Tag Archive for: parks

Ȋles-de-Boucherville: A family-friendly oasis 20 minutes from Montreal

 

Just a hop skip and a jump (a.k.a across the bridge) from Montreal’s bustling Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood is an island oasis you won’t believe is city-adjacent.

 

Parc National des Ȋles-de-Boucherville 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. 

We’ll get to the numerous activities available in a moment, but what makes Ȋles-de-Boucherville truly unique is that one of the islands – l’Ȋle 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.

 

Now, 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.

If you’re like many Montrealers, the thought of a tranquil lakeside vacation sounds like heaven. Battling traffic and hours of driving to get there… not so much. This is what makes Ȋles-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’s riverside instead of lakeside, but if you spend most of the year alley-side… po-tay-to, po-tah-to, right? (Not really, but you know what we mean.) 

 

Do 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.

If you’re bringing the family, Ȋles-de-Boucherville is incredibly family friendly. So, while you can’t bring everything your car can hold (since cars can’t get to the campsite), there are several necessities available on site including booster seats, highchairs, changing tables, strollers and trailers, playpens and even children’s dishes. Huttopia tents even come with microwaves. And everything for kids aged 17 and under is free.

 

If you’re the RV type of camper, there are a few RV spots available as well, but obviously in a different area. One that’s accessible not only by car, but by massive tenement on wheels.

 

Ready for an island escape? Check out the Ȋles-de-Boucherville site!

 

Quebec Parks

Over 100 km of hiking trails in Quebec

Collection of summer and winter activities year round.

670 Squared kms of trees, mountains and wildlife

The park has a lot of activities, such as hiking, camping, biking and cross country skiing.

Parc Jacques Cartier is located in the Laurentian Mountains, aiming to protect the wildlife in the area.

Winter Activities

  • Expedition in the Backcountry
  • Winter Hiking
  • Off-trail Sectors
  • Snowshoeing
  • Toboggan Hill
  • Fatbike

Summer Activities

  • Miniraft
  • Hiking
  • Rabaska
  • Inner Tube
  • Fishing with Accommodations
  • Day Fishing
  • Biking
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Geocaching
  • Canoeing
  • Stand Up Paddling
  • Recreational Kayak
  • Expedition in the Backcountry

Most Beautiful Peaks in Quebec

Gaspésie National ParkGaspésie National Park trees and mountains

A Magical 80 Years Old Park

The Ultimate Hiking Experience

Containing the highest peaks in Quebec and a unique selection of species and landscape.

The high peaks in the park are mainly due to under-water volcanoes tracing back Millions of years ago.

The wildlife in Gaspésie National Park

This is the only place in Quebec that you will be able to see the famous caribou, under the Saint Laurent River.

For more info: https://www.sepaq.com/pq/gas/index.dot?language_id=1Gaspésie National Park trees in the fog

List of activities in Gaspe National Park

  • Hiking
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand up paddle
  • Pedal Boat
  • Day Fishing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Snow Shoeing
  • Ice Skiing

Gaspésie National Park trees and mountains Gaspésie National Park trees and mountains Gaspésie National Park water fall biking in Gaspésie National Park