Chapleau Tourist Association

Summer offers the opportunity to canoe a solitary lake echoing with the cry of the loon, kayak below thundering falls or fish for an abundance of varied species on our many local lakes as well as an excellent choice of remote fishing lodges. Berry pickers can stalk the wild raspberry and blueberry while spying on a feeding moose. The Chapleau Crown Game Preserve is the largest in the world and is considered a true wilderness experience. Whether camping in the peace and solitude of the boreal forest, canoeing on clear "drinking water" quality lakes or hiking to observe wildlife in their habitat,

Chapleau Crown Game Preserve is ideal for all nature and recreation enthusiasts. These photos are taken by Heinz Wehrheim
This little bear cub reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh was photographed in midsummer. By autumn it had turned into one of those fat scamps in the next photo. The bear family was observed by Heinz Wehrheim along the chain of lakes that forms the boundary of the Chapleau Game Preserve. Heinz is a dedicated nature photographer who spends his summers in a cabin directly on the edge of the Chapleau Game Preserve. He provided all the pictures on this page. Take a moment and see the other photos further down this page.

You too can take pictures like these in the Chapleau Game Preserve. You only have to be patient and a little bit lucky.
The Chapleau Crown Game Preserve was created in 1925 to stem the decline of fur-bearing and game animals and it embraces 686,000 acres. This has resulted in an abundance and diversity of animal species, and wildlife viewing is exceptional. Moose or bear are almost sure to be sighted; other species often seen include lynx, marten, fisher, beaver, great blue heron, bald eagle, osprey and wolf. Solitary islands invite the traveler to disembark and search for driftwood.

Vegetation is typical of the boreal forest. Spruce, balsam fir, white birch, trembling aspen and jackpine dominate. In some areas, red and white pine thrive. There are no significant industries for more than a hundred miles in any direction, assuring unsullied air and clean water in the lakes. Evenings are as still as in a former age before man invented machines and the starry night sky is incredibly clear. When you look north late at night, you may often see the northern light.

Pictures of timber wolves are very hard to get because wolves are so wary of man. Here is an unusually trusting wolf who came out of the forest, near Heinz Wehrheim's camp.

Moose are comparatively easy to photograph anywhere in or around the Game Preserve. Mornings and evenings are the best times.