Q&A

How to get to île Saint-Bernard

To get there by car, detailed directions are available here: www.ilesaintbernard.com/contact. To get there by public transit, contact CITSO at 450-698-3030 or rtm.quebec/fr/planifier-trajet/autobus/CITSO>

Do I have to book or buy my ticket in advance to go for a walk at the refuge?

No, we do not have an online ticket office. Access must be purchased on site, at the Pavillon de l'île. Expect possible line-ups on very busy days. As parking is limited, it is possible that it is full on these days. No parking reservations are possible.

What are the times of the year when the wildlife refuge is accessible?

The refuge funique Marguerite-D’Youville is open 365 days/year from sunrise to sunset.

As for the Pavillon de l'île and the Café de l’île, the gateway to the wildlife refuge, it is open from 9 a.m. year-round.Closing time varies depending on the season.

Are there any access fees?

Yes. In order to allow maintenance of the site and its facilities, a price is charged for access to the hiking trails of the wildlife refuge: Wildlife refuge pricing. 
Access fees are applicable during the opening hours of Café de l’îleOutside of these hours, access is permitted free of charge, from sunrise to sunset.

Is there a charge for parking?

Parking on Île Saint-Bernard is free.

What can we do at the wildlife refuge?

La Hiking

 andnature observation sont les activités les plus prisées et pratiquées au refuge faunique. Des quais et autres haltes d’observations sont à la disposition des visiteurs.

On weekends, the hebertism trail and the pirate ship are also very popular. In addition, there is a series of activities for young and old nature lovers! Consult the section activities on our web site.

Are animals allowed on the trails?

No pets are accepted on the whole of île Saint-Bernard (including parking, trails and the island's "mound").

Can we travel the trails by bike?

Bicycles are prohibited on Île Saint-Bernard, including Fatbikes. Cyclists are however always welcome for a stopover or a picnic. Everyone is asked to get off the bike and walk alongside it for better safety on the site.

Is it possible to have a picnic on île Saint-Bernard?

Yes, it is possible to picnic anywhere on île Saint-Bernard. Many areas and tables provided for this purpose are at your disposal. To complete your lunch, the Café de l'île offers snacks and beverages to take away.

> Barbecues are prohibited!

 

Are the trails rugged or easy to walk for an elderly person and young families?

The paths at the refuge faunique Marguerite-D’Youville are flat and easily accessible for hiking. However, the trails are not designed for wheelchairs, nor for umbrella strollers.

Can I access the play modules in the Le Grillon sector at any time?

The play modules may be occupied during your visit to the wildlife refuge.

Please note that groups led by the Héritage Saint-Bernard team have priority for the use of this equipment.

Is swimming allowed?

It is strictly forbidden to swim from île Saint-Bernard.

Can we see animals in the wildlife refuge?

Several animals frequent the refuge, in addition to the many birds which attract a large number of bird watchers. The possibility of seeing an animal is fortuitous, but almost guaranteed, which makes each visit to the refuge unique. 

What winter sports can I practice at the wildlife refuge?

Winter walking and snowshoeing are the two sports practiced in winter at the wildlife refuge.

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Mercredi 26 mars
Fermeture exceptionnelle à 15 h

L'assemblée générale annuelle (AGA) d'Héritage Saint-Bernard aura lieu à 16 h, au centre écologique Fernand-Seguin.

Afin que tous nos employés puissent y participer, le Café et le Pavillon de l’île fermeront exceptionnellement à 15 h.

Merci de votre compréhension