{"id":5458,"date":"2019-07-08T12:42:29","date_gmt":"2019-07-08T16:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/montrealtips.com\/?p=5458"},"modified":"2026-05-17T09:06:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T13:06:17","slug":"%c8%8bles-de-boucherville-a-family-friendly-oasis-20-minutes-from-montreal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/montrealtips.com\/fr\/2019\/07\/08\/%c8%8bles-de-boucherville-a-family-friendly-oasis-20-minutes-from-montreal\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00celes-de-Boucherville\u00a0: une oasis familiale \u00e0 20 minutes de Montr\u00e9al"},"content":{"rendered":"\u020ales-de-Boucherville: A family-friendly oasis 20 minutes from Montreal<\/b>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nJust a hop skip and a jump (a.k.a across the bridge) from Montreal\u2019s bustling Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood is an island oasis you won\u2019t believe is city-adjacent.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nParc National des \u020ales-de-Boucherville<\/span><\/a> is a peaceful sanctuary of five small islands right in the middle of the Saint Lawrence known for its white tailed deer and kilometers of breathtaking nature trails, many which are bicycle-friendly, and some reserved exclusively for walking.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\"\u020ales-de-Boucherville:<\/a>\r\n\r\nWe\u2019ll get to the numerous activities available in a moment, but what makes \u020ales-de-Boucherville truly unique is that one of the islands – l\u2019\u020ale Grosbois – is home to an archeological site and reconstructed Iroquoian village. The site is about a 45 minute hike, or 20 minute bike ride, from the main parking area, so plan for a trek, but it is well worth it.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nNow, a lot of people visit the area to hike or bike, enjoy nature and have a peaceful picnic with (hopefully) some deer spotting. But there are actually a whole host of activities available year round including canoeing, kayaking, rabaska (those extra long canoes that fit 12-20 people), beach volleyball, standup paddling and more during the summer. In the winter, there is snowshoeing, skiing, kicksledding, winter hiking and even those awesome fatbikes that are designed for biking through snow or sand.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\"\u020ales-de-Boucherville:<\/a>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re like many Montrealers, the thought of a tranquil lakeside vacation sounds like heaven. Battling traffic and hours of driving to get there\u2026 not so much. This is what makes \u020ales-de-Boucherville even better. There is a gorgeous, secluded campground where you can pitch your own tent, or reserve one of the ready-to-camp Huttopia tents. It\u2019s riverside instead of lakeside, but if you spend most of the year alley-side\u2026 po-tay-to, po-tah-to, right? (Not really, but you know what we mean.)\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nDo be aware that the campground is not accessible by car – only on foot or by bike – but that just adds to the tranquility of the place. No traffic noises!! You will also take a river shuttle to get there, which is about as charming as it gets.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\"\u020ales-de-Boucherville:<\/a>\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re bringing the family, \u020ales-de-Boucherville is incredibly family friendly. So, while you can\u2019t bring everything your car can hold (since cars can\u2019t get to the campsite), there are several necessities available on site including booster seats, highchairs, changing tables, strollers and trailers, playpens and even children\u2019s dishes. Huttopia tents even come with microwaves. And everything for kids aged 17 and under is free.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIf you\u2019re the RV type of camper, there are a few RV spots available as well, but obviously in a different area. One that\u2019s accessible not only by car, but by massive tenement on wheels.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nReady for an island escape? <\/span>Check out the \u020ales-de-Boucherville site<\/span><\/a>!<\/span>\r\n\r\n \n\n\n\n