Do you have questions?

Do you have questions regarding the presence of dogs at Sépaq destinations? Our team is on hand to help. Here are the answers to the most common questions.

Decision regarding dog access in national parks

  • Why have you authorize the presence of dogs in national parks since 2019?
    • The pilot project conducted from 2016 to 2018 in five national parks has revealed that the compliance rate with the rules is very high (authorized areas, use of leashes, constant monitoring by the owner) and that the customer experience is not negatively affected by the presence of dogs. Insofar as these rules are respected, there is no reason to believe that the presence of dogs has a bigger impact than that of humans in national parks.
  • Are dogs allowed in all parks? How were authorized sites selected?
    • No, each park has well-defined areas where dogs are allowed on a leash under the supervision of their owners. The full list of authorized locations can be found at sepaq.com/animaux. Here are the criteria for permitting dog access:

      - Have a minimal impact on the natural environment and especially avoid sites with specific biological constraints (e.g., the shore at Parc national du Bic because of the presence of seals; the ubiquity of wetlands, birds, and turtles at Parc national de Plaisance; habitats frequented by caribou at Gaspésie, Jacques-Cartier, Grands-Jardins, and Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie national parks)

      - Be able to ensure compliance with the rules

      - Maintain a high-quality customer experience for all visitors

      - Concentrate authorized sites in a clearly defined area to foster clear understanding by our customers and simplify rule enforcement

      Please note that no areas could be designated as authorized for dogs in certain national parks, for the following specific reasons:

      - Parc national d’Anticosti: regulation prohibiting dogs on the island

      - Parc national de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé: the park is essentially made up of Percé Rock, already out of bounds for customers for safety reasons, and Île Bonaventure, where sea birds are ubiquitous

      - Parc national de la Pointe-Taillon: dogs are to be allowed in Camp-de-Touage sector; as this sector is under development, areas will be identified when it is becomes accessible to customers.
  • Have you thought of those who do not wish to be around dogs when visiting a national park?
    • We wish to ensure a high-quality experience for all our visitors to national parks. This is why most of our campgrounds and trails remain inaccessible to dogs. In fact, only about 20% of our offering across the entire network is accessible to dogs. In each park, authorized sites are clearly defined, while others remain off limits to dogs. Under these conditions, there is something for everyone.

      We can reassure visitors to national parks that we remain vigilant in order to avoid compromising their visitor experience. In particular, barking, howling, or any other disruptive behaviour is not tolerated.
  • Will the rules in effect during the project be maintained?
    • Yes. The dog must be kept on a leash, under constant surveillance, and it must remain in designated areas. To consult all regulatory provisions, please go to sepaq.com/animaux. These same rules are in effect in all territories managed by Sépaq where dogs are allowed.
  • Will there be an entry fee for dogs?
    • No.

During a visit or stay

  • If I visit a national park with my dog, do I have to show documents, such as the dog’s health booklet?
    • No documents need to be presented. However, it is strongly recommended for the dog to have up-to-date vaccinations, both for its own well-being and for that of the wildlife.
  • Is there a maximum number of dogs for day visits?
    • There are no limits regarding the number of dogs as long as the rules are respected.
  • Is there sanctions for dog owners who do not respect the rules?
    • Owners who do not respect the rules may receive a statement of offence or be obliged to leave the establishment.
  • Does my dog have to sleep in my tent or my camping shelter?
    • Yes. All dogs must spend the night in a camping shelter (tent, trailer, RV, vehicle, kitchen shelter) with the person responsible for them because dogs must be under constant surveillance.
  • Are dogs allowed on the edge of waterways and/or in the water?
    • For health and safety reasons, dogs are never allowed on supervised beaches. For access points to waterways that are not supervised beaches, please refer to nautical access points identified for each destination on the beach, at sepaq.com/animaux.
  • Is there a place where I can wash my dog?
    • Dogs can be washed at any trailer dumping station, in sectors where dogs are allowed, and at water outlets in campgrounds where dogs are allowed.
  • Are dogs allowed in communal kitchen shelters?
    • No.
  • Is there dog parks and areas for them to run around?
    • No.

Regulatory framework

  • What are the set of rules governing the presence of dogs?
  • What differences are there between the rules for guide dogs (ex. Mira) and for other dogs?
    • Assistance dogs and guide dogs are allowed without restriction in all buildings and other locations. However, they must be easily identifiable through wearing the scarf or harness of the MIRA Foundation or another recognized dog training organization and must be kept on a leash at all times. The organization's code of ethics must be respected by the person(s) in charge of the animal in question, in particular by keeping proof of training with them at all times.

      Guide dogs and service dogs in training are only allowed in places where dogs are allowed.

      An emotional support animal is considered a pet. Access of an emotional support dog is therefore limited to areas where dogs are allowed.
  • Are any dog breeds prohibited?
    • No, there are no prohibited dog breeds as long as the rules are respected.
  • What do you mean by aggressive dog behaviour?
    • Dogs that bark, howl, or disturb the quiet enjoyment, well-being, and sense of security of other visitors will not be tolerated. The person responsible for such a dog will have to leave the establishment with the dog in question.
  • How do you make sure that the rules are respected?
    • We make sure to properly inform dog owners of their responsibilities with regard to the rules of conduct to be followed. We continue to patrol trails and campgrounds to ensure compliance with the rules. Finally, we put in place clear signposting and establish grouped sectors where dogs are allowed so as to avoid confusing our visitors.
  • Do you allow the presence of other pets, such as cats?
    • Québec’s national parks regulation only allows dogs and horses for certain activities. Otherwise, bringing animals or fish into national parks, designated as protected areas, is forbidden. This rule applies at all establishments of the Sépaq network.

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