Sparroworks

Parc nature du Cap-St-Jacques - A very extensive, perhaps the largest, of the Montreal Nature Parks is situated on the north-west of the island on Bvd. Gouin in Pierrefonds. It has an interesting mixture of rivershore, forest and open fields which provide plenty of varied habitats for birding.

There are two entrances which lead to ample parking but which you cannot drive between internally, the entrance to the east is the larger and adjacent to the well-equipped Centre d'accueil where you can collect trail maps and general information. Visitors can drive beyond this entrance to the lakeshore where there is a "model" farm … somewhere to park the kids while you go exploring. Good walking and cycling trails criss-cross the park while in winter there is a very extensive network of ski trails and a sugar-shack that supplies warming drinks. To the western end of the park is a beach (separate entry fee in summer) which you probably want to avoid because of screaming and out of control children with their adoring parents but where you can rent or launch canoes to give access to the shoreline … although if canoeing round the perimeter of the park appeals to you (we often turn up birds that way we'd never see by foot) then consider launching at the nearby Anse-à-l'Orme park which is altogether quieter and only an interesting 20 minutes paddle away.

Across the road from the park entrance are extensive areas of farmland (yes, you are still on Montreal island) which act as a buffer zone for the park though there are rumours that the government would like to allow building there to boost their tax income. Interesting birds have been seen there, especially in the winter when Northern Shrike, Hawk Owls etc have put in appearances in recent years - no certainties, but always worth a look.

The park juts out into the waters of the Lac de deux montagnes and Riviere des Prairies. Three quarters of the park is bordered by water. You'll find a variety of programs and facilities here, including the ecological farm, where you can purchase organic produce and observe the activities of a working farm. There is also a cabane a sucre (sugar shack), where you can watch the collection and reduction of the sap if you visit in season, during March and April. In addition, you'll find two interesting historic buildings in the park, the Chateau Gohier (circa 1916) and the Maison Brunet (circa 1835).

There are 26km of hiking trails and extensive cycling trails in winter added to by 32km of ski trails.