Nature is waking up, and there are daffodils sprouting in the dusty flower beds of the Plateau, buds on a few select trees, and a handful of green blades of grass peeking through the cracks in the asphalt.
But to see the vast, open nature of the Quebec countryside come to life without the city’s concrete and glass in the background, you have to get out of Montreal.
A 30-minute drive from downtown or a 1 hour 45 minute to 2-hour train ride on Exo Line 13 takes you to a nature reserve where you can take a stroll beneath century-old trees.
The Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve
The Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve is located on the eastern slope of Mont-Saint-Bruno—one of the country’s most beautiful national parks—and is a treasure trove of ecological conservation and trees that, left to their own devices, are centuries-old and incredibly impressive.
The Ruisseau du Moulin trail, apparently, is where you can see the most wildflowers blooming in the spring. Canadian bloodroot, violets, and northern clintonias.
The Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve covers 7.2 hectares and is located on a former beach of the Sea of Champlain—the soil is fertile, and the stream nourishes the blooming flowers and trees. Head there with a pair of rain boots, a camera, and a sweater—because the air is cool under the tall trees.
Practical Information
How far from Montreal? 30 minutes from downtown Montreal by car, 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by public transit (via Exo Line 13 to Gare-Basile-le-Grand)
Where? Tailhandier , St-Bruno-de-Montarville (Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve)
When? Accessible at any time
How much? Part of the nature reserve overlaps with Mont St-Bruno National Park, and hikers recommend purchasing a daily pass to the park to explore both the reserve and the park. Admission is $10.10 for adults and free for children— get your tickets here!
Dogs allowed? Yes
