Causapscal: Salmon Heritage and River Trails

A covered wooden bridge, knowledge of salmon passed down through generations, and trails along the river define Causapscal. The town can be explored through a range of interests: architecture and regional history are just as much in focus as hiking, salmon fishing and cycling. When choosing your vacation rental, consider which of these experiences matter most for your trip.

Bridge History and Salmon Heritage

Pont Heppell is a 39.6-metre-long wooden bridge with a single span. It was built in 1908 and 1909 in the Québec Town style and is the oldest surviving covered bridge in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Its design and dimensions give the bridge a distinctive profile; at the same time, it is one of Causapscal’s defining historical features.

Salmon fishing is also part of the town’s history and living cultural heritage. In 2015, the City of Causapscal recognized salmon fishing on the Matapédia and Causapscal rivers as intangible cultural heritage. This includes knowledge of the rivers, the work of fishing guides, fly tying, canoe building and various fishing techniques. This knowledge is passed down through generations. Those interested in the town’s cultural side will find not just a single tradition, but several skills and activities associated with salmon fishing.

At the Musée Matamajaw, the “Plaisirs de pêche” exhibition presents the regional history of salmon fishing as an immersive audio experience. The museum’s cultural offerings include self-guided and guided tours. This lets you choose the kind of museum visit you prefer: explore the exhibition independently or opt for a guided tour.

River Trails and Outdoor Experiences

Parc Les Fourches is a riverside spot in central Causapscal. Visitors can watch salmon fishing there and picnic by the Rivière Matapédia. This brings together two different aspects of spending time outdoors: observing a local tradition and taking a break by the river. For families, the Sentier des berges et des mémoires offers another way to experience the landscape on foot. The trail is 2.4 kilometres long and described as suitable for families. Erosion makes the riverbank riskier in one section; turn back at this point.

The Sentier International des Appalaches passes through Causapscal and follows the Causapscal River between Pont du Huit-Milles and Ruisseau des Marais. If you like to make a longer hiking route part of your trip, you can consider this trail as a focus of your visit. For shorter outings, the 2.4-kilometre Sentier des berges et des mémoires is another option. Take note of the riverbank erosion warning there and turn back at the riskier section.

Cycling and Choosing the Focus of Your Trip

Cyclists will also find a specific connection to the town: the Véloroute Desjardins de La Matapédia includes the Halte Jacques-Tremblay in Causapscal. In the wider region, the route stretches for 114 kilometres; it is fully paved, lies within the MRC de La Matapédia and is integrated into Route Verte. This means Causapscal can also be considered as part of a cycling holiday, without conflating the local rest stop with the entire regional cycling network.

Causapscal offers a range of specific points of interest. It’s best to choose a vacation rental or holiday home to suit the focus of your planned trip, without assuming distances or connections between the individual offerings.

More town pages: Routhierville, Val-Brillant, Amqui, Sayabec.

Back to the regional travel overview: La Matapédia.