6 perfect activities to rediscover nature

Check out our suggestions for activities you can get to by public transit to reconnect with nature. Now that the warm weather is finally here, it’s a great time to put on some sunscreen and rediscover the wealth of nature our region offers. There are lots of ways to enjoy to flora and fauna and learn more about the nature that surrounds us.

Centre de la nature (Laval) 

Located on the site of a former quarry and landfill, the Centre de la nature is now an urban park and an excellent family destination. With its farm animals, walking trails and tropical greenhouses, it’s the perfect place to visit nature with little ones.

To get there: from De la Concorde métro station, take bus route 42 and walk 10 minutes.

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L’Arboretum Morgan

Did you know the Morgan Arboretum is home to one of the largest varieties of breeding bird species on the Island of Montréal? On a typical day, you can easily observe dozens of bird species, including the barred owl and the pileated woodpecker, as you walk along the arboretum’s trails. And be sure to keep your eyes out for some of the park’s other wildlife, including coyotes and deer!

To get there: from Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue station, ride your bike for 10 minutes.

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Mont Saint-Hilaire

Open year-round, the Centre de la Nature Mont Saint-Hilaire is a calming oasis just a short trip from the city. It’s the perfect place to go for a hike and the mountain is home to some astonishing plants and animals.

To get there: from Mont-Saint-Hilaire station, ride your bike for 30 minutes.

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Space for Life

Space for Life has earned a well-deserved reputation for nature lovers in the Montréal region. With facilities like the Biodome, Botanical Garden and Insectarium, it’s the ideal place to learn and relearn everything there is to know about flora and fauna.

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Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation

Located on the banks of the Rivière des Prairies, not only does this park boast a popular picnic area, but it’s an excellent place to observe shorebirds in Montréal. Try to spot the black-crowned night heron, who nests in the park all summer long.

To get there: from Henri-Bourassa métro station, take bus route 69 and walk 5 minutes.

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Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies

The eastern tip of the Island of Montréal is home to many natural attractions! Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies has 12.5 km of cycling trails and a protected wetland where you can spot the green heron, a small bird with a friendly face.

To get there: from Pointe-aux-Trembles station, walk 10 minutes.

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