Parc national des Monts-Valin

May 13, 2020

Partial re-opening of Sépaq territories: a gradual and safe return to nature as of May 20th

Quebec City – The Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq) is pleased to be able to proceed with the partial and gradual re-opening of its territories and activities as of May 20, 2020. This much-awaited return to nature will take place in accordance with public health guidelines so that everyone can enjoy the pleasures of the great outdoors in a safe environment.

"Our teams have placed safety at the heart of their progressive re-opening plan, for employees and customers alike. We have opted for a prudent and rigorous approach that will allow us to reconnect with nature and its many benefits, without neglecting the precautions to be taken in the current context," said Jacques Caron, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sépaq.

Public health authorities have given the go-ahead for a partial resumption of activities in national parks and wildlife reserves. Sépaq is taking steps to make these establishments accessible as part of a proximity-based outdoor approach. Although reduced, the initial offering of activities will allow nature lovers to rediscover these exceptional territories.

Re-opening our national parks

The first phase of re-opening the national parks is to provide visitors with access to trails. Three major elements are to be retained for this phase:

• Access rights will have to be purchased online in order to encourage physical distancing. Cash will not be accepted. To purchase access rights, click visit or fishing
• Only hiking, biking, and day fishing activities will be authorized at first. An expansion of the offering (camping, cabins, equipment rentals, discovery activities, etc.) will have to wait for a positive signal from public health authorities.
• No service buildings will be accessible, including washrooms.

The territories and trails will be made accessible on the basis of the usual opening schedules and conditions dictated by Mother Nature. Information on the available offering will be updated on Sépaq's website.

National park re-opening schedule

* Access to Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-and-du-Rocher-Percé is closed until June 30 due to federal restrictions on the transportation of people by boat. The situation will be reviewed according to the directives of the authorities.. 

Day fishing in wildlife reserves

Anglers with ants in their fishing pants will be able to cast their lines, but for the moment only day trips are allowed, beginning on May 20. An expansion of the offering (camping and cabins) will have to wait for a positive signal from public health authorities. Bookings for day fishing during the 2020 season will be launched on Friday, May 15. 

Some important information should be kept in mind for this first phase of the re-opening of the wildlife reserves:

• Anglers will have to obtain access rights online or by phone
• Service buildings will not be accessible, including registration stations and washrooms.

Day fishing re-opening schedule

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency: local access

Pedestrian access to the upper part of Parc de la Chute-Montmorency will be permitted as of May 20 to residents of surrounding neighborhoods. The parking lots will be closed and there will be no on-site services. Employees will provide security. 

Safety comes first

Over the past few weeks, Sépaq has conducted a complete review of its offering so as to ensure that it can be delivered safely for everyone. This major project has led to the implementation of new protection protocols, distancing standards, and rigorous sanitary measures.

Everyone will have to adapt their ways of doing things to a new reality so that outdoor activities can be restored in a safe environment. Sépaq has prepared a few "golden rules for visitors" to disseminate best practices and responsible behaviours to adopt in the current context.

Visitor autonomy will be encouraged, in particular by emphasizing the importance of obtaining access rights online and planning visits with a view to reducing the need for contact with staff. Increased signage and temporary posting will add to the information available on site.

Everyone will be held accountable for compliance with public health guidelines that are still in effect, including avoiding gathering and observing two metre distancing. Access to the territories is a privilege that comes with certain obligations for the common good.

Real-time information

The re-opening will be configured differently according to the reality of each establishment. Sépaq is committed to making all information readily available so that visitors can get a reliable picture of the situation. A Web page devoted entirely to the available offering by destination is accessible and will be regularly updated.

It can be consulted at www.sepaq.com/covid-19.

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