Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle
A 1,600 km² wildlife reserve about an hour north of Ottawa with 763 lakes, lake-to-lake canoe circuits, lakeside camping, and fully equipped cottages. Quebec's most southerly wildlife reserve and the closest to Ottawa. No daily access fee. Open late May to mid-September for camping.
Features
About Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle
Réserve faunique Papineau-Labelle is a 1,600 km² wilderness spanning nine municipalities across the Outaouais and Laurentides regions. It's Quebec's most southerly wildlife reserve and the closest to Ottawa — about an hour to the Val-des-Bois entrance.
The numbers tell the story: 763 lakes, 42 streams, mountain peaks up to 500 metres, and 60+ km of trails. If you're looking to genuinely disconnect and paddle from lake to lake with a tent, this is the place.
Unlike SEPAQ national parks, wildlife reserves don't charge a daily access fee.
Camping & Accommodation
Lac Echo Campground
About 45 spacious lakeside campsites with fire pits and picnic tables. Sanitary block with showers.
Lac Joinville Campground
Semi-serviced campsites with a sanitary block (toilets and sinks).
Ready-to-Camp
9 units including new Étoile units at Lac Echo.
Backcountry Campsites
Rustic sites along lake-to-lake canoe routes and the Rivière du Sourd — multi-day paddling trips with portages between lakes.
Cottages (42)
Fully equipped lakefront cottages sleeping 2 to 22 people, with hot water, shower, wood stove, fridge, kitchen, BBQ, and a kayak or boat included.
Things to Do
Canoe-Camping
The reserve's signature experience. Paddle lake-to-lake circuits with portages, camping at rustic backcountry sites along the way. Canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats are allowed on all 763 lakes.
Whitewater Canoeing
The Rivière du Sourd offers a whitewater descent for experienced paddlers.
Fishing
Abundant across the reserve's many lakes and streams. No daily park access fee — just a Quebec fishing licence.
Hiking
60+ km of trails ranging from easy to intermediate, plus an observation tower at Lac Lanthier for duck and deer watching (May to October).
Hunting
Moose, deer, and small game hunting in season — it's a wildlife reserve first and foremost.
Visitor Information
- Camping Season: May 22 – September 19 (2026)
- Cottages & General Access: Mid-May to mid-November
- Fees: No daily access fee (unlike national parks). Check camping and cottage rates at SEPAQ
- Reservations: Book online at SEPAQ
- Registration Centres: Val-des-Bois, Gagnon (Duhamel), and Lac Echo
- Note: The Pie IX entrance is permanently closed as of 2025
- Contact: 819-454-2011 or 1-800-665-6527
Getting There
- From Ottawa: Head north to the Quebec side, take QC-309 toward Val-des-Bois. About 1 hour to the closest entrance
- Address: 443, route 309, Val-des-Bois, QC J0X 3C0
Information may change. If you spot anything outdated or incorrect, let us know.
Information may change. Please verify details on the official website before visiting.
Details
443, route 309, Val-des-Bois, QC J0X 3C0
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