Îles-de-Boucherville National Park

Îles-de-Boucherville is a protected reserve made up of five islands in the Saint Lawrence River, featuring channels, wetlands, forests, and interconnected walking trails. The area combines different habitats that support a range of plants and animals adapted to riverside conditions.

Indigenous hunting grounds for over a thousand years, the islands transitioned to French colonial farmland during the 1600s. Eventually they were protected and designated as a natural reserve for conservation and public access.

First Nations peoples used these islands for hunting and gathering for centuries, leaving behind artifacts and sites that visitors can discover today. The landscape itself tells the story of how Indigenous communities lived along the river.

Access requires taking a river shuttle from nearby shore locations, typically available during the warmer months. Visitors need a permit to enter and should prepare for trails that vary in accessibility depending on the season.

An unusual feature is an 18-hole golf course located on one of the islands, making this one of the few protected parks that incorporates golfing alongside conservation. This pairing shows an unconventional approach to how natural areas can be used.