Île aux Hérons

Île aux Hérons is a river island in the Hochelaga Archipelago situated where the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers converge. It is one of more than 300 islands and islets that make up this significant waterway landscape.

Protection efforts began in 1978 when the Nature Conservancy of Canada started acquiring islands in this region to safeguard them. This initial conservation work laid the foundation for the ongoing management of the archipelago today.

The island forms part of a network of protected areas that preserve the natural heritage along the Saint Lawrence River for future generations.

The area is managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada across 235 hectares spanning several islands. Access is restricted to protect the ecology, but visitors can experience the waters and landscape from designated viewpoints nearby.

The island and surrounding waters provide habitat for the copper redhorse fish, a species found exclusively in southern Quebec's waterways. This rare fish indicates the biological importance of these islands for the entire region.

Location: Montreal

Part of: Hochelaga Archipelago

GPS coordinates: 45.42310,-73.57920

Latest update: December 21, 2025 16:05