Following the shoreline of the majestic Wahsipekuk (St. Lawrence River), Putep ’t-awt is a 2 km long trail that cuts through the western flank of Gros-Cacouna Mountain. A climb to the top leads to lookout platforms that offer an exceptional view of the St. Lawrence. In some sections, the hiking trail has an “intermediate” difficulty level.
The trail is lined with interpretive panels as well as digital content that will take you on a rich and educational adventure through Wolastoqey culture and territory. This trail leads to the observatory at the top of the mountain. In keeping with the values of the Wolastoqiyik, this facility is an excellent place to observe belugas and other marine life without disturbing them.
INTERPRETIVE ACTIVITIES AT THE OBSERVATORY
Come meet with our interpretive guides, who will show you Wolastoqey culture while immersing you in the fascinating universe of belugas through the “Window on Belugas” project.
**Activity in French only - English subtitles available
Interpretive activities take place inside the observatory at the top of the mountain. Check out the fees, activity schedule and packages below or directly at the ticket service. Don’t delay, places are limited! When booking your activity, you have the option of including an electric shuttle service, which will reduce your walk to a 15-minute hike up the mountain. If you book the activity only, plan 35 to 45 minutes to reach the observatory on foot from the Marais-de-Gros-Cacouna sector parking lot of the Baie-de-L’Isle-Verte National Wildlife Area.
Access to the site, trails, observation lookouts and digital content is free of charge. Only the interpretive activities inside the observatory and the shuttle service are charged for.
Adult (ages 18 to 64)
Activity only20.00$
Activity and shuttle
25.00$
Senior (65 and over)
Activity only18.00$
Activity and shuttle
23.00$
Youth (6 to 17 years)
Activity only15.00$
Activity and shuttle
20.00$
Child (5 years and under)
Activity onlyFree
Activity and shuttle
8.00$
Family group (2 adults/senior and 2 children/younth)
Activity only44.00$
Activity and shuttle
64.00$
Adult commercial group (15 to 25 participants aged 18 and more) - Book by email only – price may vary depending on group needs
Activity only15.00$
Youth commercial group (15 to 25 participants aged 6 to 17) - Book by email only – price may vary depending on group needs
Activity only12.00$
PERIOD OF OPERATION
Activities and shuttle service: Daily, June 21 to September 1, 2025. ***Online reservation mandatory.
EXTENSION OF ACTIVITIES (without shuttle): September 4, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18 and 19
Trail access: Daily, May 10 to October 19, 2025 *** Free and open access.
ACTIVITY AND SHUTTLE SCHEDULE
Activity only
Hours: 10:00 / 13:00 / 14:30 / 16:15
Duration of activity: 45 minutes – Plan an additional 35 to 45 minutes to walk from the parking lot to the observatory (and the same for the walk back).
Place of activity: Observatory interpretation hall.
Parking: Marais-de-Gros-Cacouna sector of the Baie-de-L’Isle-Verte National Wildlife Area
Activity and shuttle (“Putep ‘t-awt duo”)
Hours: 09:00 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:15
Duration of outing: 2 hours 45 minutes (round-trip shuttle + activity + time on site)
Shuttle departure: Matuweskewin gift shop, 1001 Rue du Patrimoine, Cacouna
Parking: Matuweskewin gift shop, 1001 Rue du Patrimoine, Cacouna
PERIOD OF OPERATION FOR SCHOOL AND COMMERCIAL GROUPS (15 to 25 persons)
September 2 to 19, 2025, weekdays only.
Reservations can be made at info@tourismewahsipekuk.ca.
Why not combine your immersive experience with our electric shuttle? We offer a high-value package called the Putep ‘t-awt duo, which includes both the interpretive activity and the shuttle service.
On board an electric shuttle, you will pass through the Marais-de-Gros-Cacouna sector of Baie-de-L’Isle-Verte National Wildlife Area, one of Kiskotuk Coastal Park’s so-called “discovery sectors.” You will be accompanied by a member of our team who will present a short cultural activity on the drive to the site.
The shuttle departs from the Matuweskewin gift shop located at 1001 Rue du Patrimoine in Cacouna.
Shuttle with “Putep ‘t-awt duo” package – Departures from gift shop: 09:00 / 12:00 / 13:30 / 15:15
*Return to the gift shop 2 hours and 45 minutes after the time of departure.
Shuttle only – Departure from gift shop: 10:00 / 14:30
*Return to the gift shop 2 hours and 45 minutes after the time of departure.
For further details, visit the shuttle page.
BY CAR
From the Matuweskewin gift shop (1001 Rue du Patrimoine in Cacouna), drive east on Highway 132 for 1.7 km until you see the sign for the Marais-de Gros-Cacouna sector of the Baie-de-L’Isle-Verte National Wildlife Area. Turn left onto Route de l’Île. After 400 m you will reach a Y. Bear left and continue 900 m until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road. You will then have to walk approximately 500 m on the first section of the trail known as “Sentier de la Savane,” then continue for another 1 km, following the signs for Putep ’t-awt. Continue straight ahead toward the river, past the trail “Sentier de la Montagne.” Plan to walk a total of 35 to 45 minutes between the parking lot and the observatory.
BY SHUTTLE
Meet at the Matuweskewin gift shop located at 1001 Rue du Patrimoine in Cacouna. Arrive 5 minutes before your shuttle is scheduled to leave.
In order to ensure that the activities run smoothly for everyone, dogs are not accepted inside the observatory, with the exception of service dogs. However, dogs on leashes are permitted on the trails. Dog owners are responsible for picking up and properly disposing of their pets’ excrements.
The interpretive activity offered at the Putep ’t-awt observatory is for the entire family. However, the activity does require attendees to remain seated for approximately 45 minutes. The activity is therefore less recommended for children under the age of 6.
The Putep ‘t-awt discovery trail comprises interpretive panels that feature fun games for children. It should be noted that part of the trail runs along the edge of a cliff, meaning extra caution is called for if accompanying young children.
The trailhead provides stroller access to the first lookout and to the observatory for the Beluga Window activity. However, an all-terrain stroller is recommended. However, to enter the observatory or access the rooftop terrace, you’ll need to climb a few steps.
To complete the entire 2 km loop trail, the use of a stroller is not recommended, due to the natural aspect of the trail and the presence of steps in some places.
The path leading to the observatory for the Window on Belugas activity is fairly wide and made of compacted stone dust, but has a steep incline. To enter the observatory or access the roof terrace, you have to climb a few steps. The use of a wheelchair is therefore not recommended. To cover the entire 2 km loop, the path is not suitable for people with reduced mobility or wheelchairs.
Activities take place rain or shine, as the observatory is a closed venue and thus protected from inclement weather. Nevertheless, we suggest that you bring a raincoat for the walk to the observatory and to hike the trails. Umbrellas are not advised in the event of strong winds.
If an activity needs to be cancelled for technical reasons or due to a violent thunderstorm, you will be informed and reimbursed. Thank you for your understanding!