Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park: Complete Guide to Hiking, Biking & Wildlife on Montreal’s West Island
Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park is one of the most underrated green spaces on Montreal’s West Island. Spread across the northern tip of Île Bizard, this Réseau des Grands Parcs nature park combines marshlands, mature forests, sandy beaches, and over 12 km of trails — yet it stays remarkably quiet even on summer weekends. If you want a peaceful day of hiking, biking, birdwatching, or even a swim, this is the closest “real nature” you can reach from downtown Montreal without leaving the island.
Where It Is and Why It’s Worth the Drive
The park sits on the north-west tip of Île Bizard, about 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Montreal by car. Unlike Mount Royal or Jean-Drapeau, you’ll find few tourists here — most visitors are West Island residents, birdwatchers, and families. The combination of forest, marsh, river views, and a small beach in one compact park is unique in greater Montreal.
How to Get There from Montreal
- By car: Take Highway 40 West, exit at Boulevard Saint-Charles, then follow signs to Île Bizard via Pont Jacques-Bizard. Approximately 35 minutes from downtown.
- Public transit: Metro to Côte-Vertu, then STM bus 470 + 207 to Île Bizard village, plus a 25-minute walk or short rideshare to the park entrance. Allow 90 minutes door-to-door.
- By bike: Possible via the West Island bike network and Route Verte, but it’s a long ride (35+ km from downtown).
Trails: 12+ KM of Hiking and Walking
The park features over 12 kilometres of trails, mostly flat and well-maintained:
- The Marsh Trail (Sentier des Marais): A 2.5 km loop with a long wooden boardwalk over the wetlands — best spot for birdwatching and the most photogenic walk in the park.
- The Forest Loop: A 4 km trail through mature maple and oak forest, mostly shaded, great in summer heat.
- The River Trail: Follows the shore of Rivière des Prairies with regular viewpoints.
- Connections to the beach: A short trail leads to the small sandy beach, supervised in summer.
Biking the Paved Path
There is a flat paved bike path running through the park that connects to the wider Île Bizard cycling network. It’s family-friendly, with no major hills, making it perfect for a beginner outing. Bring your own bike — there are no rentals on site.
Wildlife: One of Montreal’s Best Birdwatching Spots
The marshlands attract a remarkable variety of species:
- Great blue herons, great egrets, and green herons in the marshes
- Painted turtles and snapping turtles sunning on logs
- Beavers and muskrats — easiest to spot at dawn and dusk
- White-tailed deer in the forest sections
- Migrating waterfowl in spring and fall
Bring binoculars or a zoom lens. The marsh boardwalk has several viewing platforms that work well for photography.
The Beach
The small Plage du Parc-nature du Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard is open in summer (typically late June to mid-August), with lifeguards on weekends. It’s a sandy beach on the Rivière des Prairies — perfect for a swim after a hike. Bring your own snacks; there is a small concession on site but limited options.
Practical Information
- Entrance fee: Free entry to the park; parking is paid in summer (around $9/day in 2026) and free off-season. Free with the annual Grands Parcs pass.
- Hours: Open daily, generally 6 AM to sunset.
- Facilities: Washrooms, picnic tables, BBQ areas, drinking water, small concession in summer.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash on most trails, except on the beach.
- Accessibility: Main trails and the boardwalk are wheelchair accessible.
Best Season to Visit
- Late May to early June: Wildflowers, returning birds, fewer mosquitoes.
- July and August: Beach season, but bring strong insect repellent for the marsh.
- Late September to mid-October: Peak fall colours, fewer crowds, great light for photos.
- Winter: Cross-country skiing on groomed trails, snowshoeing in the forest sections.
What to Bring
- Sturdy walking shoes (sandals are fine for the boardwalk only)
- Insect repellent (essential April to September, the marsh has mosquitoes)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- 1 to 2 L of water per person
- Binoculars or a zoom camera lens for birding
- Swimsuit and towel in summer
- Picnic supplies
What to Combine with Your Visit
- Vineyards and orchards in Senneville and Sainte-Geneviève — several West Island producers are open for visits.
- Île-Bizard village — charming with a few restaurants for a post-hike meal.
- Bois-de-la-Roche heritage farm-park — another peaceful West Island park, 15 minutes away.
- Ferry to Laval — a small seasonal cable ferry connects Île Bizard to Laval-sur-le-Lac.
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