Construction of the Gouin dam in 1916–1917.

THE GUARDIAN OF THE SAINT-MAURICE RIVER

Approximately 10,000 years ago, the glaciers retreated to reveal Quebec’s present-day landscape dotted with thousands of lakes and rivers. The bed of the Saint-Maurice River was then shaped by two successive and enormous blocks of ice that hurtled along the 381 km course and created a wide range of waterfalls and rapids over a 400-metre drop in elevation. Until the end of the 19th century, the famous river was considered unconquerable.

Several outfitters offer “floating cabin” houseboat rentals that allow you to fish and sleep on Gouin reservoir.

Controlling the water flow

In the early 1900s, the Saint-Maurice River’s natural water flow increased from 170 m³/s in the summer to 5,700 m³/s during the spring flood, which destroyed everything in its path. Starting in 1909, the Saint-Maurice Hydraulic Company began to rally the river’s industrial users around a common goal: regulating the flow of the Saint-Maurice River. The company submitted a proposal for the construction of four dams in the upper Saint-Maurice River to the Quebec government. However, a newcomer, the Quebec Streams Commission, which was formed in 1910, was given the mandate. This showed the Quebec government’s desire to take responsibility for its water power resources. The company’s first mandate was the Gouin dam. The project was completed by the Saint-Maurice Construction Company, a subsidiary of SWPC, which became known as the architect of the Saint-Maurice River.

A protected reservoir

The Gouin reservoir dam, located upstream from the Saint-Maurice River, opened in 1917. With the help of other water retention facilities, it still regulates 40% of the water that falls on the river’s watershed. With 5,600 km of shoreline, almost equivalent to the distance between Gaspé and Vancouver, Gouin reservoir is an undeniable tourist attraction for fishing enthusiasts in search of walleye and northern pike in particular. There are many easily accessible outfitters nearby.

Since the 2000s, the Gouin reservoir Aire faunique communautaire (community wildlife area) has been responsible for managing the territory. Its mission involves protecting wildlife diversity and ensuring that fishing quality is constantly improved. However, it’s not only fish that attract those who love wide open spaces. A stay on a houseboat gives you the opportunity to discover the beauty of natural beaches and admire breathtaking sunsets.