PARC NATIONAL DU MONT-SAINT-BRUNO DISCOVERY GUIDE 2018
WELCOME TO THE PARK A mountain and its lakes, trails, orchard and historic mill... all this natural and cultural wealth a few minutes away from Montreal. The Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno is the most extensively visited park in the Sépaq network, attracting close to 900,000 nature lovers every year. Surrounded by four municipalities located near Montreal, the park provides a veritable forest islet in the heart of an urban and agricultural area. A highly representative element of the natural region comprising the Monteregian Hills, the park encompasses, among other things, five lakes, an orchard, a historic mill, and dozens of kilometres in trails. Find out mor at sepaq.com/montsaintbruno Follow us on Facebook The pileated woodpecker THE PILEATED WOODPECKER, THE PARK S ANIMAL EMBLEM Champion percussionist of our forests, the pileated woodpecker rapidly hammers beak blows on tree barks to proclaim its territory. It nests in a generally rectangular or oval cavity which it digs into a stub or snag or a living tree. Several species, including the Eastern screech owl and the Northern sawwhet owl, use these cavities produced by the pileated woodpecker. ANNUAL QUÉBEC NATIONAL PARKS CARD Québec s national parks offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Explore this exceptional world of nature with the Annual Québec National Parks Card, featuring: Unlimited access to ALL national parks for 12 full months Many exclusive benefits, including a free night of camping Details at sepaq.com/parkscard 2
MUST-DOS WATERCRAFT RENTAL AT THE LAC DES BOULEAUX A one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the lake in a canoe or on a stand-up paddle board (SUP). A ORCHARD Starting in August, the park s orchard offers several varieties of succulent, crunchy apples you can pick yourself! A unique opportunity to enjoy hiking on our trails surrounded by Mother Nature s fall colours. B THE OLD MILL TEA ROOM Located in the heart of the park and proud with its more than 300- year history, the tea room at the Old Mill (Vieux Moulin) invites you to experience a speciality coffee or tea, Viennese pastry, smoothie, gelato, macaroon and fine chocolate tasting adventure in a warm, congenial atmosphere. C SNOW SLIDE A slope dedicated to snow sliding has been set up and is now open close to the Memorial, a few minutes walk away from the Discovery and Services Centre. D CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING A cross-country skiing network comprising 35 km of mechanically groomed trails (27 km for alternating step and 8 km for skating step) welcomes you to get away from it all for hours at a time. Trails set off from the Discovery and Services Centre. E THE SEIGNEURIAL TRAIL ON A FATBIKE Large-tire bicycles, also known as fatbikes, provide traction ideal for snow-covered surfaces. Rent them and try them out on our trails! Available at the Discovery and Services Centre all year long. F 3
To Sainte-Julie Entrée du centre de ski alpin Carr 30 Rang des Vingt-Cinq Est Le Grand-Duc (3,5 km) Cent To Saint-Brunode-Montarville Park entrance Le Petit-Duc (1,5 km) Les Lac P3 La Pommeraie Étang Étang aux de la Hérons Roche Atelier P2 P1 E D La Grotte Le Mo B Le Mémorial Rue Kéroack Le Saint-Gabriel Arboretum Gabriélis Cette carte intègre de l information géographique de source gouvernementale. Pour des besoins de représentation, certaines données ont subi des transformations et des adaptations qui ont pu modifier la donnée originale. Données originales utilisées Années Banque de données Sépaq 2018 Cartes topographiques à l'échelle de 1/20 000 1999 à 2005 Source des données utilisées Ministère de l Énergie et des Ressources naturelles Gouvernement du Québec 0 200 400 600 800 m Boulevard Clairevue Est Boulevard de B Chemin De La R abastalière Es 4
t Lac des Outardes Sainte-Julie Registration centre / Information Playground Observation deck / Observation site Washroom facility Self registration post Cemetery Road network Trail Service road (Authorized bike) National park boundary Parking lot Boat rental Private property ière Picnic Jean-Guy Gaudette rest stops Food services Conservation zone Extreme conservation zone Le Vieux-Moulin tea room Telephone Orchard A re de ski alpin Lac des Bouleaux Les Lacs s Le Seigneurial Lac à la Tortue Le Montérégien ntérégien Maison Murray Les Lacs Lac Seigneurial Salon de thé Le Vieux-Moulin Le Pont des 3 Arches C Lac du Moulin Terrasse Pease F Le Seigneurial Les Lacs Le Montérégien Lac des Atocas Étang aux Quenouilles Rue François-P.-Bruneau Rue des Roitelets oucherville Rue du Moulin Ruisseau du Moulin Rue Tailhandier Le Montérégien Chemin des Hirondelles Rang des Vingt To Saint-Basilele-Grand 5
DISCOVER OUR TRAILS TRAIL Saint-Gabriel This trail is where the Brothers of Saint-Gabriel left a deep, durable mark. As you hike along, let the orchard, arboretum and grotto win you over Download the Park Path Explorer application or borrow a free ipod at the Discovery and Services Centre. Seigneurial Take advantage of this trail running alongside the lac Seigneurial to learn more about the Montarville seigniory s history and vacationing at Mont-Saint-Bruno. Download the Park Path Explorer application or borrow a free ipod at the Discovery and Services Centre. LENGTH AND DURATION* 1.8 km loop 7 km loop 45 min. LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY E 1 h 30 E DEPARTURE Les Lacs As its name suggests, this pedestrian parkway lets you discover the park s aquatic and wetland ecosystems, all extremely rich and colorful environments. Montérégien Located in the middle of the forest, this trail is perfect for savouring the moment and bathing in this unique atmosphere that only the forest can offer: fragrances rich in underbrush, a sound environment that is cozy and calm, but also churning with life. 8.8 km loop 8.8 km loop 2 h E 2 h I Discovery and Services Centre Petit-Duc Along this trail, hikers pass between two ponds and can make eye-opening observations despite the area s visitor traffic. It is commonplace to surprise a muskrat, a great heron on watch, or a green frog giving a concert. 1.5 km loop 20 min. E Grand-Duc This pedestrian beltway goes through several different environments, such as shrubby wildland, a sugar maple-hickory stand, an intolerant hardwood woodland (birches and poplars), and a field. 3.5 km round trip 1 h E *Durations and difficulty levels are mentioned as guides, and apply to the summer season. E: Easy I: Intermediate D: Difficult Hiking Biking Family Experience Park Path Explorer Brochure / Panels FAMILY FUN IS HERE! Photo : Mathieu Dupuis HERE ARE A FEW EXTRAS WE HAVE IN PLACE FOR YOU TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE AND TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY. For your children 17 years of age and under FREE ACCESS to national parks EQUIPMENT LOAN* for the outdoors ACTIVITIES varied and rewarding ACCESSORIES* on loan for young children *Limited quantities available Look out for this marker which identifies the ideal family experiences. Discover all our family destinations at sepaq.com/family OUR TOP PICKS AT PARC NATIONAL DU MONT-SAINT-BRUNO Take a look at our not-to-be-missed offers: popular activities, trails to discover with your family, and cosy spots for a stay. Pick-your-own apples The Petit-Duc hiking trail The snow slide on a tube Family matinées Playground Family picnic 6
THE LARGEST NATURE AND OUTDOOR NETWORK IN QUÉBEC The exceptional territories of Sépaq, including 24 national parks, are privileged destinations where you can enjoy all the benefits of an intimate contact with nature. Here s a special invitation from us to you: come relax at the heart of an authentic natural world that s the pride and joy of Quebecers! 24 NATIONAL PARKS 14 WILDLIFE RESERVES 8 TOURIST ESTABLISHMENTS SÉPAQ ANTICOSTI Discover all our destinations at sepaq.com Sept-Îles Natashquan Chibougamau Port-Menier AIGUEBELLE Rouyn-Noranda Val-d Or OPÉMICAN La Tuque QUÉBEC POINTE-TAILLON MONTS-VALIN Saguenay Rivièredu-Loup HAUTES-GORGES-DE- LA-RIVIÈRE-MALBAIE GRANDS-JARDINS FJORD-DU- SAGUENAY Rimouski PARC MARIN DU SAGUENAY Tadoussac SAINT-LAURENT BIC LAC-TÉMISCOUATA Matane St.Lawrence River GASPÉSIE MIGUASHA Gaspé Percé ANTICOSTI ÎLE-BONAVENTURE- ET-DU-ROCHER-PERCÉ Gulf of St.Lawrence Mont-Laurier JACQUES-CARTIER Québec PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND ONTARIO Ottawa PLAISANCE MONT-TREMBLANT Mont-Tremblant OKA Montréal ÎLES-DE- BOUCHERVILLE MONT- SAINT- BRUNO YAMASKA Trois- Rivières Sherbrooke MONT-ORFORD FRONTENAC MONT-MÉGANTIC UNITED STATES NEW BRUNSWICK NOVA SCOTIA QUÉBEC NATIONAL PARKS DAY September 8, 2018 SÉPAQ WINTER DAY January 26, 2019 BOUTIQUES Don t forget to visit our boutiques for a souvenir! Profits are fully reinvested in Québec s national parks 7
SCHEDULE + OPENING AND AVAILABILITY HOURS SERVICE OPENING OR AVAILABILITY DATES TIMETABLE DAYS April 1 st June 22 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 7 days/week Discovery and Services Centre (Reception and Nature Boutique) June 23 September 3 September 4 October 28 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekends + statutory holidays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekdays 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Weekends October 29 December 16 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days/week December 17 March 31 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days/week Orchard End of August to mid-october Check with the Discovery and Services Centre April 1 st June 22 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends + statutory holidays Old Mill Tea Room June 23 September 3 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Weekends + statutory holidays September 4 March 31 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends + statutory holidays Snack Bar* December 15 March 10 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends, festive holidays and March break Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing* December 1 st March 31 (According to the snow conditions) Check with the Discovery and Services Centre RENTAL** Watercraft June 21 September 3 September 4 October 8 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday to Sunday Weekends + statutory holidays Fatbike Year round 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 days/week Cross-Country ski and Snowshoe December 15 March 31 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check with the Discovery and Services Centre * Depending on customer traffic and snow conditions. ** All rented equipment must be returned before closing time. Opening and availability days and hours are subject to changes based on customer traffic and weather conditions. To find out about changes to opening and availability days and hours, visit the park s Web page any time. Prices, terms and conditions, and services are subject to change without prior notice. THEMATIC WEEKEND ON RAPTORS In September, raptors (birds of prey) take the limelight at the park. Kiosks, meetings and observation site will please the whole family! When: September 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 Where : Old apple orchard 8
DISCOVERY TIME CHOUETTES ET HIBOUX, HOOOOÙ ÊTES-VOUS? Accompany our park wardens as part of a night-time inventory of owls in the park, and discover these fascinating birds specific adaptations. Who knows, you could have the chance to observe them in flight or perched on a branch! When: May 5, 11 and 12 Where: Discovery and Services Centre. Reservation compulsory. Did you know our park is a preferred haven for the barred owl? FAMILY MATINÉE On the first Sunday of every month from May to October, come and take part in our family matinées! Over the seasons, do-it-yourself workshops, interactive games and exciting discoveries will help you break through the thousand and one secrets of Mother Nature! ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THOSE FASCINATING BATS! Do bats intrigue you? Come over and find out more about these little flying creatures as part of a mini-talk session and motor vehicle ride in the heart of the park! Discover the sound of their echo thanks to a detector specific to the waves they transmit! STARS FOR A NIGHT How about a thematic evening around the stars? Near the Old Mill Tea Room, in an enchanting décor, come observe the stars and learn more on this mysterious world of the night! For the occasion, the Old Mill Tea Room will be open. Bring your comforters and quilts, and settle comfortably in our natural amphitheatre! When: From May to October Where: Discovery and Services Centre. Reservation compulsory. When: June 16 Where: Discovery and Services Centre. Reservation compulsory. When: July 7-14 Where: Discovery and Services Centre. Reservation compulsory. 9
CONSERVE FOR TOMORROW UNDERWATER SURVEY In July, 2017, in collaboration with the ministère de la Forêt, de la Faune et des Parcs, we took a physical inventory of fish in the park s water bodies. This was the fourth such fish inventory draw-up session we have performed since 1979. In all, we inventoried 16 different fish species, including the pumpkinseed sunfish, the golden shiner, the American perch, as well as the largemouth and smallmouth bass. In all, we inventoried 16 different fish species. VIRGINIA DEER OVERPOPULATION As a result of our last Virginia deer stocktaking operation, we determined that the deer s population density in the park was 16 deer/km 2 just plain enormous! According to scientific literature, it is desirable to maintain a deer population density of 5 deer/km 2 in order to preserve a balance in the ecosystem. This overpopulation of the Virginia deer causes major impacts on vegetation in the park. A study carried out in 2013-2014 in the park, in collaboration with the Institut de recherche en biologie végétale (Plant Biology Research Institute), showed how the Virginia deer s excessive nibbling has led to the decline in white trillium populations, and has also affected several other plant species. Did you know that the last physical inventory operation in 2018 estimated the deer population in the park at 148 individuals? HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST TICKS For the past several years, in collaboration with various partners, the park has participated in tracking ticks. Certain tick species carry a bacterion that itself carries Lyme s disease. Preventive and precautionary measures against tick bites consist in walking on the planned, marked trails, wearing long-sleeve clothing, using a DEET-based insecticide, and inspecting one s own body at the end of the day. LAKES UNDER OBSERVATION The quality of water in lac Seigneurial and lac du Moulin is one of the conservation issues and challenges identified in the park. Last year, we performed a lead characterization of these two lakes in collaboration with the COVABAR organization in order to better understand the water system and collect physico-chemical data. Our study of these lakes will continue in 2018. 10
PLAY IT SAFE Photo : Steve Deschênes, Parc national des Grands-Jardins Sépaq s mission is to ensure the widest possible access to Québec s most beautiful natural treasures. Sépaq is committed to the safety of its visitors and urges you to play it safe! Preparing yourself adequately is the first step in the safe and enjoyable practice of your favourite activities. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY and risk management is an integral part of your experience. Before leaving for an excursion, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED to practice your chosen activity AND RESPECT YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS. Your outing should leave you with nothing but pleasant memories. There are a number of organizations that can help you plan your activities safely. Do not hesitate to contact them. We also invite you to consult our safety guides for Sépaq activities on our website at REMINDERS During your visit to a national park, you must always carry your entry fee receipt or your annual entry card. To preserve our natural riches, you are not allowed to remove any natural elements (animals, plants, dead wood, rocks, etc.). Please also keep to established hiking trails to avoid trampling flora. sepaq.com/security CHECKLIST Animals find all they need to eat in nature. Feeding wildlife can be very damaging. Keep food or garbage out of reach of animals. BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME Plan on going with at least one other person. Check the weather report. Pack water and food, even if the activity is only for a few hours. See that you have appropriate clothing and footwear for anticipated weather conditions. Let somebody know the exact location of your destination and the time you plan to return home ONCE YOU ARE ON SITE Do not rely on your cellphone. Check how much time it will take to complete your activity. Obey signs and notices, including bans on open fires. WHEN YOU GET BACK Once you have completed your activity, make sure that you report to our staff anything wrong or any damage or problems you encountered. We ask you to carry out all your garbage. Domestic animals are not accepted in Québec s national parks. However, guide dogs and service dogs are admitted. PILOT PROJECT AUTHORIZING DOGS A pilot project is in place authorizing the presence of dogs in FRONTENAC, JACQUES-CARTIER and OKA national parks. As of May 18, 2018, the project will be expanded to include AIGUEBELLE and LAC-TÉMISCOUATA national parks. Please read the applicable rules and authorized places at sepaq.com/animals. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY : 911 SÛRETÉ DU QUÉBEC : 310-4141 (general number) / * 4141 (for cellphones) *Where cellphone networks are available. The costs and expenses incurred in conducting search and rescue operations are the responsibility of the beneficiary. You can obtain protection against these risks from an insurer. Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno 55, île Sainte-Marguerite, C.P. 310 Boucherville (Québec) J4B 5J6 Informations : 450 653-7544 Reservation : 1 800 665-6527 parc.st-bruno@sepaq.com sepaq.com/montsaintbruno Legal Deposit: 2018 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec Photos : Mathieu Dupuis, Alain Mochon, Steve Deschênes, Audrey Vivier, Francis Gignac, Louise Cadieux, Valérie Patenaude, Daniel Savard, Steve Gignac, Jacques Tremblant, Brendan Lally, Shutterstock.
GET READY FOR THE TRAILS One step at a time BRENTA 40 The Brenta 40 is a sporty hiking backpack with comprehensive features that make pilgrimages and hut tours possible as well. The Aeroflex suspension system allows cool air to circulate at your back; the straps and hip wings offer a very good microclimate thanks to perforated foam. DURAND MID WP Amazing comfort and unsurpassed durability from the first step to the millionth! Feet stay dry and comfortable thanks to the KEEN.Dry waterproof, breathable membrane. The KEEN Durand Mid men s hiking boot is crafted with a polyurethane midsole. This men s waterproof hiker is built in Portland, Oregon. sail.ca BELOEIL BROSSARD LAVAL QUEBEC VAUDREUIL-DORION BURLINGTON CAMBRIDGE ETOBICOKE OSHAWA OTTAWA VAUGHAN