General information about the National Wildlife Area
The Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area protects a piece of marshland on the northern shore of the Saint Lawrence River. This site plays an important role in the migration route of the Greater Snow Goose, as this is where they gather each spring and fall to migrate to their summer and/or wintering grounds.
Snow goose count
Each year, 10000 of snow geese gather at the Cap Tourmente as they travel south respectively north. In order to further study and understand the population and its behavior, the number of snow geese is regularly counted during their migration.
Best time to visit: For observing the snow geese: In spring from the end of April to mid-May; in fall from the beginning to the middle of October. We were at Cap-Tourmente on 07 and 14 October 2021.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 6CAD/Person
- Not covered by the Discovery Pass.
- Open daily from 8:30 to 16. Closed between 18 December and 04 January.
Tip: Most of the snow geese can be seen at high tide as they follow the water. Since the tide is quite strong at the Sant Lorenz stream, it is possible that the geese are very far away at low tide.
Our visits: So far 1 visit in October 2021
Cap Tourmente NWA
Description: One of the three major migration routes of the Snow Geese passes Cap Tourmente NWA. After spending the summer in Greenland, the geese begin the long journey south at the end of August. They are very persistent and can fly up to 1000km at a time. Cap Tourmente is one of the places where they gather, because here they find food to strengthen themselves for their further journey. With a bit of luck you can meet several 10000 of the animals here. Their winter home is along the whole east coast of the USA down to Florida.
Trail length: 1.3km round trip (Le Bois-Sent-Bon Trail)
Altitude difference: –
Time needed: Depending on the time spent with the snow geese.
Difficulty level: easy - The whole path is level and planked.
Our rating: The observation of the snow geese was one of the highlights of our vacation in 2021. To see 10000de snow geese flying up at the same time is truly impressive. But not only the snow geese are stunning here but also the hills all around, which turn wonderfully colorful in autumn. This place should not be missed during a visit to Québec, especially in autumn.
