La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve: Nature, Lakes, and Outdoor Activities
May 14, 2026
Some roads are just for getting from point A to point B.
And then there’s Route 117 in the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve.
Much more than just a road, Route 117 winds through a vast protected area that is part of the Sépaq network. A network that lets you discover Quebec in a whole new way.
More untamed. More expansive. More nature.
Driving through La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve on Route 117
When you enter the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve, something changes in the landscape.
The towns disappear.
Silence sets in.
The forest grows denser.
And lakes appear everywhere.
Trees, lakes, trees, lakes.
At first, it’s a bit surprising. It’s almost mesmerizing.
Then you realize that this is exactly what you needed.
And the further you go, the more you feel the pace slowing down. Because here, between Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Outaouais, nature takes over completely.
Why Stop at La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve
Many travelers pass through the reserve without really stopping.
That’s a mistake.
Because the real secret of the area is to take the time to stop and rest a few times.
Les Chutes-du-Lac-Roland Trail
A quick stop, but perfect for stretching your legs. This easy, approximately 2-kilometer walking trail takes you to a waterfall where the sound of cascading water breaks the forest’s silence. A simple little detour, but one that quickly reminds you of the region’s raw power and wild beauty.
Le Domaine Rest Area
A strategic stop on Route 117 to take a break. The gas station, open during the day, features a gift shop, a convenience store, and gas. In the parking lot, you’ll also find charging stations for electric vehicles, as well as restrooms, a rest area, and 24-hour Wi-Fi.
These stops not only let you take a break from the road but also give you a chance to discover a little of this vast region.
Canoe-camping: The Abitibi-Témisamingue Adventure
La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve is a massive playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
The numbers are staggering:
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more than 4,000 bodies of water
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nearly 800 km of canoe-camping trails
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2 large reservoirs: Cabonga and Dozois
In fact, it’s the largest canoe-camping experience in Quebec.
The routes feature over 500 campsites, and with nearly twenty lake-based itineraries, you can set out on an overnight expedition or a multi-day trip deep into the wilderness.
Paddle between two islands.
Set up camp by a lake.
Watch the sunrise in total silence.
These are the moments that make a trip memorable.
Spend the night in the heart of La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve
In addition to canoe-camping, there are several options for staying in the reserve.
In total, there are more than 1,250 campsites spread across more than 40 rustic areas, almost all of which are located near a body of water.
There are three main areas to choose from:
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Baie-des-Sables
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Lac-Rapide
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Savary
Depending on your style of adventure, you can choose between:
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rustic camping
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Étoile ready-to-camp sites
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traditional ready-to-camp sites
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Modif, Granets, Nadagam, or Joncas cabins
In short, whether you’re the type for a canoe expedition or a comfortable stay by the water, there’s no shortage of options.
Where does the name La Vérendrye come from?
La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve owes its name to Pierre Gaultier de La Vérendrye, one of the explorers of the Canadian West during the New France era. At that time, these territories were explored thanks to the knowledge of Indigenous peoples who guided the explorers through rivers and portages.
An all-season outdoor destination
While summer is perfect for canoe-camping, lodging, and fishing, La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve takes on a completely different character in winter.
The region then becomes a spectacular setting for snowmobiling. Provincial Snowmobile Trail No. 63 runs through the La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve.
One thing is certain: no matter the season, nature is always magnificent.
Pass through the reserve… or stay a while
The La Vérendrye Wildlife Reserve is often seen as a gateway between two regions.
But if you take the time to stop there, you’ll quickly discover that it’s worth much more than just a quick gas stop.
So the next time you take Route 117, take a break.
Take a breath.
Look around.
And let nature do the rest.
