Pointe Fortune

The Village of Pointe Fortune is located just to the northwest of Montreal. Take the opportunity to visit for a few hours or a few days. The village and surroundings have much to offer with many attractions and nature areas to explore. You will also find all the amenities to make your visit a memorable one.

Pointe Fortune is a town with an intriguing history. From the fur trade and the Voyageurs to African diamond mines, this small town has had some interesting moments.

It's located in a beautiful natural setting, not far from Montreal but still unspoiled by extensive development. Enjoy a village with a slower pace, a town where the living is easy and quality of life takes precedence over all else.

  
 
Plan an easy hike along the areas birding and nature trail, located off Interprovincial Road (not recommended in the fall hunting season) or perhaps a paddle along the Ottawa River in a kayak or canoe. Canoe rentals are available, in season, in Voyageur Provincial Park and kayaks can be rented from Bar Zool. If you have your own you can launch from the western edge of the dam) or beside the Pointe Fortune Marina. For picnics there is a nice green space with several willows for shade beside the dam.  
 
The L'Escapade is a trail network that winds its way over Rigaud Mountain, a short distance from Pointe Fortune. It is open to hikers as well as horses and provides some excellent cross country skiing in the winter. For the horse crowd, there is a staging area at the foot of the mountain for tacking up. There are also a number of stables in the area, if you are interested in riding in a more controlled atmosphere.
 
Macdonell-Williamson House
  History buffs will have the opportunity to explore the regions strong links to Canada's past. Pointe Fortune marked the boundary between Upper and Lower Canada. Just inside the historical boundary marker (which still stands to this day) in what was Upper Canada, you'll find the Macdonell-Williamson House which owes its existence to the fur trade and the legendary Voyageurs.  
 

A short ferry ride (go on foot and save a few dollars) brings you across the river to Carillon where you can explore two National Historic Sites, the Carillon Barracks and the Carillon Canal.

Gastronomes won't be disappointed with the areas offerings, particularly since Bar Zool, one of the areas notable restaurants, showcases the regions specialties. In addition, the Restaurant du Quai located in the village just beside the ferry to Carillon (seasonal), celebrates the owners heritage with offerings of German specialties. In the surrounding region you'll find other fine restaurants For those who are looking for something truly different, take the opportunity to visit a Buffalo or Wild Boar farm (see contact information below) just outside the village and take home some of the regions unique offerings.

 
In the winter the birding trail accommodates XC skiers as does Voyageur Provincial Park and of course there are the excellent trails on the Mountain at Mont Rigaud. Another popular option is snowshoeing which you can do almost anywhere as long as you stay off the tracks of the skiing trails. Mont Rigaud also has downhill runs for boarders and skiers. You can even consider doing some winter camping in the area, if you have the equipment and the inclination.  
 

Pointe Fortune celebrated it's centenary in 2004

 

Getting There

Located a short drive from Montreal's West Island, Pointe Fortune is just off the Trans Canada Highway in the Monteregie Region. The village is situated along the Ottawa River just to the west of highway 40, the road to Ottawa.

From Montreal take highway 40 west then head north towards Ottawa at the split just west of the island in Vaudreuil. Take exit 1 (the last exit in Quebec) and turn left at the stop sign then turn right at the T intersection at Interprovincial Road which will bring you into the village. From Ottawa take the 417 south towards Montreal and take the first exit in Quebec, exit 1. Cross back over the highway and follow Interprovincial road into town. Region Map - Rigaud/Pointe Fortune Map

Attractions and Sites of interest in the region

  • Alfred Bog - Wet land preservation, Alfred, Ontario
  • Bar Zool - Excellent dining at reasonable prices in the Village of Pointe Fortune. Make a point of trying their Fleur du Onion! Reservations are a must Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. They also have an excellent brunch on Sunday.
  • Cafe du Quai - German specialties, great breakfast and much more - (450) 451-5942
  • Carillon Barracks (Argenteuil Regional Museum) - National Historic Site, Carillon, Quebec
  • Carillon Canal - National Historic Site, Carillon, Quebec
  • Club de Golf Vaudreuil
  • Club de Golf St-André - Across the river
  • Circuit patrimonial de Rigaud
  • Gallery d'Art "Rita Iriarte" - Exposition of area artists. Call first - (450) 451-6329
  • Ranch Les Beaux Bisons - The nearby bison farm allows for group tours if you arrange them in advance.
  • Ferme Sanglier Rodeur - Inquire about group tours - (450) 451-5374
  • L'Escapade - Sentiers du Mont Rigaud - An extensive trail system on Rigaud Mountain for horseback riding, hiking, snow shoeing and cross country skiing.
  • Macdonell-Williamson House - Built circa 1817 for John Macdonell, a partner in the Northwest Company, the house is open for tours during the weekends in August each year.
  • Marina Bois Dansant - Pointe Fortune area Marina, Restaurant and Bar
  • Marina Pointe Fortune - Small Boat Rentals - (450) 451-6665
  • Musee regional de Vaudreuil-Soulanges - 20 minutes from Pointe Fortune
  • National Historic Sites - Carillion Barracks and Carillion Canal directly across the river accessible by ferry
  • Le Nichoir - Bird Rehabilitation Centre, Hudson
  • Peppermaster - Hot sauces, salsas and specialty items.
  • Sentier du Ruissea Charette et de la Baie Bazeau - Novice, 2.4km - A short birding and nature trail which takes you into an observation tower overlooking a wetland. There are rest stops and interpetation plaques along the way. The new centre is opening June 24th, 2004 (open Thursdays-Sundays during the Summer months) just in time to celebrates the towns centenary. The trail is accessible from Interprovincial Road on the edge of Pointe Fortune. Tours for groups can be arranged. (450) - 451-4649, Pointe Fortune
  • Ski Mont Rigaud - Local Ski Hill, Rigaud, Quebec
  • Tour de Grand Montreal - World Cup Cycling, June 1, 2004, Rigaud
  • Voyageur Provincial Park (Ontario) - A beautiful natural area with sandy beaches, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and hiking trails. It's very popular with campers in season. It's just a few kilometers from Pointe Fortune.

Regional Events

Maps

Accommodations

  • Sleepy Hollow - B&B, Rigaud, Suroit, Monteregie, Quebec
  • Chateau Vaudreuil - On the water, about 20 minutes from Point Fortune
  • Motel l'Heritage - Best Western Motel, Hawkesbury - 20km from Pointe Fortune
  • Riversmead Bed & Breakfast - B&B, (450) 458-5053, Hudson, Suroit, Monteregie, Quebec
  • Hotel Vinty - Hotel, Rigaud, (450) 451-4726
  • Camping Trans Canada - Private Campground, 5km from Pointe Fortune
  • Voyageur Provincial Park (Ontario) - Camping, 5km from Pointe Fortune
  • Willow Place Inn (The Willows) - Restaurant, Pub and Inn, Hudson, Suroit, Monteregie, Quebec

Restaurants

  • Bar Zool - Excellent dining at reasonable prices in the Village of Point Fortune
  • Cafe du Quai - Casual cuisine, great breakfast, try their club sandwich, located in the Village of Pointe Fortune - (450) 451-5942. Closed in the winter.
  • Auberge Des Gallant - French Restaurant, Ste Marthe (Rigaud Mountain), Suroit, Monteregie, Quebec
  • Deja Vue Cafe, Bar & Grill - Hawkesbury
  • Maya's Place Café Internet - Vankleek Hill
  • Pierre de Rigaud - French Restaurant, Rigaud, Suroit, Monteregie, Quebec
  • Sucrerie de la Montagne- Cabane a Sucre, Rigaud (Rigaud Mountain), Suroit, Quebec
  • Willow Place Inn (The Willows) - Restaurant, Pub and Inn, Hudson, Suroit, Monteregie, Quebec

    If you prefer a picnic, you can find some nice green space, with large shade trees on either side of the river, just beside the dam. Or better still pick a wood fired pizza to go from Bar Zool, then head out for your picnic.

Outdoor Equipment Retailers

Weather

Rigaud

Transportation

Road Reports

Quebec

Ferry

Pointe Fortune/Carillon - Crosses the Ottawa River to the lower Laurentians, a pleasant ride which will allow you to explore historic Carillon opposite to Pointe Fortune. There are two National Historic Sites in the town, as well as a monument to Dollard des Ormeaux. There is also a large green space (fee) which is perfect for a family picnic on a summers day.
(450) 537-3412

Voyageur Provincial Park

A popular camping and recreational park on the Quebec/Ontario border between Montreal and Ottawa along the banks of the Ottawa River. The park has 500 sites for family camping, beaches, hiking trails and canoe rentals.

Other area links
 
 
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