide variety of North American animals in settings that closely resemble their natural habitats. You can explore the park via a guided train tour that winds through the different ecosystems, including the boreal forest and the tundra. Along the way, they can encounter iconic Canadian wildlife such as black bears, wolves, moose, bison, caribou, and more, all roaming freely in spacious and naturalistic enclosures.
In addition to the train tour, the zoo also features walking trails, observation points, and educational exhibits where visitors can learn about the animals, their habitats, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. The zoo places a strong emphasis on conservation and education, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and their natural environments.
The zoo is a CAZA (Canada Association of Zoo and Aquariums) member that ensures the animals’ well-being.
Psst: Here is a recap of all the places this article takes you through the Quebec province:
Which animal will you want to see first on your next Quebec trip? Let me know in the comments below!
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If you have dreamt of seeing bears, whales and hundreds of bird species, then planning a vacation in Quebec will not disappoint you! In this guide, I will not only tell you where but also the best season to observe the fauna.
So get your camera and your hiking boots ready!
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