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The park is located on the the islands of Ile Ste-Helene and Ile Notre-Dame, in the St. Lawrence River, south of the city. Ile Ste-Helene has a long and interesting history, in contrast Ile Notre Dame is a man made island, constructed for the 1967 World's Fair. While it's largely an urban park, parts of the islands are forested, and quiet natural spaces can be found in the surrounding marshes and shorelines. There are a wealth of very diverse and interesting activities available, from the numerous outdoor activities, to the La Ronde Amusement Park, to the Old Fort, to the Casino de Montreal. You'll even find the Circuit de Gilles Villeneuve, home of the F1 Canadian Grande Prix, which takes place each year in June. The park is the setting for two of Montreal's numerous festivals and celebrations, the International Fireworks Competition and the Fete de Neige winter festival. |
The park has lots of hiking paths which criss cross the two islands. Many of these are multi-use and are shared with cyclists. Cycle paths blanket the area and connect into the Montreal and South Shore networks (the South Shore link is closed for the ten days leading up to the Grande Prix, take the ferry directly to Montreal from the South Shore, during this period). You can also bring your bike on the Metro (subway) but restrictions apply (consult our Resources section for the urban transit link). Canoes and kayaks can be rented in the park or you can bring you're own. The park also has a beach where you can stretch out on the sand and just snooze away the afternoon (don't forget the sun block). Finally don't forget your camera, the islands have spectacular views of the Montreal skyline as well as the old port.
To reach the park on inline skates or by bicycle head towards the Cite du Havre (follow the signs) and then Ile Notre Dame from the Lachine Canal bike path. From the Southshore there is a link on the Victoria Bridge. There is also passenger ferry service from the Old Port and the Southshore.
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The best way to reach the park by car is to take the Jacques Cartier Bridge and exit in the center of the bridge (no kidding). By Metro (subway) take the Yellow line from Berri-UQAM or Longueil and exit at the Jean Drapeau Station. Consult the link to Montreal's Urban Transit Authority (STCUM) for detailed information on access to the park by bus and Metro. There is also passenger ferry service from the Old Port and the Southshore. |
Features and Attractions
- Biosphere
- Canadian Grande Prix - North America's only Formula One race
- Casino Montreal - Montreal Casino and Cabaret with truly fine dining
- La Fete des Neiges de Montreal - Winter Festival
- Molson Indy - CART
- Montreal Fireworks Competition - Spectacular International Competition
- Restaurant Helene de Champlain
- La Ronde - Amusement Park
- Stewart Museum and the Old Fort
Other Parks
- Bois-de-l'lle-Bizard - Nature Park
- Bois-de-Liesse - Nature Park
- Cap-St-Jacques - Nature Park
- Ile de Boucherville Park - Provincial Park
- Parc Jean Drapeau - Urban Park
Montreal Transit
STCUM - Montreal's Urban Transit
The Surrounding Regions
Official Site
