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
Il n’y a aucune plage destinée à la baignade sur l’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
ATTENTION : Pour préserver la faune et la flore des milieux riverains, merci de rester à distance des berges. Plus d’information sur la protection des berges ICI.
> More information on the circuit and the possibilities of circuits surrounding the island.
Boat launch
La mise à l’eau d’embarcation nautiques n’est pas permise depuis l’île Saint-Bernard. L’accostage sur les berges est également proscrit.
Si vous possédez votre propre canot ou kayak, vous pouvez accéder au lac Saint-Louis à partir de la plage du Centre nautique de Châteauguay et des quais publics le long de la rivière Châteauguay, dont celui de la Pointe nautique (parc Joseph-Laberge) ou du parc de la Commune (490, boul. D’Youville).
Les quais de mise à l’eau officiels de la région pour les embarcations légères non motorisées sont :
Parc de la Commune – 490, boul. D’Youville
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
Nautical stop
Vous pouvez toutefois faire une pause et sortir votre embarcation non motorisée par le quai mis à votre disposition sur le tertre de l’île, près du pont d’entrée de l’île afin de profiter des services sur place.
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
Durant la période estivale, profitez de la navette gratuite exo pour accéder facilement à l’île Saint-Bernard depuis le stationnement satellite situé à 1 km de l’île. Un bon choix pour éviter les soucis de stationnement!
En fonction les fins de semaine, jours fériés et lors d’événements spéciaux, jusqu’au 12 octobre 2026.
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
