We are open every day of the year
Hiking trails schedule
| Period | Opening hour | Closing hour |
|---|---|---|
| November to March During normal eastern time | 8 a.m. | 4 p.m. |
| April to November During eastern daylight saving time | 8 a.m. | 6 p.m. |
| Exception: April 16 to August 31 | 8 a.m. | 7:30 p.m. |
Welcome Center schedule
All year: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Questions or comments?
Keep up with the news of the Reserve:
Activities
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.
Self-guided tour of the Reserve
For the young and young at heart, this approximately 90-min self-guided hike will invite you to look closer at the nature that surrounds you. Open the Pocket Naturalist to start exploring.
Trails
Hiking and Cross-Country Skiing
EMERGENCY : 911
McGill Security : 514 398-3000
All Hike Times ratings are approximate.
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Fees
Day Pass
| Day Pass - Taxes incl. | Reservation | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $ 9 | Required. Online Store |
| 17 and under | Free | No reservation required |
Terms and conditions of the entry fees
Cross-country skiing
| Day Pass - Taxes incl | |
|---|---|
| Adult | Day pass and an Extra fee of $ 5 payable by credit/debit at the Welcome Centre. |
| 17 years and under | Free. No reservation required. |
Annual card
| Membership level | Annual cost - taxes incl. | Where to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $ 85 | FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBER ONLY Online |
| Adult, Mont-Saint-Hilaire resident | $ 77 | Only at the Welcome Centre. Advanced reservation is required. |
| 65 and older | $ 72 | Only at the Welcome Centre. Advanced reservation is required. |
| 65 and older & Mont-Saint-Hilaire resident | $ 65 | Only at the Welcome Centre. Advanced reservation is required. |
| 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 approximately 1 month before your renewal is due. Not received ? Write us. |
Annual card benefits
- No reservation required.
- From May 1 to Labour Day, annual cardholders have exclusive access to the Reserve starting at 7 a.m.
- The day pass will be refunded if you buy an annual pass on the same day. Proof of payment is required.
- Access to the cross-country skiing network at no additional cost.
- Discounts on equipment rental and on selected items at the Welcome Centre.
- Terms and conditions of the entry fees
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.
COVID-19
Stay safe when visiting
| Preventive measures | |
|---|---|
| Mask and physical distancing | Wear a mask where recommended in: buildings, queues. |
| Rental | Equipment, meeting rooms and lodging rental is suspended. |
| Washrooms | Opened at the Welcome Centre and the Cottage. |
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 | McGill University | Higher education | Organized groups (adults) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 to 30 | $55 | $90 | $108 | $180 |
| 31 to 40 | $85 | $140 | $167 | $279 |
| 41 to 50 | $113 | $185 | $221 | $369 |
| 51 to 60 | $140 | $230 | $275 | $459 |
| 61 to 70 | $168 | $275 | $329 | $549 |
| 71 to 80 | $195 | $320 | $383 | $639 |
Important:
1. The prices above only apply to groups (schools, sports or other) accessing the Reserve 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 includes 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 groups
- Reservation form for groups of adults (fitness, walking clubs, etc.)
Please note that you need to pay ahead of your visit and show a proof of purchase upon your arrival.
