La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve: World’s Largest Canoe-Camping Reserve

Canoe camping is gaining in popularity among amateur and outdoor enthusiasts. Did you know that one of the best places to go canoe camping in the world is in the Outaouais region of Quebec? Not surprising considering that the Outaouais is known for having a large quantity of lakes and rivers. Situated in the northwest corner of the Outaouais at 2h30 drive from Gatineau, the La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve is the world’s largest canoe-camping reserve.

With over 800 km of canoe-camping circuits, 4000 lakes, and over 13 000 km² of protected land, the La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve is the perfect destination for canoe camping. With multiple circuits, ranging in difficulty and length, you are sure to find one that fits your needs. Here, Canot-Camping La Vérendrye, the awesome business that runs the canoe-camping activities in the reserve, will help you on your way by providing necessary information and equipment.

For the Canada Day long weekend, we spent 3 days, 2 nights, exploring circuit 11 (34 km) of the reserve. In this post, I will not only talk about my first canoe-camping experience, but also discuss what you should expect, the process, the journey, what to bring, the difficulties, and the lessons.

Getting there

La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve is situated in between the Outaouais and the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. You will need to register and get your necessary equipment at Canot-Camping La Vérendrye’s main office which is situated between kilometres 329 and 332 on highway 117 North in Le Domaine. From Gatineau and Ottawa, take highway 5, 105 and 117 to reach the reserve. From Montreal, take highways 15 and 117 (around a 4h drive).

Costs and Circuits

I do invite you to visit Canot-Camping La Vérendrye’s website for more detailed pricing. Here are a few important prices to know:

• Access fees per adult: $14,50 / night
• Access fees per youth under 18: $7,25 / night
• Free access for children under 5

Canot-Camping La Vérendrye rents all necessary equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags, barrels, different types of canoes, kayaks, and much more. (Click here for more information on their prices and equipment rentals). If you already have your own canoe, you can just simply pay the access fees to use the camp sites.  

For circuits, they offer 21 circuits which range from 2-day circuits to 8 and more. While some only have but a few portages, others have many rapids. For a complete list of circuits, visit Canot-Camping La Vérendrye’s website. We chose circuit 11, which is a 34 km long circuit with 5 portages and a few beaver dams to cross. While we could have completed this circuit in 2 days, we chose 3 days to give us more flexibility.

Camping Options

The vast majority of the camping sites in the reserve are not fixed or reservable. It works on a first arrive, first-served basis. On the provided map you will receive, each campsite has a maximum number of tents that can be set up at that location. You can simply pull up to a location and if no one is there, you can take it. For larger groups, you can reserve a camping site by contacting Canot-Camping La Vérendrye. Unless you are staying at a fixed campsite, you cannot stay a location more than one night. On circuit 11, we chose camping spot 11-20 and 10-87, both of which we truly enjoyed!

What to expect at your campsite?

While every campsite is unique, we noticed a few similarities. First off, each campsite has a toilet (barrel in the round) that is not enclosed situated at around 30 m from the sleeping area. Campsites are situated near the water. Some have a beach front, others are situated near a rock face. There is usually a good distance between each campsite (you shouldn’t ear anyone). No other services are provided.

You will need to bring your own water filter (the lake water is very clean but should still be filtered as a precaution). All garbage must be picked up and brought with you during your trip (bring a bag). You can’t wash yourself in the lake (must do it away from the water). A fire pit is located at every campsite. You can enjoy a good little fire if the authorities permit it! You may only use dead wood found near the campsite for your fires.

Portage what?

Every circuit will have a few portages due to rapids, waterfalls, or inland traverses. They are not always easy because it means you must carry your canoe and all your gear for a certain distance. On our trip, the longest portage was 380 m. I do recommend you pack and choose your gear accordingly. Try to complete the portage in 2 trips (1 for the canoe and the other for the gear).

What to bring?

This will obviously depend on your needs and wants. Canot-Camping La Vérendrye provides a very good equipment checklist which I recommend you check out for inspiration. Other than the canoe, life jacket and other nautical equipment, this is what I brought for a 3-day trip:

• Katadyn BeFree water filter;
• Marmot 2-person tent;
• Sleeping bag;
• Helinox camping chair;
• Camp pillow;
• 1 bottle of 50 fps sunscreen;
• 2 bottles of OFF bug spray with 30% DEET;
• 4 packs of biodegradable toilet tissues;
• 1 can of bear spray
• 3 packs of waterproof matches
• 1 Jetboil Flash camping and backpacking stove cooking system;
• 1 230grams Jetboil gas;
• Eating utensils;
• Cellphone battery charger brick;
• 1 Deodorant;
• Sleeping mattress;
• 1 compass,
• 1 first aid kit;
• 8 Happy Yak quick dried meals;
• Swim suite;
• Clothes for 3 days / 2 nights (bring long sleeve clothes for the night);
• 1 Black Diamond headlamp (with spare batteries);
• 5 extra large Ziplock bags;
• 2 garbage bags;
• Toothbrush and toothpaste;
• Watershoes / sandals;
• 1 pair of shoes;
• 1 50l barrel for transportation per person + 1 50l dry bag of gear;
• Rain gear;
• Waterproof coat;
• 2 quick dry towels;
• A reusable water bottle;
• 1 head net for mosquitoes;
• 1 hat.

I do recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You will end up needing a lot fewer things than you think.

Our 3-day trip was some of the best memories of my life. We had beautiful sunsets and just an overall great time. The tranquility this reserve offers is unbeatable this close to the city. The people you will meet along your journey are friendly and usually like-minded. Canoe-Camping is not easy! That being said, Canot-Camping La Vérendrye really do make it easy for you by proving essential equipment and useful information.

Enjoy!