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
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Details
443, route 309, Val-des-Bois, QC J0X 3C0
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