Zec Martin-Valin Reserve in Quebec

Trip Overview

Relaxing canoe-camping and kayaking in Quebec, Canada

Zec* Martin-Valin is outstanding mild adventure country set in the Boreal forest in the province of Quebec, Canada. It comprises 650 lakes, countless rivers, and wooded areas developed for fishing, hunting, and notably canoe-camping and kayaking (100 km of circuits).

*Zec is the French acronym for "controlled harvesting zone" (zone d'exploitation contr).

The landscape is as enchanting as it is immense; an exquisite vertigo born of a quest for solitude and newfound freedom. The territory, located in the SaguenayLac-Saint-Jean region, is a guaranteed immersion into wilderness, just a short distance from urban centres.

It has an area of 1,200 km squared, comparable in size to St. Jean Lake in Quebec and Rhode Island in the United States.

More than 30 rustic campgrounds are located in that flatwater territory. Many are equipped with platforms, tables and toilet. There are few portages and rapids.

The lakes sector is an ideal place for canoe-camping and kayaking excursions; a simply exquisite outdoor experience with over 400 km squared of interconnected lakes and rivers and 100 km of mapped routes.

The Zec was developed in such a way as to highlight the beauty of the Canadian Shield with its pristine waters, evergreen forest, wildlife, and peaceful landscapes.

Over the past twenty years, especially since the publication of a canoe-camping guide in 2002, many types of clientele have had the opportunity to visit the Zec, and continue to do so.

Accommodations:

The reception office at the main gate of the Zec is located on road L-200, one kilometer from the provincial road 172 junction. It is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, from mid-May to mid-October. Among the services are: reception lodge, canoe-camping / kayaking guide, canoe and rowboat rentals, launching ramps and parking, service station with convenience store and restaurant, shuttle service, trout fishing. Reservation possible.

Fees:

Daily motor vehicle rates: 6.50 $.

Canoe-camping and kayaking rates: 10.00 $ a day per person or less if under 18 or in a group.

Fishing: all inclusive and daily rates: 17.00 $ a day per person or less if more days. Quebec fishing license: one day: 11.00 $ for Quebec resident; 27.25 $ for non resident, and less if more days. (In Canadian dollars: taxes non included)

Directions:

The Zec can be accessed by road (n 175), through Quebec City (230 km). It is also possible to get to the City of Saguenay by air or rail. It is mainly accessed by provincial road 172 (north shore of the Saguenay River). By road, it sits approximately 35 km from downtown Chicoutimi (City of Saguenay).

Resources:

A printed guide is available. All update information can be seen and downloaded from the website (texts, detailed maps, photos, etc.):

http://www.zecmartinvalin.com/