Parc Omega - Quebec's Wildlife Reserve
Nestled in the foothills outside of Montebello, Quebec is Parc Omega. Situated along the stretch of Highway 50, just north of the mighty Ottawa River, almost halfway between Ottawa and Montreal, is Quebec's top, wildlife reserve and rehabilitation center.
The interior visitor center at Parc Omega.
The interior visitor center offers the chance to exit your vehicle, use the bathroom, visit a gift shop, walk among the white-tail deer and go for a wagon ride.
Over 20 species of animals are cared for, nourished and rehabilitated in five distinct areas, reminiscent of some of the major geographical regions in Canada. These include The Meadow, The Forest, The Mountain, The Lake and The Boreal Region. The car route through the park can be done as a self-guided tour. Alternately you can have an immersive experience on the classic blue tour bus with higher vantage points for photos and an intensive learning opportunity. The first time I came here, we brought 10 pounds of carrots. My recommendation? Bring at least 20!
The big elk at Parc Omega are very friendly and will take a mile if you give them an inch!
At Parc Omega, it's the residents who have the right of way on the road.
I was invited by Outaouais Tourism and an Ottawa-area photographer Roland Bast to spend the day exploring and learning about Parc Omega, their mission and the animals that make up the center-piece of that focus. Our guide for the day, Serge Lussier, has worked in wildlife conservation for over 25 years. "In his retirement" he has taken on the role of continuing the excellence of rehabilitation and education that informs the experience for those who visit.
Fallow deer can normally be found outside of North America. Here, they can be found traditionally in hardwood forests.
The carved wooden arch of the Parc Omega wolf observatory in Quebec.
The Wolf ObservatoryThrough this stunning archway is the path that leads past an amphitheater, used for birding interpretative programs in the summer months, to the new wolf observing platform. There are two levels that provide the opportunity for an up-close encounter with the park's Grey Wolves.
The famous grey wolf pack at Parc Omega all intuitively know their place.
Everyone's favorite, the grey wolf pack at Parc Omega is dominated by the Alpha. If you don't know what that means, just spend five minutes watching these incredible and playful creatures and you will quickly see who is boss. Just take a look at the photo above. Not really much more to say other than go and see them for yourself!
The Arctic wolf pack will track along side you in the car as you drive by.
The way these animals move are mesmerizing. This pack of Arctic Wolves loves to follow groups of car back and forth - pretty much for fun.
The white tail deer at the interior visitor center are very, very friendly. Especially with carrots.
At the car park area, you can mingle with white-tail deer up close. They are timid but show them some carotene love, and they quickly will become your friends. These little guys curled up front is one of the stars of Parc Omega. If you have a camera with a zoom lens or binoculars, you will see why. If you look closely you will find that they have bright blue eyes. Most returning visitors look forward to seeing him again. And, I think he knows it!
The Arctic foxes are one of the stars of Parc Omega.
There are plenty of sneaky angles in the snow for wildlife to watch you, and to watch them.
Having had the chance now to visit Parc Omega in the early fall, when the rut is in full, awesome display, and on a perfect winter day, it's hard to say which I would recommend. Starting in early February, they will have a sugar-shack up and running for all visitors to experience. Go any time of year you get the chance, but with a warm car to visit with and the animals just as active, if you can go when the snow is around - Do It!
The friendly giants of Parc Omega are the buffalo.
For more information visit Parc Omega