Hiking
25 km of trails are yours to discover. Please make sure to follow instructions, rules and do not use closed trails.
Bird watching
Gault Nature Reserve is recognized as a Migratory Bird Sanctuary since 1960. The Société d’ornithologie de la Vallée du Richelieu (SOVDR) is a partner of Gault Nature Reserve offering activities in the region.
School visits
Make your visit to Gault Nature Reserve memorable by choosing one of our educational activities! To learn more about booking, consult the "Groups" section of this page.
Trails
Hiking trails schedule
| Period | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| November to March During normal eastern time | 8 a.m. | 4 p.m. |
| March to November During daylight saving time | 8 a.m. | 6 p.m. |
| Exception: April 16 to August 31 | 8 a.m. | 7:30 p.m. |
The Welcome Centre is open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. year-round.
Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing
EMERGENCY : 911
McGill Security : 514 398-3000
All Hike Times ratings are approximate.
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Fees
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE ENTRY FEES
ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.
- Any person who enters or engages in an activity at Gault Nature Reserve must have a daily or yearly authorization to enter. Always bring a copy of your tickets as patrollers will be performing checks. There is an exemption for youth aged 17 and under and for a single companion accompanying a person with disabilities.
- Day passes and annual cards cannot be used to skip the queue. Parking spaces are not guaranteed.
- Prices are subject to change without notice.
- Management of the reserves the right to limit, impose a quota on or restrict access to the site without any recourse.
- No refunds or credits will be issued if we are forced to close our facilities due to circumstances beyond our control. The possibility of compensation is left to the discretion of McGill University.
Hiking
| Category | Day Pass - Before taxes | Where to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $ 8.78 | Reservation online required |
| 17 and under | Free | No reservation required |
- All ticket purchases are final. No exchanges, no refunds, no credits. Tickets may not be changed to another date or time slot.
- The day pass is valid exclusively on the date and time selected at time of purchase. The day pass allows you to stay until closing time.
- Access will be denied if the day pass holder does not arrive within the allocated time slot.
- Tickets are available for purchase exclusively online and will not be sold by the gatekeeper or on site.
Annual card
| Category | Annual cost - Before taxes | Where to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $ 79.15 | Online FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBER ONLY |
| Adult - Mont-Saint-Hilaire resident1 | $ 71.23 | Welcome Centre only2 |
| 65 and older | $ 67.66 | Welcome Centre only2 |
| 65 and older & Mont-Saint-Hilaire resident1 | $ 60.90 | Welcome Centre only2 |
| RENEWAL | You will receive a 10% discount if you renew your annual card online before the previous one has expired. | Online. You will receive a renewal link by email approximately one (1) month before your renewal is due. Write us if you did not receive it. |
1. This discount is available thanks to Ville de Mont-Saint-Hilaire.
2. If you must present yourself to the Welcome Centre to buy your annual card, do not forget to reserve a day pass online ahead of time. The day pass will be reimbursed during the purchase of the annual card. The annual card must be purchased on the same day and proof of payment must be shown.
- If you purchased your annual card online, please visit the Welcome Centre with a valid ID to have your picture taken. Proof of payment is required by the gatekeeper.
- To use a discount (for users 65 and older or Mont-Saint-Hilaire residents), please visit the Welcome Centre with a valid ID with your name, address, picture and date of birth.
- The annual card must be presented at the gatehouse each visit. If the cardholder does not have their card with them, they will be charged the daily access fee, which is non-refundable.
- McGill University is not responsible for any lost or stolen cards. To replace a card, the cardholder must visit the Welcome Centre. A fee will be charged for the new card.
- McGill University reserves the right to replace a card that is unreadable or has deteriorated due to normal wear and tear. Fees may apply.
- The annual card remains the property of McGill University.
Annual card benefits:
- No reservation required.
- Early access starting at 7 a.m. from May 1st to Labour Day.
- Access to the cross-country skiing trails at no additional cost.
- 20% discounts on equipment rental and discounts on selected items at the Welcome Centre shop.
Cross-country skiing
| Category | Day Pass - Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Adult | Day pass and an extra fee of $ 5.00 payable by credit or debit at the Welcome Centre. |
| 17 years and under | Free. No reservation required. |
Equipment rental
The equipment rental is located at the Alice Johannsen Welcome Centre. The selection of equipment available is based on weather conditions.
| Equipment for rent | Daily fee - Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Walking sticks | $ 7 |
| Crampons | $ 10 |
| Crampons and walking sticks | $ 12 |
| Adult snowshoes | $ 14 |
| Adult snowshoes and walking sticks | $ 16 |
Groups
Daily quota for groups
| Group type | Number of participants |
|---|---|
| Elementary school / High school | 80 |
| Organized groups and higher education | 80 |
Daily rates
| Number of participants | Elementary school and high school | Higher education (outside of McGill University) | Organized groups (adults) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 to 30 | $ 52.20 | $ 105.36 | $ 175.60 |
| 31 to 40 | $ 80.91 | $ 163.31 | $ 272.18 |
| 41 to 50 | $ 107.01 | $ 215.99 | $ 359.98 |
| 51 to 60 | $ 133.11 | $ 268.67 | $ 447.78 |
| 61 to 70 | $ 159.21 | $ 321.35 | $ 535.58 |
| 71 to 80 | $ 185.31 | $ 374.03 | $ 623.38 |
Important:
1. The prices above only apply to groups (schools, sports or other) accessing Gault by the main entrance at 422 chemin des Moulins by bus.
2. Elementary school and high school groups must comply to a supervising ratio of one adult per 10 students. The group must be subdivided in sub-groups of 10 participants.
3. Price are before taxes.
Reservation
To make a reservation, read the planification guide and fill out the following form at least two (2) weeks before the activity. We will communicate with you by email in 2 business days to confirm your reservation or to propose alternative dates.
- Reservation form for school groups1
- Reservation form for organized adult groups (e.g., walking clubs)
Please note that you need to pay ahead of your visit and show a proof of purchase upon your arrival.
Spring thaw:
1. We do not accept reservations during the spring thaw period (from April 1st to May 6th inclusively) to protect the trails and ecosystems of the Reserve that are fragile at that time.
Rules and trail etiquette
Some activities are incompatible with our goal of protecting the ecological integrity of the Reserve so that it can be appreciated by future generations. The following restrictions therefore apply throughout the Reserve, and to visitors from the University as well as the public.
Plan your visit
| Rules and guidelines | |
|---|---|
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Plan your visit by checking the rules and the code of ethics. You must always carry your day pass or your annual card during your visit. |
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Pets are not allowed. |
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Wear comfortable clothes suited for hiking. Dress in multiple light layers so that you will be comfortable in a wide range of weather conditions. Wear waterproof/breathable lightweight boots or shoes. If recommended, wear crampons. |
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People visit the Reserve to relax, please keep noise to a minimum or wear earphones. |
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Smoke-free environment. |
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You must remain on the hiking trails. |
| Trail etiquette | Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. Please respect one-way travel on the trails. Keep right, pass left. Make your intentions known! Call out when passing. If you want to pass, clearly and politely communicate your plans to other users. |
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Access is only permitted during opening hours. The Reserve is private property; trespassers could face fines. |
Protecting wildlife and flora
| Rules | |
|---|---|
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Leave your garbage or recycling in the containers provided. |
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Do not feed, disturb, trap or hunt animals. |
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Help preserve the flora and reduce your environmental impact: stay on marked trails to keep from trampling the plants. |
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It is forbidden to take plant specimens, minerals or anything else from the Reserve (animals, plants, wood, rocks, etc.) or to introduce species. |
Prohibited activities
| Rules | |
|---|---|
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No climbing, orienteering, horseback riding, hang-gliding or sliding. |
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No swimming, sailing or fishing on Hertel Lake. |
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No operating a drone or other remotely operated device. |
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No bikes, motorcycles, snowmobiles or other vehicles. |
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No BBQs, campfires or camping. |
Guide dogs and service dogs
Guide dogs and service dogs are allowed at the Reserve. The dog must be trained to meet the needs of someone with a physical, cognitive, or visual impairment. Upon arrival to the site, you will need to:
- Show official documentation attesting to the animal's training by a recognized institution
- Dogs must wear their working harness at all time
Emotional support dogs (therapy dogs) are not allowed.
Safety
Your use of the premises and facilities of the Gault Nature Reserve, as well as your participation in the activities taking place there, involve various risks, dangers, and hazards. By entering Gault, you acknowledge that you assume full responsibility for these risks, including personal injury, property loss, or even death, and you agree to exercise caution and good judgment at all times.
Be well Prepared
It is essential to plan your activity carefully according to its duration, your abilities, and weather conditions. You are responsible for your own safety:
- Equip yourself properly: wear weather-appropriate clothing in layers and suitable hiking footwear.
- Bring enough water.
- Stay on marked trails and follow signage.
- Respect your physical limits and the rules in effect.
Hiking and other outdoor activities include, among others, the following risks :
- Rapid weather changes ;
- Exposure to natural elements (sun, wind, rain, snow, ice) ;
- Uneven, slippery, or unstable terrain ;
- Presence of roots, rocks, mud, or other natural obstacles ;
- Elevation changes, cliffs, steep slopes ;
- Falling branches or dead trees ;
- Crossings of creeks or poorly defined wet areas ;
- Reduced visibility or blind spots ;
- Encounters with wild animals (deer, coyotes, insects) ;
- Falls or trips ;
- Fatigue, dehydration, or medical emergencies in remote areas ;
- Risk of getting lost or separated from your group ;
- Accidents during guided tours or educational activities ;
- Reckless behavior or negligence by other visitors.
Rescue in Remote Areas
Rescue operations in such an environment are lengthy, complex, dangerous, and costly. It is therefore essential to minimize your risks and never overestimate your abilities.
