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Putep ’t-awt marine mammal observation site

Website
1001, rue du Patrimoine
Cacouna (Quebec) Canada
G0L 1G0
Phone:
+1-877-463-7089
Email:
info@tourismewahsipekuk.ca

Website

Putep ’t-awt marine mammal observation site: A place of wonder surrounded by nature!

Sitting atop Gros-Cacouna Mountain in Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Putep ’t-awt trail and observatory offer a unique experience surrounded by nature. Come and admire belugas in their natural habitat without disturbing them while discovering a site designed to pique your curiosity, inspire contemplation and raise public awareness about the need for environmental preservation.

Ranked one of 100 of “The World’s Greatest Places of 2024” by prestigious Time magazine, the observatory offers a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence Estuary and its many marine treasures.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, outdoor lover or simply seeking peace and serenity in nature, this ecotourism destination will charm you and deepen your connection with the natural world.

Opening dates

Late June to early September

Schedule

TBA

Cost

TBA

Reservations

Reservations required

Payment methods

  • Visa  Visa
  • MasterCard  MasterCard
  • Interac  Interac
  • Cash  Cash

Activities available

Whale Watching
Come and meet our interpreter guides during our featured activity, “Window on the Belugas,” which uses various technologies to immerse you into the fascinating world of these marine mammals. You are guaranteed to be amazed!
Hiking
A 2-km (1.2 mi.) digital and interactive discovery trail will introduce you to the Wolastoqey culture. (“Putep ’t-awt” means “beluga trail” in the Wolastoqey Latuwewakon language.) At the top of the mountain, the observatory offers a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence.
Interpretation Sites
Bordering the majestic Wahsipekuk (St. Lawrence), Putep ’t-awt offers a 2-km (1.2 mi.) discovery trail featuring interpretive panels and digital content that will immerse you in a rich and educational adventure.
Indigenous Heritage
The Wolastoqiyik Wahsipekuk First Nation invites you to the Cacouna pow-wow, which is an opportunity to discover Wolastoqey culture and that of other First Nations. On the agenda: songs, traditional dances and more!
Arts and Crafts
The Matuweskewin boutique (“matuweskewin” means “porcupine hunter” in the Wolastoqey Latuwewakon language) showcases the skills of Wolastoqey and other First Nations artists and artisans. Come and meet us!


Services

  • Pets allowed on leashes only
  • Boutique
  • Free parking

How to get there

You have two options to get to the foot of the mountain where you will find the discovery trail that will take you up to the observatory:

  • Electric shuttle: For $5 (round trip), you can board a 16-passenger electric shuttle from the Matuweskewin boutique located at 1001, rue du Patrimoine in Cacouna. Departures start at 8:30 a.m. and the last return is at 5:15 p.m. Be sure to book your spot in advance since you cannot buy a ticket from the driver.
  • Parking lot at the Gros-Cacouna Marsh: You can also park your vehicle in the Gros-Cacouna Marsh parking lot in the Baie de L’Isle-Verte National Wildlife Area. From the Matuweskewin boutique in Cacouna, head east on Route 132 and drive about 1.7 km (1 mi.) to the sign for the Gros-Cacouna Marsh Birding Site in Parc côtier Kiskotuk. Turn left on Route de l’Île (heading towards the water). After 400 metres (¼ mi.), keep left at the fork in the road and continue for about 900 metres (½ mi.) to the large parking lot at the end of the road. From here, you will need to walk about 1.4 km (nearly 1 mi.) along the De la Savane trail to reach the Putep ’t-awt trailhead at the foot of the mountain.

Affiliations and distinctions

Affiliations

  • Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent
  • Indigenous Tourism Québec
  • Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Discovery Network

Ask for more information

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