The Bowman Forest Regional Park is a non-profit organization dedicated to the organized development of the Bowman Forest by managing the protection of the park and the enhancement of its natural attractions.
This is done while respecting and maintaining its integrity, and with a focus on strengthening the local sense of belonging to the Park and the region's socio-economic development.
Participate in the conservation and protection of the diversity of wildlife habitats and remain conscientious about the impacts of the implementation of recreational and tourism infrastructures on the territory.
Measures put in place to ensure user safety: signage during hunting season, trail signage, hiking trails built to Rando Québec development standards, mountain bike trails built in compliance with Vélo Québec's "Guide d'aménagement de sentiers de vélos de montagne", etc.
Offer a range of quality activities and services that meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and have a low impact on the environment.
Universal access to the park that limits conflicts of use and promotes the harmonious circulation of motorized vehicles in accordance with the Public Lands Act.
Incredible Potential
Since 2008, the municipality of Bowman and the MRC de Papineau have been interested in the recreational and tourism potential of the public land now known as the Bowman Forest Regional Park.
New Management
Recently, the MRC de Papineau's land use and development plan was amended to enshrine the Park's recreational and tourism vocation. It's important to note that the MRC has had powers and responsibilities over the Park, in terms of land and forest management, since 2013.
Creating the Park
In 2016, the MRC de Papineau and the municipality of Bowman took steps to create the Bowman Forest Regional Park under the Municipal Powers Act.
Foundation of the Non-profit Organization
In December 2020, the non-profit organization known as the Bowman Forest Regional Park was incorporated. The Park's founding meeting was held on April 22, 2021.
The Bowman Forest Regional Park covers an area of over 680 hectares within the administrative boundaries of the municipality of Bowman, in the MRC de Papineau. Its great biodiversity of mature vegetation, forested and mountainous landscapes, as well as several lookouts over the Escalier reservoir and the agricultural part of Bowman, make this magnificent place so charming.
The network of lakes and streams boasts many natural features, such as cliffs, waterfalls and meanders between lakes. A number of small caves also dot the area, much to the delight of visitors.
Nearly 5 kilometers of hiking trails wind through the Bowman Forest Regional Park, offering splendid panoramic views of natural landscapes representative of old Laurentian forests. A memorable excursion that guarantees an incomparable journey through six mountains, seven bodies of water, caves and climbing routes.