In the fall, we want to connect with nature while wearing a little striped scarf around our necks, spot birds to identify using a local wildlife guide, and eat a sandwich afterward.
We don’t have time to go to the cottage every weekend, or to go on long hikes up to the top of the mountains—we’re busy, and there are vintage pop-ups and exhibitions to check out on the weekends in Montreal.
Without a car—just a 1 hour and 35-minute trip from downtown by metro and bus—we can spend a day on Île Saint-Bernard taking a walk at the Marguerite d’Youville Wildlife Refuge amid the fall colors. It’s not very far to go to get up close with white-tailed deer, birds, and snapping turtles.
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THE MARGUERITE D’YOUVILLE WILDLIFE REFUGE
The Île Saint-Bernard Wildlife Refuge is very close to downtown Montreal, but the wooden boardwalks suspended above the marshes make it feel more like a stroll through a parallel world.
The trees—mostly maples and oaks—are bright orange and red in the fall, and the tall marsh grasses are sandy and golden. In the sunshine, it’s one of the most beautiful walks you can take in the fall.
The atmosphere is peaceful—it’s a sanctuary for local wildlife. The Refuge Faunique forest is a must-see for nature lovers during fall foliage season.You can download the trail map here!
There, you can see white-tailed deer, rabbits, lots of birds that come to nest, frogs and toads, turtles, foxes, bats… Don’t forget your camera and rain boots.
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After the hike, we recommend stopping by Café de l’Île for a quiche and a coffee—or a pumpkin latte. It’s an eco-friendly café attached to the Marguerite d’Youville Wildlife Reserve, and it has a lovely sunny terrace.
Where? Café de l’Île, at 480 Boulevard D’Youville, Châteauguay
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PRACTICAL INFO
How far is it from Montreal? 30–40 minutes by car, 1 hour 30–45 minutes by public transit (take the Green Line to the Angrignon metro station, then bus 31 to the Châteaugay Regional Center, and bus 25 to Edmour/Vinet Ouest)
Where? 480 Boulevard d’Youville, Châteaugay
When? The Pavillon de l’Île is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the Café de l’Île is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much? Daily trail access: $9.30 for adults, $6.85 for children (available only at the island’s visitor center)
Are dogs allowed?No
For more information, click here
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