fbpx
Book

The Black Bear and its Habitat

MENU   Okwari

Descrition of the activity

An immersion in a natural environment to better understand the black bear and its habitat. Here, observing black bears is possible, but never guaranteed — each outing is unique!

BOOKING ONLINE

Spend an afternoon discovering the boreal forest: that’s what we offer with this activity designed to awaken your senses as you explore a territory that is both wild and fragile, in the company of our experienced guides.

Your afternoon will begin with a possible observation of black bears (“Okwari” in Mohawk). Take advantage of this quiet moment to discover this animal in its natural state. The observation takes place from a lookout specially designed for this purpose, with the utmost respect for the animals. Transportation to the lookout is done by electric vehicle when participant numbers allow, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

This first part is followed by a complementary interpretation activity (a rabaska canoe outing on Lake Côme when weather permits). Otherwise, it may be a guided hike focused on boreal flora, or an interpretation activity on musical or Indigenous heritage.

BOOKING ONLINE

Rates (taxes not included):

Adult: $69
Ages 13–18: $58
Ages 5–12: $37

Access to hiking trails is included in the rate. Make the most of your day by enjoying the trails and having lunch at the centre with your own meal!


Schedule: daily from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Bec-Scie Outdoor Centre at 1:00 p.m.
7400, Chemin des Chutes, La Baie, QC G7B 3N8


Good to know:

  • During periods of abundant berry production, bear presence may vary. Please note that bears are completely free and in their natural habitat; their presence is not guaranteed. Let nature surprise you!
  • This activity does not include meals or snacks.
  • Please note that this activity takes place in a boreal forest environment.
  • This activity is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Difficulty level: Beginner. Suitable for families with children aged 5 and over.

Transportation: You will be transported into the forest by electric shuttle or bus, depending on group size, over a maximum distance of 20 km. You will also need to walk in the forest for up to 3 km.

Recommended clothing: Suitable walking shoes for forest terrain, sunglasses, windbreaker or rain jacket depending on weather conditions.

Required equipment: Reusable water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, motion sickness medication if needed. All other necessary equipment will be provided.

Your choice makes the difference!

By participating in this activity, you are contributing to efforts to preserve the environment. Contact Nature joins forces with various research and development partners to provide support for the financing of their efforts.

Contact Nature has also been committed since 2020 to a sustainable development policy:

  • Environmental Dimension: Maintaining the integrity of our environment to ensure the health and safety of humans and their ecosystems.
  • Social dimension: Considering the social consequences of our activities, the problems of inequalities, working and living conditions.
  • Economic dimension: Reconciling the viability of our organization with ethical principles such as environmental protection, responsible production and consumption.

Some pictures

Monique
Monique

Your experienced guides

Monique Tremblay

Monique has a master’s degree in plant ecology and a bachelor’s degree in biological science. She has a great ability to popularize. Her artistic, historical and natural environment knowledge will greatly contribute to making you live an authentic experience.

While hiking, on the edge of a lake in the middle of the territory or aboard a Rabaska canoe (large traditional canoe), Monique will invite you to take part in a wildlife interpretation experience and boreal flora and according to the seasons. Sharing a unique moment in his company, you will be able to learn more about the first peoples thanks to his expertise and the writings of Érik Langevin, professor in the department of human and social sciences and head of the archeology laboratory (UQAC).

After having worked for more than 30 years at the site of New France where she developed a great expertise at the historical level, we are proud to count Monique today among our expert guides within Okwari le Fjord.

Jean-Victor
Jean-Victor

Jean-Victor Fournelle

Jean-Victor is passionate about nature and adventure, with a wealth of experience in biology and interpretation of the natural environment. Having pursued studies in biological sciences and ecology, he perfected his skills over the years as a naturalist park ranger at the Saguenay Fjord National Park. Its responsibilities include leading discovery activities, raising visitor awareness and protecting the environment.

During your explorations with Jean-Victor, whether in the heart of the trails or at the water’s edge, he invites you to an immersive experience of discovery of the boreal fauna and flora. Thanks to his in-depth knowledge and his educational approach, he enthusiastically shares the richness of local ecosystems and environmental issues.

In addition to his expertise in the natural environment, Jean-Victor is also a professional musician, which adds a unique cultural dimension to his guiding activities. With more than ten years of experience as a naturalist, he knows how to adapt his interventions to different audiences to offer an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of nature.

Conserve, restore, enhance.

Your choice makes a difference!

By taking part in this activity, you contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Contact Nature partners with various research and development organizations to support the funding of their initiatives.

Since 2020, Contact Nature has also been committed to a sustainable development policy:

Environmental dimension: Maintaining the integrity of our environment to ensure the health and safety of people and ecosystems.
Social dimension: Considering the social impacts of our activities, including issues of inequality, working conditions, and quality of life.
Economic dimension: Balancing the viability of our organization with ethical principles such as environmental protection, responsible production, and responsible consumption.

Sustainable development and territorial regeneration are at the heart of Okwari’s priorities. Among the many actions implemented each year is the offsetting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by the use of our vehicles and work computers.

Contact Nature is also a proud participant in the international collective 1% FOR THE PLANET, contributing 1% of its revenue to the Fonds Plein Air 1% pour la planète.

View all our accreditations and recognitions

Wildlife observation is a sought-after activity that allows people to observe animal behaviour and interactions in their natural environment. However, since it can sometimes be difficult to spot certain species in the wild, enhancement activities have been developed.

Thus, to facilitate observation and increase success rates, animals are attracted to our observation site through a regular supply of anthropogenic food, in accordance with the recommendations of the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife (MRNF).

Indeed, our site was the subject of a master’s thesis in renewable resources by a student from UQAC, who worked in collaboration with the MRNF in 2012 to observe the natural behaviour of bears and refine the ministry’s recommendations for this type of site.

The objective was to assess the hypothesis that the use of a feeding site by male bears would influence their space use and habitat selection, as their dietary needs could potentially be more easily met by this regular supply of highly energetic food (Massé, S. 2012).

 VIEW SOPHIE MASSÉ’S THESIS