Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
Location: Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville (Boucherville, Québec, Canada)
Explorer: Caroline L.
Board Used: Waterwalker 126
Date Logged: August 5, 2021
Website: sepaq.com/pq/bou/
SUP Explorer – The Best Places to Stand Up Paddle Board
Only a few minutes away from Montreal (perfect for a quick paddling after work or for sunset!), five little islands between Montreal and the South Shore (Boucherville/Longueuil) are waiting for you to explore its incredible biodiversity. The main launching point (a beach) near the “Centre de découverte et de services” in the Park (main island, Île Sainte-Marguerite) can often be full with anchored motor boats partying on the weekend (less so during the week), but as soon as you are away from all that madness within the small channels (especially near Île Grosbois), you can encounter Virginia deer, marmots, great blue herons, Canada geese, turtles, beavers (or minimally, the beaver’s hut), frogs/toads, fishes and many more. Even a bald eagle if you are lucky! Make sure to plan accordingly if you’re intending on taking the grand tour (combination both marked water trails) to be sure to get back to your launching point before nightfall. The marsh is very narrow and full of aquatic plants, and can be a true labyrinth/maze (real danger to get lost). Be careful to take the right path (look for the marked signs) until you are out and safe back into the main channel.
SUP Explorer Photos from Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
SUP Explorer Tips For Your Visit to Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
- There is an entry fee (SEPAQ; daily and annual passes available) to access the park by car.
- Some people launch from Boucherville municipal wharf (Quai municipal de Boucherville; South shore of Montreal) to avoid the Park fee (and bridge traffic!). Be mindful of current and water traffic (lots of motor boats!) when crossing St. Lawrence River ($ river shuttle also available from Boucherville to Grosbois Island; another launching point).
- You could still technically have access to the toilet & picnic tables at the SEPAQ park, although they could ask to see your entry pass (however, minimal chances of that happening).
- You can combine both trails for a longer adventure: Grand-Héron nautical trail (8km; 3h; intermediate) and Castor nautical trail (4km; 1h30; easy) – plan accordingly for your security.
- You can camp on Île Grosbois (with a fee & reservation).
- Download the map (marked water trails; French only) from the SEPAQ’s website for better planning.
- You can download detailed lists of all the animals you can encounter in this park from their website.
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