Schedule
The Mont-Saint-Hilaire Nature Centre, a non-profit organization founded by McGill University, ensures public access to the mountain 365 days a year.
| Trails | Opening | Closure |
|---|---|---|
| November 1st to March 15th (or at the change of time) | 8 h | 16 h |
| March 16th (day after change of time) to April 15th | 8 h | 18 h |
| April 16th to August 31st | 8 h | 19 h 30 |
| September 1st to October 31st | 8 h | 18 h |
Visitors should leave 30 minutes after closing time at the latest
| Alice Johannsen visitors pavilion | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| November 1st to April 15th | 8 h | 16 h |
| April 16th to October 31st | 8 h | 17 h |
Restrooms are open at any time
Hiking
25 km of trails is yours to discover. Please make sure to follow instructions, rules and do not use closed trails.
Bird watching
The Société d’ornithologie de la Vallée du Richelieu (SOVDR) is a partner of Gault Nature Reserve
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing
Snowshoeing is allowed only on designated trails. During the winter, snowshoers and hikers use the same trails. Off-trails is not permited at all time. Hikers, do not walk on the ski trails. Skiing is not allowed outside the official ski network.
Trails Map
Our staff at the Visitors Pavilion may suggest a hike best suited for your needs.
EMERGENCY
For any emergency or rescue, please dial 911 or McGill security: 514-398-3000. Our staff is trained to respond to emergencies on trails. WINTER MAP (CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING), click HERE
Hiking
The Gault Nature Reserve trails are open 365 days a year, during opening hours.
A more detailed map can be printed below
* one way, from the Visitors Pavilion
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Rates
Daily fees (taxes inc.)
| Categories | Fees |
|---|---|
| Child 0 to 17 | Free |
| Adult 18 et + | 8.00$ |
| Adult daily access+crosscountry skiing | 13.00$ |
Annual card fees (taxes inc.)
| ANNUAL CARD | REGULAR RATE | CITOYEN* RATE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 79$ | 71$ |
| Seniors (65+) | 67$ | 60$ |
*”Carte citoyen” category : Through an agreement with the City of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, the holders of Carte citoyen (Citizen Card) of Mont-Saint-Hilaire, will receive a 10% discount when showing their Carte citoyen. That discount is offered only in person at reception.
Annual card discounts
| Annual card discounts | 15% |
|---|---|
| Multiple purchase discount | People making a multiple purchase receive a 15% discount when registration and payment are done at the same time and in a single transaction, for a maximum of 4 people. |
| McGill discount | McGill University students and employees are eligible for a 15% discount when showing their valid university ID card. |
Privileges and full conditions of the annual card can be found HERE
You must go to the Visitors pavilion to buy an annual card.
Equipment rental fees
Please have an ID card to for rental. Subject to weather conditons
| Equipment for rent | Fee | Annual card fee |
|---|---|---|
| Walking poles | 6$ | Free on week days |
| Spikes | 10$ | 8$ |
| Spikes and poles | 12$ | 9.60$ |
| Snowshoes – Adult | 15$ | 12$ |
| Snowshoes and poles | 17$ | 13.60$ |
Admission for groups
Reservation are required for 20+ groups, at least one week prior the event.
Please use the form or phone at 450-467-4010.
Read the group reservation rules
Admission for University classes
University classes can arrange to visit the Gault Nature Reserve at no charge. However, it is important that you contact us in advance regarding your visit and teaching activities in order to get free admission. Only groups arriving by bus will be given free admission. Reservations must be made, at least one week in advance by email or by phone.
Rules
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 general public. Special permissions are approved by the Reserve direction only. Visitors shall NOT:
- Feed, disturb, trap or hunt animals
- Collect plants or minerals
- Release any animals or introduce any plants
- Camp or build campfires
- Open any new trails or make shortcuts along existing trails
- Operate snowmobiles or other vehicles
- Operate motorcycles or bicycles
- Ride horses
- Walk dogs or other animals, with the exception of guide dogs
- Swim, wade, boat or fish on Lac Hertel
- Hang glide, climbing or orienteering activities
- Play ball
- Skiing offtrails
- Hiking after closing time
- Smoking
- Listening to music without headphones
- Operate a drone
Quality survey :activities and trails
For any comments or suggestions related to outdoor activities, you can fill this survey.
