A peat bog is an area characterized by the progressive accumulation of peat, organic matter of plant origin with little or no decomposition. It’s a unique ecosystem. Carnivorous, insect-feeding plants such as the spring-flowering drosa and pitcher plant are found here.
To survive in this mineral-poor environment, these plants had to adapt and develop an alternative mode of nutrition: they became carnivores.
The Saint-Just-de-Bretenière peat bog is the largest in the Appalachian Park. It is over a kilometer in diameter. A boardwalk has been installed to give you easy access. Otherwise, you can easily sink into it, as a peat bog is like a waterlogged sponge.
The trails
Located on the Appalachian Plateau, the trails, set against a backdrop of stone dust, wind through a mixed forest. The Le Trappeur trail, a 4 km loop, passes near a spruce stand and a stream. The 4 km-long Le Frontalier trail is located near a cedar forest. Along the way, you can see a boundary marker between Canada and the United States. Finally, the 5 km-long Tourbières trail, elevated by a boardwalk, is a great way to discover the peat bog and offers an excellent viewpoint from the lookout.
Trails 15 (Le Trappeur), 16 (Le Frontalier) and 17 (des Tourbières) form a 13 km loop and can be hiked or cycled.
In winter, these same trails are transformed into snow scooter and snowshoe trails in an enchanting setting.
At the starting point, there’s a small beach on the banks of the Daaquam River, where you’ll find all the facilities you need to get your hike off to a good start, as well as a rented hut.
Access
From Highway 20, take exit 348, then route 281 south for 68 km. Turn left on route 204 east and, 10 km further on, in Saint-Just-de-Bretenières, turn right after the church. Drive 1 km and, after the bridge over the Daaquam River, turn left and drive another 400 m.
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