Rules + Ethics
Hiker’s Rules and Ethics
Inspired by the principles of Leave No Trace Canada, we invite you to review our recommendations for a safe and respectful forest walk.
Protect nature, share it!
Furthermore, hiking in the forest carries certain risks. It is your responsibility to ensure your own safety. In case of an emergency requiring immediate assistance, contact 911 and/or the forest caretaker at (450) 944-0165.
Happy hiking!
Security
- Choose a trail suitable for the least experienced member of your group.
- Make sure to bring the necessary hiking gear, such as proper shoes and clothing suited for the season and temperature, a water bottle, insect repellent, etc.
- Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, and do not stray from marked trails.
- Wildlife encounters are possible. Do not feed the animals and keep a safe distance.
- Beware of biting insects, some of which may be underground.
- Poison ivy is present in certain areas of the site, especially near the river. Learn to identify the plant to avoid it.
- In winter, ice thickness varies on the river, lake, and basin. It is unsafe to walk on frozen bodies of water. Stick to marked trails.
- We are not responsible for any incidents related to non-compliance with the Forest’s rules or inappropriate behavior.
Riverbanks
- Protect the riverbanks by using the designated access points.
- Take all your waste with you and dispose of it in the bins provided for this purpose.
Wastes
- Throwing an apple core in the forest may seem like a small act, but when repeated by many hikers, it has a significant impact on the wilderness.
- Take your food scraps, waste, packaging, and recyclables with you and dispose of them in the designated containers.
- Help us sort the waste by placing materials in the appropriate bins.
Règlements et éthique du campeur
General informations
- It is MANDATORY to pay your stay fees upon arrival and to wear your identification bracelet throughout your stay.
- There is no curfew, but no noise will be tolerated between 11:00 PM and 8:00 AM.
- Music and voice volume must remain reasonable at all times to respect other campers.
- No late arrivals will be accepted after 10:00 PM in high season and after 6:00 PM in low season.
- ONLY EMERGENCY calls will be answered after 10:00 PM in high season and after 6:00 PM in low season.
- Verbal violence, aggressive behavior, or any form of intimidation toward staff, campers, or visitors is strictly prohibited.
- Any damage or act of vandalism to equipment or infrastructure will be charged to the offender.
Visitors
- Day visitors joining campers must pay their entrance fee before accessing the site.
- They are allowed on-site between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
- Visitors must park their vehicles in the designated parking lot at the entrance, except for individuals with reduced mobility.
Trafic and parking
- The maximum speed allowed on-site is 10 km/h.
- You must park your vehicle in the designated space on your camping site.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails or camping sites (except in sector C).
Environnement
- Camping is only permitted in designated areas.
- To preserve biodiversity, it is forbidden to collect any natural elements (plants, animals, bark, branches, leaves, rocks).
- Cutting trees or shrubs is strictly prohibited.
- To avoid trampling the flora, please stay on marked trails.
- Feeding wildlife and leaving food or waste unattended is forbidden.
Access to the river
- To protect the riverbanks, only designated access points must be used.
- Swimming is unsupervised and at your own risk.
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the river or any bodies of water.
Campfire + fireworks
- Campfires are only allowed in designated fire pits and when the fire risk index is low enough.
- Fire pits must not be moved.
- To protect the forest’s health, bringing firewood from outside is prohibited. Only wood sold at Forêt Ô Cascades may be used.
- Fires must always be supervised by a responsible person and must be extinguished if left unattended.
- Barbecue ashes must be disposed of in the designated bins.
- Burning plastic materials is strictly forbidden.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
Waste and recycling
- Keep your site clean at all times.
- During your stay and upon departure, please dispose of your waste, recyclables, refundable containers, compost, and hazardous waste in the designated bins at our sorting center.
- No waste should be left on the ground of your site upon departure.
- Help us sort properly!
Pets
- On camping sites and hiking trails: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash and supervised at all times. The leash must be 6 feet or shorter. If your dog weighs 20 kg (44 lbs) or more, a head halter or harness is also required.
- Pets are not allowed inside buildings.
- Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
Cigarette et cannabis
- All buildings are non-smoking.
- Smoking or vaping is prohibited within 9 meters of a building or common area.
- Cigarette butts must not be discarded on paths, in parking lots, or in the forest.