Unexplored islands... right near Montreal!

Protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, four wild islands in the Hochelaga archipelago are inviting visitors to explore thanks to the recent construction of 2 km of wooden boardwalks.

• Also read: Here is the new Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts regional park, a place that will delight outdoor enthusiasts

Accessible by kayak, canoe or other non-motorized boat, these islands, just around Pointe-aux-Trembles and further east, form a nautical circuit.

Attractions

In addition to the boardwalks, features such as walking trails, observation platforms and interpretive panels will facilitate exploration of the islands.

A wide variety of birds, including several species of ducks and herons, inhabit these nearly pristine islands located just a short paddle from the city.

Eagle Island

Eagle Island boasts the longest boardwalk, stretching 1,220 meters. This attraction, combined with its ease of access among the four islands, makes it the first to explore.

The ideal starting point for launching your boat remains East Beach, where the GUEPE organization rented kayaks this summer. Another option: Médéric-Archambault Park, also in the Pointe-aux-Trembles neighborhood. From here, you can also paddle to Bonfoin Island.

Eagle Island remains a better choice for a first exploration, not only for its longer boardwalk, but also because you paddle for less time in the current and close to motorized boat traffic.

In addition, it's easy to paddle around in calmer waters. Our exploration can also continue on to Cerfeuils Island, further east, off the coast of Repentigny.

The Hochelaga Archipelago

More than 300 islands and islets make up the Hochelaga Archipelago, which stretches from Lake of Two Mountains to the eastern tip of the Island of Montreal. Although the Island of Montreal, Île Jésus, and Île Perrot are part of the group, several remain uninhabited.

Some have remained wild, which is why the Nature Conservancy of Canada has decided to protect and enhance the four islands on a non-motorized waterway near Montreal.

BOARDWALKS ON FOUR ISLANDS

Eagle Island: 1220 m

Bonfoin Island: 420 m

Chervil Island: 185 m

Beauregard Island: 150 m

Islands accessible by kayak, canoe or other non-motorized boat

Launching to Eagle Island: East Beach, Pointe-aux-Trembles

naturedestinations.ca/destinations/fr/archipel-dhochelaga

Run After Me

This is the name of an organization offering outdoor activities for singles, ranging from walking to volleyball. Regions covered: from the Laurentians to Quebec City, including Montreal. There are several age groups.

www.coursapresmoi.ca

The Waterfowl

Ideal for families, this paved bike path in Sorel-Tracy leads from the city to the countryside, between fields and peaceful wooded areas. Length: 12 km. There's an ice cream parlor and snack bar. A rest stop under the trees at the end of the route.

www.tourismeregionsoreltracy.com

Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscovering Quebec: 101 Destinations , published by Éditions du Journal.