Explore Wetlands in Quebec — Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ruisseau de Feu Conservation Park

This site is one of Ducks Unlimited Canada's most spectacular restoration projects in Quebec, showcasing the tremendous potential for wetland development in urban settings. In addition to some 60 bird species, it is home to spawning grounds for northern pike and yellow perch. The City of Terrebonne’s efforts have led to the development of hiking trails and an observation tower with breathtaking views. Photo credit: Mélanie Deslongchamps

Parc de la Frayère

The park’s 5.5-hectare marsh was developed by Ducks Unlimited Canada in 1999. This property, acquired to protect the Pine River breeding grounds, was transformed into a conservation park over the years. The site boasts many features to welcome visitors, including a bike path, hiking trails, lookout points and interpretive panels.

Beauharnois-Salaberry Regional Park

Ducks Unlimited Canada oversaw the development of 350 hectares of marshland on both sides of the Beauharnois Canal. The park is a protected area due to its high concentrations of water birds in addition to its status as an Important Bird Area (IBA), an international conservation initiative coordinated by BirdLife International. Visitors can enjoy the park’s bike paths, observation towers, rest areas and interpretive panels.

Lake Saint-François National Wildlife Area

This area is recognized as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention and is one of Ducks Unlimited Canada's major areas of intervention. It is home to more than 287 animal species. At its heart lies the Digue-aux-Aigrettes marsh, home to some 15 species at risk. Featuring trails and footbridges, this wildlife area is an excellent birdwatching spot. Photo credit: Mélanie Jean, photographer

Drummond Forest Regional Park

In 1996, Ducks Unlimited Canada completed a wildlife development project on the site, installing a water control structure and a dike to create a 22-hectare marsh. This structure was restored in 2023. The Saint-François River flows through the park, with walking and cycling trails allowing visitors to explore both shorelines.

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

Ducks Unlimited Canada developed marshland in the Petite Ferme, Grande Ferme and des Graves sectors of this wildlife area, which features some 20 km of hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy an interpretive centre with a biodiversity exhibit which runs from April to October, as well as information and interpretation services. Several self-guided discovery tools are available, including geocaches and nature rallies.

Marais-Léon-Provancher Nature Reserve

Located in Neuville, this area was acquired by the Fondation de la faune (Quebec fauna foundation) in 1988. DUC developed marshland, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, which was restored in 2018. Société Provancher took over ownership of the area in 1996, with a commitment to ensuring its preservation in perpetuity and overseeing its management and development. The area was recognized as a nature reserve in 2005, with a visitor centre built in 2020. There are various amenities, such as marked footpaths, interpretive panels, lookout points, public bathrooms and a picnic area. Photo credit: Mélanie Jean, photographer

Marais Réal-D.-Carbonneau

This area was restored in 1995 by Ducks Unlimited Canada, in collaboration with the city of Sherbrooke. Visitors can walk the trails above water on stilts and discover the area’s different ecosystems thanks to observation towers and scenic lookouts. There are also a number of rest and picnic areas for visitors to relax and unwind.

Parc du Marais

Nestled along the banks of the majestic St. Lawrence, Parc du Marais is a haven of peace developed in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada. A wetland teeming with waterfowl, where blue-winged teals can find sanctuary, turtles bask lazily in the sun, and visitors are drawn in by the quiet beauty of nature. The park boasts a hiking trail, bike path, lookout points, interpretive panels and an interactive tour. A must-see destination!

Baie de L’Isle-Verte National Wildlife Area

This wildlife area protects the largest cordgrass marsh in southern Quebec, one of the last remaining habitats of this type, vital to the survival of the black duck. It is recognized as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention and serves as a major staging area for the greater snow goose and the Canada goose. It features an interpretation centre, 4 km of trails and a picnic area, in addition to guided hiking tours offered by Corporation PARC Bas-Saint-Laurent.

SABL La Maison du Marais

Nestled against the shores of Lac Saint-Pierre, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve since 2000, Lavallière bay is an area of great interest for fish and waterfowl. In the early 1980s, Ducks Unlimited Canada carried out its first major restoration of the entire bay. Visitors can enjoy a full day of walking along the trail and explore interpretive panels, in addition to an observation tower and boat rental services. Photo credit: Mélanie Jean, photographer

Battures-de-Saint-Fulgence Wildlife Preserve

Ducks Unlimited Canada developed this 18-hectare marsh in the late 1990s and restored its water control structures in 2022. A hiking trail and enhancement infrastructures were added over time to improve the visitor experience. Rare species, such as Nelson’s sparrow and the yellow rail—a threatened species—occasionally nest at St-Fulgence. A pair of trumpeter swans, a species rarely seen in Quebec, can also be seen nesting here.

Marguerite-d’Youville Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge, protected in perpetuity since 2010 and managed by Heritage Saint-Bernard, is an important stopover site for migratory birds. On-site wildlife facilities developed by Ducks Unlimited Canada support waterfowl nesting, duckling rearing, and fish spawning and growth. The area features 8 kilometres of hiking trails lined with interpretive panels. It’s open year-round, allowing you to discover nature through the seasons! Photo credit: Mélanie Jean, photographer

Pointe-à-la-Croix birdwatching trails

Located at the head of Chaleur Bay, this marsh is one of the largest coastal wetlands in Quebec. It serves as a prime habitat for a number of species at risk. Ducks Unlimited Canada’s reputation facilitated the acquisition of this 433-hectare marsh, in collaboration with the Quebec government. The Pointe-à-la-Croix municipality has developed a network of trails and lookout points.

Île du Mitan and Île aux Castors (southern section)

These islands in the Lac Saint-Pierre archipelago, recognized as a Wetland of International Significance under the Ramsar Convention and a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, were acquired in the 1990s to safeguard their ecological value. Since then, a number of ecological restoration measures have enhanced the area’s biodiversity. This project, spearheaded by the Société de conservation, d'interprétation et de recherche de Berthier et ses îles (SCIRBI), was developed in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada. In 2024, a brand-new culvert with a flyway was installed under Route 158. A number of hiking and cross-country skiing trails provide nature lovers the opportunity to explore this exceptional birdwatching destination. Photo credit: Mélanie Jean, photographer

Marais aux Rubaniers

DUC created this marsh in the heart of one of the bays of the Ottawa River to provide exceptional habitats for wetland flora and fauna. Today, it is an integral part of Parc national de Plaisance, managed by Sépaq. Visitors can explore the area using a footpath, which includes a section on stilts crossing a swampy forest. A raised walkway connects to the marsh, perfect for birdwatching and spotting muskrats. Photo credit: Mélanie Jean, photographer

Migrateurs trail

This 2.2 km trail allows visitors to discover a marsh developed by DUC and its partners. Stretching along the dike that borders the marsh, the trail has been carefully designed to blend in seamlessly with its natural surroundings. It provides safe, universal access for families and people with reduced mobility alike. However, trail conditions and access may vary depending on the marsh’s water levels. Interpretative panels pepper the trail, encouraging discovery and exploration of local fauna and flora.