Montrealers are lucky, because the city is literally overflowing with nature (have you seen the green alleys lately?) and becausein the fall, you can see Mount Royal turning from green to red from almost anywhere.
But to see the colors—thereal colors— we recommend getting out of Montreal and heading to the forests in the Montreal area forweekend walks… And the easiest and most romantic way to go for a walk in the forest is still to take a train (EXO)…
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THE BOISÉ-TAILHANDIER NATURE RESERVE
The Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve is nestled on the eastern slope of Mont-Saint-Bruno—right next to 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 and millennia 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 Clintonia. In the summer, you can stroll beneath the tall trees: red oak, sugar maple, large-leaved beech, Canadian hemlock, red maple, and white pine.
In the fall, colorful leaves rain down on the trails, and the place is so well-preserved that it feels like you’re in a movie scene.
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. Pack a pair of hiking boots, a camera, and a waterproof jacket to protect against the fall dampness.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Where? Tailhandier, St-Bruno-de-Montarville (Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve)
When? Open at all times
What? Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Montreal
/ 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours by public transit on the EXO 13 train to Gare-Basile-le-Grand, at a fare of $5 to travel from Zone A to Zone B
How much? Part of the nature reserve overlaps with Mont St-Bruno National Park, and hikers seem to recommend purchasing a daily pass to the park so you can explore both the reserve and the park. Admission is $10.10 for adults and free for children—get your tickets here!
*Dogs are allowed on the trails (on a leash)
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