Oka National Park
Oka National park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to its campgrounds and beaches every single year. While it is a small park, there is a rich history behind its beginnings. The Oka National Park has a rich cultural and religious heritage linked to the Calvary of Oka. The history behind Oka National park is very unique. The Sulpicians, a religious group, used to own most of the park and used it as an area for farming and forestry activities. A part of the land the priests owned was used for a series of seven chapels that represented the Stations of the Cross.
This historic Romanesque infrastructure is unique in America. The complex, built between 1740 and 1742, has three chapels and four oratories. The priests developed a few different things that contribute to the culture of the area including Oka Melon, Oka Cheese and a breed of chicken called the Chanteclerc. Eventually, the government bought most of the land from the Sulpicians in an effort to help preserve the natural wetlands that were on the land. Further research into the past history of the park tells us that Native Indians used to live and hunt on these lands. There are still remnants such as broken shards of pottery that prove they were living in the area. Anyone interested in the history of the land should take some time to walk alongside the chapels and by the shores in search of any artifacts.
To further enjoy the park and the rich history behind it, there are many different outings that are offered throughout the day as well as at night. Some of the most popular outings are the nighttime hikes. There are five different night exploration activities that are offered throughout the year. While on a night outing in the park, you will be led by a park warden or naturalist. The naturalist will assist you and the group as you hike along the trail that leads by the Stations of the Cross, they will give plenty of information on the bats local to the area and lead you to spots where you’ll be likely to find groups of them. The Calvaire d’Oka trail provides an extraordinary view of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondacks. Listen to storytellers along the way or while you are in a canoe on the park’s Deux Montagnes lake.
All around the park there is plenty of wildlife to be seen. Bird watchers will have a grand time exploring this
area. Stop by Pointe aux Bleuetsot or La Grande Baie marsh. Either of these spots lend themselves well to finding a good variety of birds and even herons. Near Lac la Sauvagine you will find beavers, muskrats, turtles and mink in the area. No matter what part of the park you are in, keep your eyes peeled and you are sure to get a glimpse of the wildlife in the area.
Oka National park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the campgrounds and beaches each year but many never see much else of the park. Make sure that you check out all that the park has to offer and you are sure to have a unique experience and understanding of the area.
