Espace Nature Haute-Matawinie Trail Association · Saint-Michel-des-Saints QC

Overview
Espace Nature Haute-Matawinie is a non-profit organization (OBNL) based in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Quebec, dedicated to developing and managing one of the province's newest four-season outdoor recreation destinations. Established to create a sustainable recreation and tourism hub in Haute-Matawinie, the organization is responsible for planning, constructing, operating and maintaining the trail network and visitor facilities that make up the Espace Nature project.

Its mission is to foster the harmonious integration of the Nouveau Monde Graphite Matawinie Project through the development of a recreation and tourism destination that offers recreational, sporting, educational and cultural experiences for both the local community and visitors. The organization places a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, and regional economic development.

Trails & Facilities
Espace Nature Haute-Matawinie is developing and managing a recreation network that will ultimately comprise approximately 35 kilometres of trails across two complementary recreation areas.

The mountain bike network includes approximately 18 kilometres of purpose-built singletrack, centred on the Graphite Sector, featuring fifteen enduro-style descents connected by dedicated climbing routes. The adjacent Souche Sector provides a progressive skills park with nine skills lines and three jump lines, creating a welcoming environment for riders developing their technical abilities before exploring the larger trail network.

A further 17 kilometres of multi-use trails are planned within the Nitaskinan sector for hiking, walking and gravel cycling, expanding the site's appeal as a four-season outdoor destination. Supporting infrastructure includes visitor parking, bike rentals, a repair station and future visitor amenities including a service pavilion, café-boutique, graphite interpretation centre and a 360-degree observation tower overlooking the Haute-Matawinie region.

Stewardship & Community
As the managing organization, Espace Nature Haute-Matawinie oversees trail development, maintenance, visitor services and long-term planning for the site. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors supported by professional staff responsible for administration, trail operations, maintenance and visitor services.

Volunteers play an important role in trail maintenance, special projects and visitor support, while trained patrol staff assist with trail safety and first response. The organization encourages community participation through memberships, volunteering and sponsorship opportunities, helping ensure the continued growth and sustainability of the recreation area.

Vision
Espace Nature Haute-Matawinie aims to establish Haute-Matawinie as a premier outdoor recreation destination by creating accessible, high-quality trails and visitor experiences that connect people with nature while supporting the social, cultural and economic vitality of the region. As future phases are completed, the organization intends to offer an integrated recreation experience combining mountain biking, hiking, environmental education, cultural interpretation and year-round outdoor activities within a sustainably managed landscape.