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.
| Periods | Trail access | Visitors Pavilion |
|---|---|---|
| January 1st to February 28th | 8h00-16h00 | 8h15-16h15 |
| March 1st to 2nd Saturday of March* | 8h00-16h30 | 8h15-16h15 |
| 2nd Saturday of March to March 31st * | 8h00-18h00 | 8h15-17h00 |
| April 1st to 14th | 8h00-18h30 | 9h00-17h00 |
| April 15th to May 14th | 8h00-19h00 | 9h00-17h00 |
| May 15th to June 14th | 8h00-19h30 | 9h00-17h00 |
| June 15th to July 31st | 8h00-20h00 | 9h00-17h00 |
| August 1st to 31st | 8h00-19h30 | 9h00-17h00 |
| September 1st to 14th | 8h00-18h30 | 9h00-17h00 |
| September 15th to October 14th | 8h00-18h00 | 9h00-17h00 |
| October 15th to 1st Saturday of Nov.* * | 8h00-17h00 | 9h00-17h00 |
| November 1st Sunday to Nov. 30th ** | 8h00-16h00 | 9h00-16h15 |
| December 1st to 31st | 8h00-16h00 | 8h15-17h00 |
*Advanced Eastern Time
**Eastern 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
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.
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.
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.)
| Child 0 to 5 years | Free |
|---|---|
| Child 6 to 17 years | 2.00$ |
| Adult 18 and + | 7.00$ |
| Family (2 adults and kids) | 17.00$ |
| Members | Free |
Equipment rental fees
Please have an ID card to for rental. Subject to weather conditons
| Equipment for rent | NON-member fee | Member fee |
|---|---|---|
| Walking poles | 6$ | Free |
| Kid sled (sliding is forbidden) | 3$ | 2$ |
| Baby carrier | 6$ | 5$ |
| Spikes | 8$ | 7$ |
| Spikes and poles | 10$ | 8$ |
| Snowshoes – Adult | 13$ | 12$ |
| Snowshoes and poles | 15$ | 13$ |
| Snowshoes – Children | 5 $ | 4 $ |
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.
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.
