4 Best Sights in Quebec, Canada

Recognized as a Wetland of International Significance, this nature reserve protects a vital habitat for migrating greater snow geese and sees more than a million fly through every October and May, with tens of thousands of birds present every day. The park harbors hundreds of other kinds of birds and mammals, and more than 700 plant species. This enclave also has 20 km (12 miles) of hiking trails; naturalists give guided tours. It's on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, about 8 km (5 miles) east of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré.

The 800-square-km (309-square-mile) marine park, at the confluence of the Saguenay and St. Lawrence Rivers, has been created to protect this marine area's three fragile ecosystems.

Blue water meets white cliffs on the edge of this study in contrasts, where diverse wildlife and rich waters attract hundreds of hunters and anglers each year. The island, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 35 km (22 miles) offshore from Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan, hosts so many animals that seeing deer and other creatures is common. Fossils, rare plants, and a major bald eagle breeding site are protected. But, there’s oil here, too, and profit seekers covet the riches in the island’s reserves. Hike to the tremendous Vaureal Falls, crawl through a tight cave, and visit an abandoned turn-of-the-century settlement complete with a lighthouse, all of them developed by a French chocolate mogul. Access to Anticosti Island is by boat or plane from Havre St. Pierre. Accommodations and restaurants are available on the island, but may be limited outside the main season (late June–mid-August).

In the 1,800 acres of hills, valleys, rivers, and streams that make up the park, visitors drive along designated trails to view wild animals roaming free in their beautiful natural environment. These include bear, Alpine ibexes, buffalo, wolves, elk, and more. There are also walking trails among nonaggressive species like white-tailed deer, with caged golf-cart rental available in summer to save the legwork. Also in summer, you can visit farm animals in the restored 19th-century Léopold's Farm and see a birds of prey show.