Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville

In the winter, Île Sainte-Marguerite offers hikers new landscapes and a more peaceful atmosphere. The flat terrain of the islands makes activities accessible to the whole family.

Hikers can choose among three marked loops: Grand-Duc (1.5 km), Petite-Rivière (2.5 km) and Grande-Rivière (4 km).

Period: beginning of December to the end of March

Map of trail (in French only)

Try kicksledding. For rent at the Discovery and Visitors Centre.  There is no slope on the trail.

Period: beginning of December to the end of March

Île Sainte-Marguerite unrolls a big white carpet for backcountry skiers. There are over 7 km of marked, ungroomed trails. Come and ski in this peaceful setting where you have a good chance of meeting up with white-tailed deer.

Period: beginning of December to the end of March

Map of trails (in French only)

Explore peaceful Île Sainte-Marguerite, where you have a good chance of encountering white-tailed deer. Over 7 km of trails await you!

Snowshoes rental is available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre.

Period: beginning of December to the end of March

Map of trails (pdf: 429 KB) (in French only)

To make winter hiking trails accessible to the mobility impaired, an all-new product has been introduced to Bic, Îles-de-Boucherville, Mont-Orford, Mont-Saint-Bruno, Mont-Tremblant and Oka national parks: the Ski-Vel. Designed by the Tri-Vel company, Ski-Vel can be easily adapted to people’s wheel chairs (not included) so they can enjoy exploring the snow trails. A Ski-Vel is available for free at each park’s Visitors Centre.

A network of 21 km of trails allows cyclists and hikers to share the same path and discover the site's most beautiful attractions.

On Île Sainte-Marguerite, close to 10 km of rustic trails offer a unique hiking alternative, where only walkers are allowed.

Period: year-round

Table of trails

In a sea kayak, enter the fascinating world of the waters around Îles de Boucherville. An 8-km marked water trail that takes an average of 3 h to complete gives you the opportunity to navigate between the various channels and make amazing discoveries! You can rent a kayak on site or bring your own.

Period: mid-May to the end of September

Sea kayaking lessons
Reservations required for lessons only: 450 928-5088.

• Group lesson: Thursday evening (June to the end of August 2013) and Saturday morning (mid-May to September 2013)
• Private lesson or small group lesson (2 to 5 people)
• On the program: Introduction to the basics, discovery of the area, safety rules and practical advice

In a canoe, enter the fascinating world of the waters around Îles de Boucherville. An 8-km marked water trail that takes an average of 3 h to complete gives you the opportunity to navigate between the various channels and make amazing discoveries! You can rent a canoe on site or bring your own.

Period: mid-May to the end of September

Explore the fascinating water world surrounding Îles de Boucherville by rabaska (12-person canoe). A marked 8-km water trail that takes an average of 3 hours leads gives you the chance to navigate through the channels and make amazing discoveries! You can rent a boat on site or bring your own equipment.

A network of 21 km of trails allow cyclists and hikers to share the circuit and discover the site's most beautiful attractions. Take advantage of the picnic areas and magnificent viewpoints while enjoying self-guided discovery activities. The relatively flat relief of the island will suit the entire family.

Bicycles for adults and children and tandem bicycles are available for rent by the hour, half day and full day.

Table of trails

During the summer, you can get to Îles de Boucherville from Longueuil on the Navark ferries. Shuttle busses from Montréal and Boucherville are also available. For more information about rates and schedules, see the Navark Web site.

On the majestic St. Lawrence River, holders of a provincial fishing license can fish according to the rules in force for zone 8.

With a Boat
Fishing in the channels and marshes that characterize the archipelago of Îles-de-Boucherville is allowed in most sectors when fishing from a boat. The rental centre offers rowboats, canoes and kayaks for exploring this fishing area. You can also bring your own small boat. Please note that electric motors are authorized, and that there is no boat launch ramp.

Wading
Wading is also an option, and some sectors identified for this purpose. These fishing sites are identified on the map of the park in the park journal.

Fishing package on the St. Lawrence River
A fishing package is also available. It includes a row boat, fishing rods, worms and an anchor.

The main game fish in the archipelago are:

• Pike
• Perch
• Largemouth bass
• Smallmouth bass
• Walleye
• Lake sturgeon
• Musky

You don’t need to pay additional daily fishing access rights to practise this activity in the park. The Québec fishing licence is mandatory.

You can fish year-round because the season for some game fish is open all year in zone 8. Always check the current regulations.

Sports fans love our beach volleyball court. We supply all of the equipment (rate for this activity).

Period: mid-May to mid-October

The white-tailed deer population is made up of about 120 deer, which makes Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville a fabulous place to watch them. In the morning or evening, by bicycle or on foot, come see this magnificent creature.

A place for conservation and education, Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville is a laboratory in a natural setting. Come to class with our dedicated park wardens or welcome them to your school! The beauty, integrity, and cultural/historical characteristics of this territory have inspired six recreational/educational activities. Aimed at young people in elementary or high school, these activities will help them get in touch with their environment, make them understand its fragility, and take them through a memorable real-world experience ...

Consult the brochure School activities (in French only)

Just a few kilometres from downtown Montréal, Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville offers a number of organized discovery activities about the plant and animal treasures on these 5 St. Lawrence islands.