The Government of Canada facilitates access to nature in the Greater Quebec City area

SAINT-JOACHIM, QC, May 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada has an exceptional natural heritage. Nature is at the heart of Canadian identity and it is important for Canadians to discover and protect it.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced the opening of a new trail at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area in Quebec.

The new Les Chutes trail includes stairs and four lookouts. The trail offers a spectacular view of three falls in Ruisseau de la Friponne and highlights an area of the reserve that was previously inaccessible to visitors. The Les Chutes trail project is part of the natural environment and respects the ecological integrity of the reserve. This development is in addition to various nature learning activities already available to young and old at the National Wildlife Area.

Quotes

"This new development allows us to observe the beauty, richness, and complexity of nature. I encourage Canadians to discover the country's national wildlife areas. These sites protect our biodiversity and are part of our government's efforts to double the amount of protected nature in Canada's lands and oceans."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• Executed in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada, the addition of this new trail required an investment of $1.3 million from the Government of Canada.
• Les Chutes trail is 4.8 kilometres (round trip), including the newly developed section.
• Located less than an hour away from Québec, the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is part of Environment and Climate Change Canada's network of protected areas, which includes 55 national wildlife areas and 92 migratory bird sanctuaries.
• The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area protects critical habitats for many bird species, such as the Greater Snow Goose. More than 180 species can be seen there.
• The National Wildlife Area offers 20 kilometres of hiking trails, varying from beginner to expert level, some of which are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• Each year, nearly 40,000 people visit the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.
• The National Wildlife Area is open daily until October 27.

Associated links

• Video of the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
• Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: map of hiking trails
• Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada