Laurentides • Québec

Wildlife around La Macaza

Mixed forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands host rich biodiversity: moose, black bear, white-tailed deer, beaver, loons, raptors, cold-water fish, and discreet amphibians and reptiles. Regional data (Mont-Tremblant National Park) list ~40–45 mammals, ~198–206 birds, 34–39 fish, 14 amphibians, and 7 reptiles[1][2].

Moose in the Laurentian forest
Large mammals — moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, red fox, river otter, beaver, and snowshoe hare are among common species in the Mont-Tremblant area [1][7].

Mammals of the Haute-Rouge

Mosaics of maple and fir stands and river valleys create ideal habitat for moose and white-tailed deer. Beaver ponds and rivers attract otters and muskrats, while larger forest blocks shelter black bears and foxes. In every season: watch without feeding or approaching[11].

  • Best times: dawn and dusk.
  • Water edges: beaver, mink, amphibians.
  • Stay on trails and keep your distance.
Common loon on a calm lake
Birds — ~194–206 species: common loon, warblers, woodpeckers, raptors (osprey, occasionally bald eagle) [3][7].

Song, migration & raptors

Around lakes: loon, common merganser. In forests: ruffed grouse, chickadees, thrushes, woodpeckers. Over bays: osprey fishing; the bald eagle is possible.

  1. May–June — woodpeckers & warblers nesting.
  2. July–Aug — loons with chicks on the lakes.
  3. Sept–Oct — migrations & passing raptors.
Brook trout in cool, clear water
Fish — Rouge and Diable watersheds: brook trout, northern pike, sometimes walleye, lake trout, and bass depending on the waterbody [4][5][6].

Cool headwater streams

Well-oxygenated lakes favor brook trout, while bays and weed beds host pike. Deep, cold lakes can hold lake trout. Check zone regulations before fishing [6][12].

White-tailed deer with raised white tail
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) — called “chevreuil” in Québec. Reddish-brown coat in summer, gray in winter; a very visible white tail when alarmed [13][14][15].

White-tailed Deer (chevreuil)

Common around La Macaza and in Mont-Tremblant Park, the white-tailed deer is the chalet’s emblem — it even appears on the Refuge des Eaux Vives logo. Most often seen at forest edges at sunrise and sunset. In this region, the species is near the northern limit of its range [16].

  • Drive carefully in the evening: frequent crossings.
  • Never feed wildlife (road & health risks)[11].
Wood frog on leaf litter

Amphibians & reptiles

Ponds, bogs, and forest ditches host the spring peeper, wood frog, American bullfrog, and newts. Reptiles include the common garter snake and two common turtles: painted turtle and wood turtle (the latter is vulnerable in Québec) [1][8][9].

  • Respect: don’t handle herpetofauna; habitats are fragile.
  • Use boardwalks; avoid trampling shorelines.

Snakes & habitat quality

The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is the most widespread: harmless, with three pale stripes. Its presence, like that of other reptiles and amphibians, often indicates functioning habitats (water, prey, refuges). Many studies use snakes as bio-indicators of environmental contaminants [17][18].

  • Observe and let them pass; protected species.
  • Favorable sites: sunny edges, calm shores, piles of rocks/wood.
  • Garden ally: preys on invertebrates and small amphibians[17].
Ruby-throated hummingbird hovering in front of a red flower
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) — Québec’s smallest bird, recognizable by the male’s ruby throat and spectacular hovering flight. [17][18]

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Abundant in La Macaza and the Laurentians from May to September, it feeds mainly on nectar from red flowers (like cannas and bee balm) and small insects. It migrates to Central America by late summer.

  • Easy to attract with nectar feeders (1 part sugar to 4 parts water, no dye).
  • Loves local red flowers: bee balm, fuchsia, nasturtium.
  • Capable of hovering and even flying backward.

Species at risk & conservation

The wood turtle is listed as vulnerable in Québec (LEMV) and assessed federally by COSEWIC [8][9]. Among birds, some species at risk (e.g., Common Nighthawk, Bank Swallow, Rusty Blackbird) may be observed depending on season and habitat [3].

  • Wood turtle: meandering rivers, gravel bars, riparian forests.
  • Birds: vegetated shorelines; minimize disturbance.
  • Bats: value of old trees/summer roosts.

Watch without disturbing

Keep your distance, never feed, and secure all food. Parks recommend staying ≥100 m from bears/wolves/ coyotes and ≥30 m from large cervids (moose, deer). Stay in your vehicle for roadside viewing and prioritize animal quiet [10][11].

  • Remain on trails; don’t collect natural objects[11].
  • Near water: watch for nests (loons) and riparian vegetation.
  • Dogs on a short leash; avoid dawn in spring near sensitive sites.