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Parking lot

Interpretation Centre

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Secret passageway

The large tree in the distance is intriguing. Can you take me to it?Go to POINT 2 near the large dead tree.

GPS: N 47° 04.680’ W 70° 46.730’

N 47° 04.661’ W 70° 46.902’

Gray Catbird

Water strider

Ostrich ferns

Illustration: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Photo: Chantal Lepire

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Let’s start our visit by going through a secret passageway. Some of the plants and animals here are very discreet. What a good opportunity to use your observation skills!

Around mid-June, ostrich ferns form a fairly dense visual barrier on both sides of the trail. Are you well hidden? If not, crouch down!

Just past the bridge, there is a bench beside the Friponne stream. Seems deserted? Don’t count on it! Sit quietly on the bench and observe the surface of the water. You may see some Water striders—silent insects with the ability to walk on water!

Near the stream bed, you may spot a stickleback, a small fi sh with dorsal or back spines.

Farther along the trail, you may hear a bird but not be able to see it! The Gray Catbird’s call sounds like a cat meowing, hence its name.

Keep a lookout!

Threespine stickleback

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A matter of life and death

I love birds of prey! I would appreciate it if you could show me some of these birds. Go to POINT 3, 100 metres before the railway tracks.

GPS: N 47° 04.810’ W 70° 46.615’

OR

N 47° 04.680’ W 70° 46.730’

GEOCACHECould there be some raptors on that cliff in the distance? I would like to take a look with my spyglass. Locate the hidden geocache to complete this activity

GPS : N 47° 04.967’ W 70° 46.044’

Note: This stop will add a half hour to your route.

Purple loosestrifePhoto: Service canadien de la faune

Invasive alien species are transported from abroad either deliberately or accidentally. Some of these species are able to spread unchecked in their new environment and eventually displace native species.

Snags are standing dead trees. Snags not only provide shelter for many animal species, they’re also the home of many insects that the animals can eat. They play an important role in maintaining biodiversity.

Photo: Service canadien de la faune

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This spot is teeming with life, commander. Even a dead tree can reveal secrets if you look hard enough.

Elms are large majestic trees that were once abundant in North America. In the 1930s, a microscopic fungus was transported to North America from Europe by a type of insect, the Native elm bark beetle. This insect excavates galleries in elm trees and lays its eggs there; the fungus can then grow in these tunnels. The fungus eventually clogs the tree’s water-conducting system and kills it.

Only a few snags—dead elms—are still standing.

Take a closer look at the surface of the snag a little farther to your left and you may make some interesting discoveries...

What do you see?

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POINT 3Up in the sky

N 47° 04.810’ W 70° 46.615’

Are there any butterfl y species in this area? Go to POINT 4, at the start of the clearing on the left.

GPS: N 47° 04.906’ W 70° 46.705’

OR The forest at the base of the mountain seems magical. Could you show me some special trees? Go to POINT 5, near some old maples.

GPS: N 47° 04.943’ W 70° 46.736’

American Kestrel

Peregrine FalconPhoto: Gordon Court

Bald Eagle

Photo: Pierre Bureau

Which birds of prey did you see?

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Northern Harrier

Photo: Bill Horn

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We’re in the feeding grounds of the raptors that inhabit Cap Tourmente.

Look up and you may see them.

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Look at the sky and try to imagine what it would be like to be a prey species with raptors circling overhead looking for their next meal.

Birds of prey ride the currents of warm air rising near the cliff, which allow them to circle overhead in search of food for a long time without tiring.

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We are what we eat

N 47° 04.906’ W 70° 46.705’

Up there on the right, what are those huge old trees? Let’s take a closer look!Go to POINT 5, near the old trees on the right.

GPS: N 47° 04.943’ W 70° 46.736’

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This is the spot where I’ve seen the most butterflies, particularly a beautiful orange and black species.

Did you know that the Monarch is a species at risk in Canada?

Nearby, in the clearing to your left, grow a lot of common milkweed plants. Even though this plant is poisonous, it’s the primary food source for Monarch larvae. These well-known insects are usually present in the area from June to September.

Do you see any Monarchs?

The Monarch butterfl y is quite the traveller: it undertakes an annual migration between Mexico and Quebec!

Report your observations to the Interpretation Centre so they can be used in monitoring the species and protecting it.

The Monarch caterpillar feeds on common milkweed, which contains a toxic substance. This substance builds up in the caterpillar and is subsequently transmitted to the adult insect, that is, the butterfl y. The bright colours of the Monarch warn predators that the species is not edible.

Monarch caterpillar

Common milkweed fruits

Common milkweed

Monarch butterfl y

Photo: A. Guindon, Parcs Canada

Photo: Serge Richard, ACT*

* ACT: Association des amis du cap Tourmente

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Sunlight and shade

Do you know where I can fi nd a lookout point? Go to POINT 6, the lookout on the Falaise trail. Note: a long steep climb is involved! GPS: N 47° 05.152’ W 70° 46.404’

OR Where is that melody coming from? Go to POINT 7, near an old blackened stump.GPS: N 47° 04.940’ W 70° 46.872’

OR

N 47° 04.943’ W 70° 46.736’

GEOCACHEI like large animals a lot. Can you show me one, or show me some tracks? To complete this activity, locate the hidden geocache.

Note: a long steep climb is involved!

GPS: N 47° 05.144’ W 70° 46.648’

Sugar mapleS

Pileated WoodpeckerPhoto: J. Flynn, Parcs Canada

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Here are the old trees, commander!

They’re among the oldest trees in this maple stand and they enjoy the beautiful scenery year-round!

In the spring, you can feel the warm rays of the sun on your face and you can see a variety of plants that are soaking up the sun.

In the summer, the thick tree canopy provides cooling shade on hot days.

In the fall, the dazzling colours of the foliage, mostly red, orange and yellow, enliven both the trees and the ground.

A few esteemed sugar maples have seen this autumn spectacle hundreds of times but they’re starting to get old and tired. Some of them have even fallen.

Let’s go see!Do you see the young trees that will replace them?

Forests are home to a variety of species that vary with the forest’s age. For example, moose search for new tree shoots in young forests, whereas the Pileated Woodpecker prefers to nest in the large trees characterizing old forests.

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Another viewpoint

I can still hear the sweet melody that we heard at the base of the mountain. Could we stop there to catch our breath? Go to POINT 7, near an old blackened stump.GPS: N 47° 04.940’ W 70° 46.872’

N 47° 05.152’ W 70° 46.404’

Photo: Serge Massicotte, ACT*

Photo: Chantal Lepire

Photo: Chantal Lepire

Photo: Daniel Audet, ACT*

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The view is even better than from the crow’s nest on your ship. Don’t you agree?

Can you see the Interpretation Centre? The Bois-sent-bon trail? The large poplar near the Interpretation Centre?

From here, we can see the four main habitat types found in the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area. Moving inland from the St. Lawrence, you can see four habitats: tidal marsh, coastal marsh, coastal plain and forest.

Do you see them?

Can you see the way you came?

Cap Tourmente is a site with rich biodiversity. This is explained by the presence of productive wetlands and many different habitats concentrated in a small area.

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Chicka-dee-dee-dee!

If you have a little time, I’d like to fi nd something for my sore throat. Do you have anything to suggest? Go to POINT 8, in the clearing.GPS: N 47° 04.861’ W 70° 46.988’

OR I’m starting to feel warm, and the activities of the last few days are catching up with me. Do you know a good place where we can relax for a few minutes? Go to POINT 9, to the bench just past the bridge.GPS: N 47° 04.874’ W 70° 47.129’

N 47° 04.940’ W70° 46.872’

Photo: Benoît Audet

Photo: Benoît Audet

“Toc-toc-toc!” Hairy Woodpecker

“Chicka-dee-dee-dee” Black-capped Chickadee “Tsi tsi tsi tsi tsi-ou”

American Redstart

“Where are you?”Red-eyed Vireo

“Put put put purrrrrrr”

Ruffed Grouse

“I wish to see miss Beatcher” Chestnut-sided Warbler

“Trees, trees, murmuring trees” Black-throated Green Warbler

“Po-or Sam Peabody, Peabody, Peabody» White-throated Sparrow

PPPh

“T i t i t i t i t i ”

PPPPhPho

Photo: Benoît Audet

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This is one of the sweet bird melodies that can be heard at Cap Tourmente. I’m familiar with the calls of some species. I’ll try to imitate their calls to attract them!

The birds in this forest aren’t simply hiding their heads under their wings. Each species has a special call that can be used to identify it.

Can you imitate bird calls? Do the birds respond?

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Parking lot

Interpretation Centre

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Soothing comfort

I feel like taking a rest, don’t you?Go to POINT 9, to the bench just after the bridge.GPS: N 47° 04.874’ W 70° 47.129’

OR The air seems so pure here. Even the plants seem to benefi t from it. Am I right, dear guide?Go to POINT 10, to the benches on the other side of the cedar grove.GPS: N 47° 04.781’ W 70° 47.352’

N 47° 04.861’ W 70° 46.988’

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Here you will find an attractive plant that is velvety soft and can be used to soothe a sore throat.

This clearing is a good place to relax for a few minutes, thanks to the staghorn sumac.

Take a look at the tree’s young branches. They’re covered with velvety hairs.

In the past, its young fruits were harvested in July and were used to produce an excellent cold drink by macerating them in water for fi ve hours.

The staghorn sumac’s fall foliage is bright red. The colours are truly dazzling.

In the past, people often made an infusion or tea from sumac berries and used it to treat colds and sore throats.

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Interpretation Centre

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A refreshing break

Is the air in Cap Tourmente as pure as the air we breathe in at sea? I’d like to investigate.Go to POINT 10, to the benches on the other side of the cedar grove.GPS: N 47° 04.781’ W 70° 47.352’

OR I’m full of energy. I’d like to walk along the cliff to see it close up. It seems so mysterious.Go to POINT 11, staying to the left of the junction with the Piémont trail.GPS: N 47° 04.747’ W 70° 47.373’

N 47° 04.874’ W 70° 47.129’

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We’re going to take a well-deserved break here, commander! The sound of the Friponne stream flowing down the mountain between the magnificent cedars will make you forget your worries.

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The eastern white cedar is a tree species that’s easy to identify thanks to its unusual bark and its scale-like leaves.

This tree species has a characteristic aromatic odour. Gently rub your fi ngers on the trunk or the foliage.

Does the smell bring back any memories?

The wood of eastern white cedar is highly resistant to decay and to insects. In the past, most people used a cedar chest or closet to store their clothing and protect it from insects.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Desroches, ACT*

N45 31.105 W73 32.009POINT

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Interpretation Centre

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Fresh air aplenty

I think I can see something on the cliff. I need to fi nd a better vantage point. Can we move towards the west a little?Go to POINT 11, staying to the left of the junction with the Piémont trail.GPS: N 47° 04.747’ W 70° 47.373’

N 47° 04.781’ W 70° 47.352’

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Here the air seems as pure as out on the open sea. Nature even has a way of proving it!

The air in the National Wildlife Area seems to be exceptionally clean. But how can we be sure there’s no pollution?

Shall we take a deep breath and fi ll our lungs with air? What now?

A more effective way to assess air quality involves looking for the different varieties of lichen present. These particular organisms acquire most of their nutrients or «food» from the air, which make them sensitive to air pollution. Observe the rocks, tree trunks and branches around you. The more varieties that you see, the better the air quality!

Based on the diversity of lichens that you were able to observe, would you say that the air is clean?

Lichens are symbiotic organisms consisting of a fungus and an alga. The lichen provides water and mineral salts and the alga provides sugars.

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Interpretation Centre

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In the depths of the Earth

The seasonal changes in the landscapes here must be really something! If I ever visit again, what should I try to see?In the fall?Go to POINT 12, in the turn near the fi eld.GPS: N 47° 04.716’ W 70° 47.366’

OR In the spring?Go to POINT 13, just before the trail straightens.GPS: N 47° 04.669’ W 70° 47.255’

OR In the summer?Go to POINT 14, near the road.GPS: N 47° 04.604’ W 70° 47.103’

N 47° 04.747’ W70° 47.373’

Man-made dormitory for bats

Little brown bat

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I knew you would notice this cave, commander. Some people say there’s hidden treasure in the cave. However, bats are all I’ve ever seen.

The cave resulted from the freezing and thawing of water that seeped into fi ssures in the rock. The bats that live in the cave feed on a variety of insects, which they catch on the fl y.

Want to try to echolocate?Close your eyes and make a sound while facing the cliff. Listen for the returning echo. Can you tell where the echo is coming from? Can you detect the location of other objects?

Bats use echolocation to locate prey and to avoid obstacles. They emit sounds and use the returning echoes to locate objects around them.

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Interpretation Centre

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A mine field!

This walk has been very enjoyable thanks to your impressive knowledge of this magnifi cent site! Let’s go back to the starting point. I have a small gift for you. Go to the Interpretation Centre for the conclusion.GPS: N 47° 04.587’ W 70° 46.837’

N 47° 04.716’ W 70° 47.366’

What ferocious plants did you spot?

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Look out commander, this area is protected by two unusual wild plants!

Wild cucumber In July, this plant’s magnifi cent white fl owers fi ll the air with a wonderful fragrance. Beware, however, the fruit is covered with sharp prickles! Do you see anything besides fl owers? Look on the ground, you may see some strange seed pods from last year.

Spotted touch-me-not This is a magnifi cent plant with orange fl owers. It isn’t called “touch-me-not” for nothing. In late summer, its fl owers turn into innocuous looking green capsules (fruit). When touched, the capsules burst and scatter their seeds.

N45 31.105 W73 32.009N4NN4NNNNN4NNNNNNNN444N444444N44NNN444NNNNNN44N44NNN 55555555555555 3333133333131313311131131331333133 11111111111111111111000500500505005050550555500050555555500555055555555555 W7WW7WW7WW7W7W7WWW7W7W7W7W7WW7W7W7W7W7W777777W7W7WWW7777777WWW7WWW 3333333333333333333333333333333333333333 3332333333333333332322222222322222333333333322222222333333332222222222233333322222223332 00000000000000000000000000000000000000090090909090999999999090999900090999999999990999999099999999999999POINT

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Interpretation Centre

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Home is where the heart is

This walk has been very enjoyable thanks to your impressive knowledge of this magnifi cent site! Let’s go back to the starting point, I have a small gift for you.Go to the Interpretation Centre for the conclusion.GPS: N 47° 04.587’ W 70° 46.837’

N 47° 04.669’ W 70° 47.255’

Red fox

White-tailed deer

Photo: Robert Houde

Photo: Christian Chevalier, ACT*

Do you see one of these animals? How would you try to hide here?

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As you may soon discover, this is a primary hiding place.

Do you see any elusive creatures?

A

This area is home to small rodents like mice and voles, which like to remain hidden or move around the area as discreetly as possible.

There are other animals as well, such as red foxes, which hide along the edge of the forest and keep a watch for prey in the nearby fi elds.

Although white-tailed deer do not come here often, when they move through the area, they are on alert. Do you see any deer?

When a white-tailed deer is startled, it lifts its tail exposing the white underside. This serves as a warning to other deer.

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Interpretation Centre

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14This walk has been very enjoyable thanks to your impressive knowledge of this magnifi cent site! Let’s go back to the starting point, I have a small gift for you.Go to the Interpretation Centre for the conclusion.GPS: N 47° 04.587’ W 70° 46.837’

N 47° 04.604’ W 70° 47.103’

Dividing line

American Kestrel

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Keep your eyes peeled, commander. A very small falcon nests somewhere around here!

But where does the plain end and the forest begin?

Try to fi nd the dividing line.

The American Kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, watches over the area like a sentry. With its keen sight, it can take in the whole plain right to the edge of the forest. A breeding pair uses the nestbox on the tree in the middle of the fi eld, which is on the other side of the road.

At the boundary between the two types of habitat, species diversity is greater. The fl ora and fauna of the two zones blend together harmoniously and contribute to the rich biodiversity.