Featuring the Greater Snow Goose

Without a doubt, the greater snow goose is the real star of cap Tourmente. In fact, the Reserve was founded in 1969 solely to protect the unique worldwide population of this species. Up to 75 000 greater snow geese can be observed daily on the Reserve during the migratory stopover. Nature at its best!

The great snow geese visit cap Tourmente twice a year. Historically, the best time to observe them has always been fall, from beginning of October to mid-November. However, spring gatherings have proven to be as spectacular as the ones taking place in fall. It’s an event you won’t want to miss between April 15 and May 15.

About the Greater Snow Goose...

• Can walk up to 30 km even on its first day of life.
• Can fly as fast as 95 km per hour and fly nonstop for up to 1 000 km.
• It mates for life and the male contributes to the upbringing of youngsters.
• Known to be the noisiest waterfowl, it can be heard from far away!
• Has an average lifespan of 8 years but can live up to 20 years.
• It flies merely 4 000 km during its migration.