FAQ

BAERA FOREST – Who are we?

Our outfitter’s camp is a family business founded in 1939. It is an exclusive hunting and fishing territory located in Kiamika (Quebec), at the western tip of the Laurentians and at the edge of the Papineau-Labelle Reserve (south of Grand Lac-du-Cerf, with one of the best beaches in Canada). We offer six cosy cottages to let you engage in a wide range of outdoor activities whatever the season. All facilities are powered only by green energy.

How much does it cost?
Rates vary according to time of year, number of people in party, type of activity and, when applicable, cottage selected. To view our prices, click on tab for activity of your choice (or on «Cottages» tab), and check on availability in our calendar (as if you were to make a reservation). Prices will display.

COVID-19

What sanitary measures are applied during the pandemic ?
In these unusual circumstances, your health, safety and comfort are crucial to us and we think the same way of our employees. We have worked tremendously hard to establish risk management measures recommended by the Fédération des Pourvoiries du Québec, which we all have to follow in order to respect everyone’s well being. We had to bring changes inside the cottages and cabins (removal of games, magazines, non essential items, etc.). Moreover, once you make your reservation, you will receive a list of sanitary measures to follow before (see below), during and after your stay in order to obey governmental rules. We depend on you and your participation. Health and safety is everybody’s business!

Before your stay, PLEASE

  • Make sure no one in your group/family is showing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath). If it is the case, the person and any other person whom they had contact with CANNOT stay at Baera Forest.
  • Buy your hunting/fishing license.
  • If possible, plan to pay by debit/credit.
  • Run your errands (grocery, gas, gear, etc.) in your residential area.

For your stay, PLEASE

  • Bring your own complete beddings, pillows, dish cloth and towels (hand, shower, etc.).
  • Bring your card games, magazines and pencils for personal use.
  • Bring your own personal flotation device when possible.
  • Bring your own fishing gear when possible.

COZY AND WARM OFF-GRID COTTAGES AND CABINS

What is supplied in each cottage? What do I bring?
For ecological reasons, Baera Forest operates on Pack-in/Pack-out! Solar energy supplies lighting (for shower and kitchen/bathroom sinks), and combines with propane for refrigerator, stove/oven as well as some lighting. Indoor toilets use water or composting. Outdoor toilets are available additionally. Wood stoves are slow-burning.

All cottages include:

  • refrigerator and stove/oven
  • propane BBQ (except in winter)
  • wood stove, and wood to burn
  • electrical (powered by solar panels) and/or pro-pane lamps
  • mattresses
  • cookware, dishes and utensils
  • kettle
  • coffee maker (percolator)
  • toilet, compost toilet or outhouse and toilet pa-per
  • garbage bags
  • boat
  • biodegradable dishwashing soap

Please bring your OWN:

  • complete bed linen (or sleeping bag), including pillows and pillow cases
  • bath towels and face clothes, as well as dish clothes
  • drinking water
  • food and beverages
  • bags to bring back with you your throwable, recyclable and compostable waste
  • clothing and personal effects
  • fishing or hunting permit
  • fishing or hunting equipment
  • bait (leeches and minnows are prohibited)
  • water safety jacket
  • rain coat/gear
  • insect repellent and sunscreen

To view photos and consult complete list of equipment at each location, go to our “cottage” section.

What are the hours of arrival and departure for the cottages?
Check-in is at 2 PM and check-out is at 11 AM.
Can I drink tap water at Baera Forest?
Clients are asked to supply their own drinking and cooking water. Water on site is not drinkable. Otherwise, it needs to be boiled for at least five minutes. But there is no need to boil it if it’s just for washing dishes.
Can I light fires outdoors at Baera Forest?
For safety reasons, outdoor fires are only allowed in designated area next to each cottage.
Do I have to take my waste back with me?
Yes. Like many other tourism facilities, we value the « pack in and pack out approach, for ecological, operational and sanitary reasons.
Are pets allowed at Baera Forest?
Yes. An extra $50 cleaning fee is applied for the stay. Dogs must be on leash at all times when outside and you must pick up your dog waste.
Can I smoke indoors at Baera Forest?
Smoking is strictly prohibited indoors and within a 9-meter perimeter of any door. Failure to comply may result in extra cleaning fees up to $150. When outdoors never leave cigarettes butts on the ground to avoid risks of forest fire and for ecological reasons.
Can I park near the cottage?
Yes, right next to it.
When were Baera Forest cottages built?
Baera Forest dates back to 1939. The place has been systematically renovated over the years, and most recently in 2018. Further development projects are scheduled in coming years.

EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

What rental equipment is available and at what rates?
  • life jacket or PFD: $5 (+taxes) – Fuel or electric outboard motors: $45 (+taxes) for the first day, $35 for following days or $175 (+taxes) for 7 days.
  • Fuel or battery refill: $12 (+taxes)
Where can I charge the batteries for electric motors?
Depending on availability, you can borrow a solar panel to automatically recharge electric motors on the boat – as much as sunshine will allow. For additional charging, please ask the manager on site.
Are ATVs allowed at Baera Forest?
For safety reasons, all-terrain-vehicles are prohibit-ed at Baera Forest, except at certain periods of the year when there is hunting. Please ask for more details.
Is there WiFi at Baera Forest?
Baera Forest does not presently offer this service. A stay at Baera Forest is an excellent time to re-connect with nature and people.
Does my cell phone work at Baera Forest?
Some cellular networks can be accessed at specific outdoor sites.
What kind of boats and motors are available at Baera Forest?
  • Baera Forest offers 14- and 16-feet wood or aluminium boats.
  • Fuel motors are 2.5 HP. Electric outboard motors are also available for hire.
Can I bring my own boat or motor?
You cannot bring your own boat.
However, small boat motor, canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and other small nautical equipment is authorized. To prevent contaminating Bae-ra Forest’s watershed, you must clean your equipment before launching onto any lake here.
Do I have to bring the motor over to the lake myself?
You cannot bring your own boat.
No, we offer your first installation during the stay. Afterwards, if you want to explore another lake (upon reservation with the staff), a boat will be waiting for you there, but getting the motor to it will be your responsibility. We offer transportation in and out to other lakes ($35 + taxes round trip).
Can I use a boat without owning a Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
No, but Baera Forest can instruct you briefly on site by signing a waiver. Fees apply.
Can I camp outdoors at Baera Forest?
Please consult our calendar for opening dates.
Are the lakes far from the cottages?
Heron, Huard and Grand Pin cottages are on the shore of Lake Berneuil, with almost immediate access to Lake Petit Berneuil. Other fishing lakes (Gibel, Pit, Lyon, Gardner and Puant) can be reached by ATV or 4×4 within 15-25 minutes of the reception desk. Ruisseau, Renard and Panache cottages can be reached by ATV or 4×4 within 15 minutes of reception. Renard and Ruisseau cottages are located by streams. Panache is our cottage in deep forest, but have access to the main lake. Depending on the number of guests, at least one boat (with oars) is supplied at each location. Wherever you wish to fish on a particular day, please first make a reservation with the manager.
Can I access all lakes at Baera Forest?
The property has a dozen lakes, varying in size, of which seven offer fishing (including Lake Berneuil). Wherever you wish to fish on a particular day, please first make a reservation with the manager.
Does Baera Forest clean fish?
Yes, it costs $2 per fish. This service is included when you hire a guide.
Can I hire a fishing or hunting guide at Baera Forest?
Yes, guides are available for a minimum of 4 hours at $55 per hour (this includes the vehicle). Please ask the manager on site.

FISHING

Do I need a provincial fishing permit?
Yes, a permit is required for all lakes in Quebec, and for each person fishing. You must carry the permit with you at all times when fishing. Permits can be obtained from authorized dealers, such as local grocery stores and other local suppliers of fishing and hunting equipment, or with Baera For-est. There are many types of permits at various prices, depending on species and duration of activity.
Can I fish without having bought a permit?
Yes, in the case of children and teens who can fish on the basis of a parent’s permit. Adults can also fish on basis of their spouse’s permit. Such groups need to share the individual quota. If the spouse or child wishes to hold their own quota, full permit fee applies (same price for individual adults and children).
What are the daily quotas (or in-possession limit )?
You can hold (either as eaten or frozen) up to the following on a daily basis of 2 pikes and 8 trout :
Maximum per trout species

  • 5 brook trout per person
  • 3 rainbow trout per person
  • 2 lake trout per person; length (from the fork) limited to 55 cm.

There are no weight restrictions for whatever species. Catches vary between half a pound to 4 pounds, or between 10 to 30 inches. Throwing back into the water is prohibited unless fish is totally healthy.

Is there a specified period during which to fish?
Fishing is open from sunrise to sunset. Clients fish to their liking per their daily in-possession quota of 2 pikes and 8 trout, with a maximum of 5 brook trout, 3 rainbow trout and 2 lake trout.
What is the best time of the year to fish?
Any time is the best time to fish. Although May and June are the high season, trout is around throughout summer and fall.
Can I eat, on site, the fish I catch?
Yes, you can eat all you want within the daily in-possession quota of 2 pikes and 8 trout, with a maximum of 5 brook trout, 3 rainbow trout, 2 lake trout; 2 pikes.
Are the trout lakes stocked at Baera Forest?
Yes, according to strict ecological guidelines, in order to preserve all species and environment.
Can I buy or rent hunting or fishing equipment at Baera Forest?
Yes. For example, we sell worms at $10 per container of 40. Please visite our small boutique.
What else do I need to know about fishing at Baera Forest?
Baera Forest will always do their best to accommodate your needs. However the following re-strictions apply for ecological reasons.

  • You must fill out your Fish Caught Form.
  • No tripods.
  • No fishing by night.
  • No throwing back into the water injured fish.
  • No leaches and minnows as live bait.
  • Worms are the only live bait allowed without restriction.
  • When transporting catches, leave a piece of skin so the fish species can be identified.
  • However, in the case of lake trout which cannot exceed 55 cm as a catch, making fish filets is prohibited because this species also needs to be count-ed.
  • Fish caught as a sport cannot be sold.

If regulations/quotas are not respected, a $1000 fine is payable on site. Offenders will immediately be escorted off the premises and will lose all privileges without refund.

For any further information about fishing in Que-bec generally, dial 1-877-346-6763 or consult a conservation agent.

HUNTING

What are the pre-requirements to hunting?
Any Quebec resident who wishes to hunt must first get a permit. And to get a hunting permit, you must first successfully take training which is specific to the kind of weapon you wish to carry. This training will give you a hunting certificate (resident only).

As well, anyone wishing to hunt with a firearm must abide by the federal Firearms Act. This act requires anyone wishing to carry a specific weapon to hold a permit, unless he/she is under the direct supervision of the person lending the firearm. In addition, in the case of wild turkey, you also need a certificate showing you have taken the necessary training.

How do I get a hunting permit?
A Quebec resident who has obtained a hunting certificate can get a hunting permit specific to the species he/she wishes to hunt. Hunting permits are sold by authorized dealers (suppliers of fishing and hunting equipment, local grocery stores, or with us for an additional fee (upon request, in advance).

You can only hunt if you have a permit, whether your own or, in certain cases, someone else’s. That is, where small game is concerned, an individual may hunt on the basis of his/her spouse’s permit. For any type of hunting, youth aged 12 to 17 and students aged 18 to 24 can hunt on the basis of an adult’s permit.

Residents less than 12-year-old can try out before certifying. This can be enjoyed in the company of a resident who is aged at least 25-year-old, holds the certificate specific to the firearm used and, when applicable, the wild-turkey certificate. This opportunity applies to any type of hunt, but for a single year.

How many hunting catches am I allowed at Baera Forest?
In the case of ruffed and spruce grouse as well as migrating birds, there are both a daily catch and a daily in-possession limit. For other small game, both limits also apply. In the case of large game, quotas are as follows:

  • 1 deer (must be 4 points or more) per hunter per annual permit
  • 1 moose per 2 to 5 hunters per annual permit
  • 1 bear per seasonal permit
  • it is forbidden to hunt sows with cubs.

These quotas are subject to change without prior notice.

If regulations/quotas are not respected, a $1000 fine is payable on site. Offenders will immediately be escorted off the premises and will lose all privileges without refund.

What else do I need to know about hunting at Baera Forest?
  • Hunters are required to wear a fluorescent orange safety vest.
  • Weapons allowed may vary according to period of the year and species hunted.
  • Large game and wild turkey must be counted.
  • Specific rules apply to the transportation of many species.
  • Game meat cannot be sold.
  • Hunting by night is prohibited.
  • You must fill out the appropriate Wildlife Observation Form
Where do I find out more about hunting in Quebec?
Please dial 1-866-248-6936 or consult a conservation agent.

For information concerning courses leading to the delivery of the general hunting certificate as well as to the specific wild-turkey certificate, please con-tact the Fédération québécoise de la faune at 1-418-622-4006 or visit www.fqf.qc.ca