Taureau reservoir (lake)

This immense reservoir, with a total surface area of 95 square km, is the result of the construction of the Matawin dam in 1931, creating this magnificent lake. The entire lake is still in its wild state.

Fine sandy beaches welcome us for swimming, lunchtime siestas and camping, some of which are located in the bays to the north of the reservoir. More than 60 islands and islets dot the surface of the lake. Most are uninhabited and not even visited, mainly in the eastern part of the lake.

Canoeing and kayaking

There are several access points for launching (fees for launching and/or parking): the Lac Taureau B&B, Camping des Roses (beach or launch ramp), Pointe-Fine landing stage, Baie-Dominique and the municipal campground. Nerrivik Aventures offers sea kayak rentals. CanadAventure, Auberge du lac Taureau and Camp Taureau also offer canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Fishing

Motorboat access is permitted (access fee applicable to visitors). The two main species are pike and smallmouth bass. Walleye fishing is prohibited.

Trails

The Auberge du Lac Taureau boasts 23 km of beginner-level multifunctional trails for mountain biking and hiking in summer, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. You can also access a reconstructed Amerindian site, the Atikamekw village of Manawan.

In the Lac Taureau regional park, the Baie Dominique hiking trail climbs to the top of the mountain, where a lookout offers a view of the reservoir and the town of St-Michel-des-Saints. This intermediate-level loop trail features interpretation panels.

Hosting

• Backcountry camping on the lake’s beaches and islands: Parc régional du lac Taureau
• Camping municipal du lac Taureau: 350 ch. du Lac-Taureau, St-Michel-des-Saints. 450 833-1161
• Camping des Roses: 180, rue Des Roses, St-Michel-des-Saints. 450 833-5556.
• Gîte du Lac Taureau: 100 ch. St-Benoît, St-Michel-des-Saints. 450-833-6006
• Auberge du lac taureau: 1200 ch. de la Baie-Du-Milieu, St-Michel-des-Saints. 450 833-1919 or 1 877 822-2623
• Camp Taureau: 1 baie du poste, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, 873-803-4225