The Fédération des Chasseurs et Pêcheurs (Quebec Federation of Anglers and Hunters) rises up to counter restrictions on water bodies in Quebec. In its June 4 press release, the federation sounds the alarm. To the great despair of hundreds of thousands of Quebec hunters and anglers, water bodies are no longer accessible. The federation has been fighting for several years to offer free access to Quebec hunters and anglers. So far, without success. It’s not an easy battle!
Basically, the restrictions on bodies of water are as follows:
Closures of public ramps and marinas Deterrent daily fees (from $60 to $500)
In North Hatley, if you don’t have proof that you own a dock, you’re not entitled to a seasonal vignette. You’ll have to pay $60 each time you launch your motorboat.
Screen print of the Municipality of North Hatley suite, June 12, 2025.
Expensive mandatory vignettes ($150 to $600)
Lack of parking or pedestrian access
When you take your motorboat or kayak down to the shore, you have to park on the street or in the public parking lot on School Street. With a trailer, imagine the burden!
Restrictions for non-residents
In North Hatley, no sticker if you don’t have proof of a dock to moor your boat.
Screen print of the Municipality of North Hatley suite, June 12, 2025.
Limited opening hours and complicated access procedures
In North Hatley, the descent is open from 6am to 6pm. People who don’t have a dock work during the day. If you’re fast and arrive by 4:00 p.m., you have to get out by 6:00 p.m. because the gate is locked and you have no other way out.
Data as of June 12, 2025 are still those of 2024.
Private dock rental prohibited
In North Hatley, the passage under the pedestrian bridge makes navigation dangerous and almost inaccessible for pontoons. The municipality prohibits the rental of private docks; in fact, it’s the only municipality on Lake Massawippi that does so.
The reasons given for restricting access to bodies of water are often environmental and legitimate. However, in many cases, decisions are taken without consultation or evidence, as Nautique Québec’s General Manager explains.
“While environmental concerns are often legitimate, restrictive measures are all too often taken without consultation or evidence. They affect thousands of Quebecers for whom nautical activities are a passion, a family pastime or a way of life. They also weaken an entire segment of our local economy – from marinas to dealerships, not to mention tourism service businesses.”
– Josée Côté, General Manager, Nautisme Québec
FédéCP (fédération des chasseurs et pêcheurs) represents Quebec hunters and anglers, and today includes over 200 associations r
So, good luck non residents for your fishing trip on the Massawippi!
