Plaisance National Park in Ontario, Quebec, Canada - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-24. Check linked official notices before travel.

Parc national de Plaisance protects wetlands, islands and peninsulas along the Ottawa River in Québec's Outaouais region. Walking, cycling and birding are its main attractions. Current restrictions prohibit swimming in Baie Parisien and Baie Pentecôte, while a La Carrière trail closure prevents a continuous link between the park's two sectors.

Wetland paths and river wildlife

• Walk boardwalk and marsh routes such as La Zizanie-des-Marais.
• Watch migrating geese, herons, ducks and osprey.
• Choose a seasonal campsite or ready-to-camp stay in the Presqu'Îles sector.

Check water and trail restrictions

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Read the water and trail advisory before choosing a route.

Plan a route that does not depend on a closed link

Start from the entrance serving your intended walk. Do not expect to cross the closed La Carrière section. Use extra care on the damaged Outaouais trail, and follow the swimming prohibition even if other boats are using the bays.

Give marsh wildlife space

Stay on developed paths and do not feed animals. Dogs can use only specifically authorized areas; permission in an RV area does not extend to every campground service route. Leave wetland plants and natural objects in place.

Separate lodging from park authorization

Use the official Plaisance booking links for campsites and roofed accommodation. Match your reservation to the chosen sector and service level. Buy daily access in advance; full parking lots or a sector capacity limit can still restrict an activity. The entry-fee policy applies separately to accommodation.

Presqu'Îles and Thurso are distinct starting points

Use the official sector maps before entering the park. The principal contact address is 1001 Chemin des Presqu'Îles, Plaisance, Québec J0V 1S0. Thurso has a separate entrance and seasonal reception. Check the directions and building schedules for your route, especially after the autumn service closures.

Nearby parks along regional roads

Gatineau Park, managed by the National Capital Commission, is a regional choice toward Gatineau with several road entrances. Voyageur Provincial Park on Front Road in Chute-à-Blondeau is another option across the river in Ontario. Choose the appropriate road crossing and entrance before combining visits.

Explore the marshes on foot, by bicycle or by boat

Short wetland routes provide a different visit from a longer bicycle outing. Floating and raised walkways let visitors see marsh habitat from designated paths. Check each route against the current closure map. Seasonal canoe and kayak rentals offer another way to explore where water activities remain authorized.

Match services to the accommodation area

Presqu'Îles campgrounds include sites with different utility arrangements. La Carapace provides seasonal camper services, and a laundry is available in the community building. The Fer-à-Cheval RV area has no services at the individual sites; shared services are separate. Verify the location and operating season before choosing a site.

The community building and the Marmottes and lower Érablière washroom buildings have mobility access. An adapted Étoile unit is listed in the Buttes sector. Ask staff about the particular route and accommodation you need.

About Plaisance

From farmland to protected wetlands

Rising Ottawa River levels associated with the Carillon dam changed former agricultural land into wetland habitat. Earlier recreational and wildlife designations preceded the creation of Parc national de Plaisance on March 22, 2002.

Birds and wetland animals

Spring migration brings Canada geese, while summer marshes support herons, ducks and osprey. Beavers leave lodges and other signs of their presence. The snapping turtle is a park emblem; observe it without approaching or handling it.

Contact Plaisance park staff

Telephone 819-427-5350 for sector access, camping or route questions. Sépaq manages this Québec national park.