Prepare your visit to île Saint-Bernard
during the summer season
Before planning your summer outing to île Saint-Bernard, take a few moments to review the information below to fully enjoy your visit while respecting this exceptional natural environment.
Access to water
Swimming prohibited
There are no swimming beaches available on île Saint-Bernard.
As a wildlife refuge, the banks of the territory are intended for fauna and flora. Thus, swimming is strictly prohibited from île Saint-Bernard.
To cool off, check out the authorized bathing spots nearby:
> RécréoParc Beach in Sainte-Catherine
> Beach of Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée
> Saint-Zotique Beach
> Village des Écluses Beach at Pointe-des-Cascades
Nautical circuits near île Saint-Bernard
Tour of the island by kayak or paddleboard
> More information on the circuit and the possibilities of circuits surrounding the island.
Nautical stop
You can, however, take a break and take your non-motorized boat out via the dock provided on the island's mound, near the island's entrance bridge, in order to take advantage of the island's services.
The region's official launching docks for light non-motorized boats are:
> Pointe nautique (Parc Joseph-Laberge) – 85, boul. Salaberry Nord
> Parc Marcel-Seers – 25, rue Letendre
> Centre nautique – 540, boul. D’Youville
> Descente Reid – boul. Salaberry Nord, sous le pont de la Sauvagine
> Descente Higgins – boul. Salaberry Nord, au coin de la rue Higgins
Boat launch
Launching watercraft is not permitted on île Saint-Bernard. Docking at the wharf or on the banks is also prohibited.
You have your own canoe or kayak.
If you have your own canoe or kayak, you can access Lake Saint-Louis from the beach at the Châteauguay Nautical Centre and the public docks along the river, including the one at Pointe nautique.
PLEASE NOTE: It is forbidden to enter île Saint-Bernard from the water at all times. The facilities are reserved for visitors to the refuge faunique Marguerite-D'Youville. An access fee is payable at the Pavillon de l'île.
Boat rental
Boats are available for rent at the Nautical Center and the Nautical Point.
Courses and training are also offered.
> The Châteauguay Nautical Center and Nautical Point
> Canoe and kayak rental
> Summer camps and canoe and kayak courses
Transportation and access
to the island
Exo Shuttle
During the summer, take advantage of the free exo shuttle to easily access Saint-Bernard Island from the satellite parking lot located 1 km from the island. A good choice to avoid parking worries!
Served on weekends, holidays and during special events, until October 13, 2025
Alternative parking near the island
Parking
Parking on Île Saint-Bernard is reserved solely for visitors to the services offered on the site and is free at all times:
> Refuge faunique Marguerite-D’Youville
> Café de l’île
> Bistro La Traite
> Manoir D’Youville
> Crèmerie chez Flo
> Centre Multifonctionnel Horizon
> Spectacles au Pavillon de l’île
> Accès au parc du tertre de l’île
Free public parking options alternative nearby:
> Satellite parking — 125 Notre-Dame Street
> Commune Park — 490, D’Youville Blvd.
Bike
It is possible to access the area by bicycle. Héritage Saint-Bernard is part of the Fièrement Vélo program and encourages active mobility to get to île Saint-Bernard: several bicycle racks are available on île Saint-Bernard for visitors, in addition to a self-service repair station at the Pavillon de l'île, as well as repair equipment that allows for minor adjustments to be made if necessary.
Cycling is not permitted on île Saint-Bernard. However, you can walk alongside your bike to access the island's services.
Bicycles are strictly prohibited in the wildlife refuge, even hand-held ones.
Montérégie has more than 1,000 kilometers of cycling network.
> Visit the Tourisme Montérégie website to find out more about cycling tourism in our region.
Access for people with reduced mobility
Île Saint-Bernard is accessible to people with reduced mobility and several facilities are adapted.
Rules
Pets
Pets are not allowed anywhere on the island, including in the wildlife sanctuary. This rule ensures the health and safety of the wildlife that calls this area home.
Only guide dogs and assistance dogs with proof of training from a specialized organization are permitted. Please note that emotional support animals are not allowed on site.
Fires and BBQ
No fires, barbecues, or portable cooking systems are permitted on île Saint Bernard. These restrictions are in place to reduce fire risks and protect sensitive environments.
RVs and trailers
Given the traffic on île Saint-Bernard, recreational vehicles requiring more than one parking space are not permitted.
> Overnight parking is prohibited.
Please respect the instructions: they allow us to coexist in this unique and precious place.
Enjoy your visit!
For any additional questions, write to info2@heritagestbernard.qc.ca
Social networks
Contact us
Île Saint-Bernard
480, boulevard D’Youville
Châteauguay, Québec J6J 5T9
General Information
450 698-3133
info@heritagestbernard.qc.ca
Protection of personal information
Nadine Lelièvre
vieprivee@heritagestbernard.qc.ca
