National park · Canada
Îles-de-Boucherville National ParkParc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
Go for a half day if you are already in Montréal or Longueuil: 20–30 min by car to the Île Charron gate, flat 21 km (13 mi) of trails and bike paths, deer and herons in every season. Skip it if you want wilderness — this is farmland islands inside the city.Go for a half day if you are already in Montréal or Longueuil: 20–30 min by car to the Île Charron gate, flat 13 mi (21 km) of trails and bike paths, deer and herons in every season. Skip it if you want wilderness — this is farmland islands inside the city.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
9 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (9 km²)
approximate
Established
2001
Best months
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Canada ↗Visa-exempt travellers flying to or through Canada usually need an eTA; check your passport on the official Government of Canada site (canada.ca) and apply only there.
- Canada ↗A Parks Canada pass is needed to stop in national parks such as Banff and Jasper; some spots (for example Moraine Lake) are reached only by shuttle or tour, so book ahead.
- Canada ↗Keep well away from bears, elk and moose; carry bear spray on Rockies trails and follow trail closures.
At a glance
- Country
- Canada
- Area
- 9 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (9 km²)
- Approximate land area of the island group; figures vary by source and boundary — treat as a rough figure (check).
- Established
- 2001
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Îles-de-Boucherville National Park is a group of five flat islands in the St. Lawrence River at Boucherville, in Longueuil on the south shore of Montréal — farmland, marsh and river channels rather than wilderness. SÉPAQ manages it; the islands were used for agriculture, fishing, hunting and vacationing, and Grosbois Island held King Edward Park, a summer amusement park reachable only by boat, between 1910 and 1922. The islands became reachable by road in 1967 with the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine bridge-tunnel, and the national park status dates from 2001. Today the draw is simple: a car-free 21 km trail and bike network, an 8 km marked paddling circuit, deer with no natural predators, and a waterfowl stopover on the northeastern migration route. About 295,000 people visit each year, so it is a city park in character, not a backcountry trip.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2001.
Size and age
9 km² (3 sq mi)3 sq mi (9 km²) · national park since 2001
Approximate land area of the island group; figures vary by source and boundary — treat as a rough figure (check).
Why go
- The closest national park to downtown Montréal: about 18 km (11 mi) and 25–30 min by car.The closest national park to downtown Montréal: about 11 mi (18 km) and 25–30 min by car.
- Flat, car-free islands — cycling and walking for all ages, no climbing.
- White-tailed deer with no natural predators on the islands, seen in every season, plus red fox and grey squirrel.
- An important stopover on the waterfowl migration route of northeastern North America; more than 240 bird species recorded.
- Every September, migrating monarch butterflies gather on the milkweed and wildflowers.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarCaution
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanOnly Île Sainte-Marguerite reachable by road; shuttles off
- FebSnowshoe and fat-bike season; cold
- MarThaw; paths icy and muddy
- AprWaterfowl migration; cool
- MayGreen, dry; weekends busy
- JunWarm; long days
- JulHot; busiest month (check)
- AugHot and busy; book rentals early
- SepMonarch migration; mild
- OctFall colour on the river; clear
- NovQuiet; bare trees, cold wind
- DecWinter activities start; check snow cover
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer (no natural predators on the islands)All year · Easily seen in all seasons; do not feed them. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterfowl migration (ducks, geese, herons)Apr–May, Sep–Oct · The islands are a breeding and nesting area and a stopover on the northeastern migration route. | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Monarch butterfliesSep · Peak in September on common milkweed. | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | no | no | no |
| Nesting songbirds and wood ducksMay–Jul | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Montréal
Notre-Dame Street east, then the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel eastbound, Île Charron exit, follow park signs.
25–35 min
Open the page →
From Longueuil
By car over the tunnel approach to Île Charron; or cycle from the south shore on the river path.
15–25 min
From Québec City
Highway 20 westbound to Île Charron, then follow the park signs.
2.5–3 h
From Downtown Montréal by transit
Metro to Longueuil, then a local bus or taxi to the Île Charron gate; no direct park shuttle is confirmed — check current service before relying on transit.
50–70 min (check)
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Île Sainte-Marguerite | Reception and interpretation centre, terrace over the river, dairy bar and ready-to-eat meals in summer, Boutique Nature. | The only island open to cars; open year-round. |
| Île Grosbois | Boisé Grosbois woodland (about 18 ha) and the Grosbois campsite. | On foot or by bike only; 3 km (1.9 mi) from the road, luggage trolleys at the site.On foot or by bike only; 1.9 mi (3 km) from the road, luggage trolleys at the site. |
| Île à Pinard | Golf des Îles, an 18-hole course, plus channels for paddling. | Golf carts on the course; walkers and cyclists elsewhere. |
| Île de la Commune and Île Saint-Jean | Farm fields, marshes and the Chenal La Passe and Grande Rivière channels. | Trails and bike paths; no cars. |
Sketch map
- 1Île Charron entrance and parking · Gate≈45.603, -73.483Approximate; reached from the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel exit.Map ↗
- 2Île Sainte-Marguerite reception centre · Headquarters≈45.617, -73.467Approximate; park coordinates from the official listing.Map ↗
- 3Campsite Grosbois · Sleep≈45.625, -73.455Approximate; on Île Grosbois, 3 km (1.9 mi) on foot or by bike.Approximate; on Île Grosbois, 1.9 mi (3 km) on foot or by bike.Map ↗
- 4Golf des Îles, Île à Pinard · Trail≈45.630, -73.450Approximate; 18-hole course.Map ↗
- 5Chenal La Passe · Beach≈45.620, -73.460Approximate; channel between Île de la Commune and Île Grosbois.Map ↗
- 6Boucherville · Town≈45.591, -73.436Approximate; south shore town next to the park.Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions across the island group, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily entry, adult | CAD 9–10 (≈ US$7–8) | person | 2026 estimate; SÉPAQ daily rate, higher in peak season (check) |
| Daily entry, child | Free | person | Age rule and rate not confirmed — check with SÉPAQ before relying on free entry (check) |
| Daily entry, family | CAD 20–26 (≈ US$15–19) | family | 2026 estimate (check) |
| Annual SÉPAQ pass | CAD 60–90 (≈ US$45–70) | person | 2026 estimate; pays off after about 7–8 visits (check) |
| Canoe or kayak rental | CAD 25–60 (≈ US$19–45) | hour | 2026 estimate; bring your own boat at no extra charge (check) |
| Golf des Îles green fee | CAD 40–70 (≈ US$30–55) | person | 2026 estimate; 18 holes, par 70 (check) |
| Campsite Grosbois, unserviced site | CAD 30–45 (≈ US$25–35) | night | 2026 estimate; walk or bike 3 km in, luggage trolleys provided (check) |
| Molson sector RV site | CAD 35–55 (≈ US$30–40) | night | 2026 estimate; 15 sites for trailers and RVs (check) |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping (Grosbois) permit or guide
Fishing permit or guide
Golf permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- C$9–10≈ US$7–8
- C$20–26≈ US$15–19
- C$60–90≈ US$45–70
- C$25–60≈ US$19–45
- C$40–70≈ US$30–55
- C$30–45≈ US$25–35
- C$35–55≈ US$30–40
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on SÉPAQ — Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville before you go.
Park rules
- Cars
- Automobile traffic is allowed only on Île Sainte-Marguerite; the other islands are for bikes and walkers.
- Farmland
- Fields are working farmland; stay on marked trails and do not cross crops or approach machinery.
- Wildlife
- Do not feed or chase deer, foxes or birds; keep your distance and stay on trails.
- Dogs
- Leash and access rules for dogs are not confirmed — check with SÉPAQ before bringing a dog.check
- Fires
- Fire rules are not confirmed — check with SÉPAQ; use only designated fire pits if any are provided.check
- Winter access
- River shuttles do not run in winter; only Île Sainte-Marguerite is reachable by road.
Where to stay
In the park
Campsite Grosbois
25 Huttopia tents and 50 unserviced sites on Île Grosbois; reach it on foot or by bike, 3 km (1.9 mi), with luggage trolleys.25 Huttopia tents and 50 unserviced sites on Île Grosbois; reach it on foot or by bike, 1.9 mi (3 km), with luggage trolleys.
In the park
Molson sector RV sites
15 sites for trailers and recreational vehicles of all sizes.
Near the park
Longueuil and Boucherville
Hotels and motels 15–25 min from the Île Charron gate.
Near the park
Montréal
Full range of hostels and hotels, 25–35 min by car.
Safety
River channels and cold water medium
Ice in winter high
Cycling collisions on shared paths low
Summer heat and insects low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Île Sainte-Marguerite reception area, terrace and toilets are reachable by car with short, level walks.
- The flat trail and bike network suits strollers and many wheelchairs; rustic sections and bridges may be rough (check surface conditions).
- Paddling and golf are not adapted for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on trails through farm fields so crops and nesting areas are not damaged.
- Pack out all rubbish; the islands are a nesting and migration stopover.
- Use the park's rental boats instead of bringing a motor; only light pleasure craft are allowed in the channels.
- Do not pick milkweed in September — monarch eggs and larvae depend on it.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Îles-de-Boucherville National Park?
A SÉPAQ daily entry fee applies per person, roughly CAD 9–10 for an adult in 2026 (check the current rate). The child and family rates are not confirmed here — check with SÉPAQ. If you plan several visits to Québec parks, an annual SÉPAQ pass (about CAD 60–90, 2026 estimate) can be cheaper.
What are the best hikes in Îles-de-Boucherville National Park?
There are no summit hikes — the islands are flat. The best walking is the roughly 21 km multifunctional trail network, of which about 15 km is rustic, linking Île Sainte-Marguerite, Île Grosbois, Île à Pinard and Île de la Commune over small bridges. A 2–4 hour loop from the reception centre covers the marshes, farm fields and the Chenal La Passe. Cyclists often cover the whole network in 2–3 hours.
When is the best time to visit Îles-de-Boucherville National Park?
May, June, September and October are the best months: mild weather and active wildlife. September adds the monarch butterfly migration. April and October are peak waterfowl migration. July and August are the hottest and busiest months (check) — arrive early in the day if you are driving. In winter only Île Sainte-Marguerite is reachable by road, and snowshoe, ski and fat-bike trails run when snow allows.
Can I get there without a car?
It is harder but possible: metro to Longueuil, then a local bus or taxi to the Île Charron gate, or a bike ride from the south shore river path. No direct park shuttle is confirmed — check current service before relying on transit. Most visitors drive, about 25–35 min from downtown Montréal.
Can I swim or camp in the park?
Swimming is not a listed activity — the St. Lawrence channels are cold and have current. Camping is available at Campsite Grosbois (25 Huttopia tents and 50 unserviced sites, reached on foot or by bike 3 km) and at 15 RV sites in the Molson sector; reserve ahead.
Is Îles-de-Boucherville the same as Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park?
No. Îles-de-Boucherville is a group of flat river islands in Boucherville, in Longueuil, about 18 km from Montréal. Mont-Saint-Bruno is a separate SÉPAQ park with a hill, about 30 km east on the south shore. Both are day trips from Montréal.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go