There is a certain resemblance between the Everglades in Florida and Plaisance National Park, on the outskirts of Thurso, except that in the swamps, instead of seeing alligators, you will find turtles…
There are enough to see them on a bike ride in early June when they come to lay eggs in the sand and fine gravel along the Ottawa Trail, or on other trails. It is also necessary to be attentive to their presence and not to disturb them so as not to harm their reproduction.
Up to 60 centimeters long, snapping turtles are particularly visible. Woe to him who, despite everything, would try to take one in his hands, the bites can really hurt.
By bike then on foot
It is strangely on two wheels then on foot and not on the water that one best explores the marshes there. Herons, ducks and several other waterfowl abound. Driving slowly but also stopping here and there, keep an eye out.
THE OTTAWA TRAIL
On the west side of the park, in Thurso, starting from Maison Galipeau, the Outaouais trail, as its name suggests, runs along the Ottawa River. From the start, a funny observation tower in the shape of a bird’s nest commands a stopover for its view of the Perras marsh.
The route continues along a narrow strip bordered on the one hand by the river, and on the other by the West Black Bay. The bike path then passes between Dubé Island and the Legault Peninsula to end on a point in a marshy bay. There is a picnic area there.
► Round trip: 21 kilometers
THE SERPENTINE TRAIL
On the east side, in Plaisance, the La Serpentine cycle path enters the Petite peninsula.
But before going further by bike, it is worth going for a walk on the Zizanie-des-Marais, a one-kilometre path with an amazing floating footbridge 400 meters long. From there, one can see beaver or muskrat lodges.
Back on the bike path, half way there is a picnic area. The route ends at the end of a point, at La Falaise, giving a beautiful view.
► Round trip: 17 kilometers
CAMPING
EXCITING ZIPLINES
In Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, at the Tyroparc, you fly over Mount Catherine like a bird, gliding on a long zip line. There are four of them, stretching from 600 to 900 meters in length. Experience not required.
► www.tyroparc.com
THE BULL FALL
Little known and located in Saint-Côme in a regional park, this superb 18-meter-high waterfall flowing along a cliff is reminiscent of those found in the tropical forest. A 1.5 kilometer trail takes us there.
► www.parcsregionaux.org
Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscovering Quebec: 101 destinations, published by Les éditions du Journal.
