Last week was sweltering, and this is just the beginning. Summer is going to be hot and humid; the boreal climate will be blowing through the city during the summer months, but Montrealers know where to go to spend a cool afternoon.
One of the city’s most beautiful natural parks is on the North Shore, a 45-minute drive from downtown—or just under an hour by public transit or bike.
It’s a park with a small island, two heritage houses to visit, “ruins” that give it a mysterious air, and a very cool picnic area with grills you can use to make a real summer lunch.
Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park
Visitation Island and the nature park in which it is located are on the banks of the Rivière des Prairies, north of Montreal. In addition to fishing, picnics, and biking in the great outdoors, it’s also a park with structures that are significant to the city’s history.
First, there’s the Maison du Pressoir—a historical interpretation center where you can see two large, very well-preserved apple presses. These presses (which were used to make cider) are among the remnants of the old village and the Moulins site, whose ruins can also be seen in the park.
Next door, another historic house called the Maison du Meunier features one of Montreal’s prettiest terraces, overlooking the Rivière des Prairies.
Practical Information
Where? Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park, at 2425 Gouin Boulevard East, Montreal
When? Open year-round
- Monday / 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday / 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday / 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday / 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday / 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday / 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday / 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
How to get there? Henri-Bourassa metro station (orange line) and Bus 69
