Hiking
25 km of trails is yours to discover. Please make sure to follow instructions, rules and do not use closed trails.
Snowshoes can be used on snowy trails. We remind you that off-trail snowshoeing is not permitted.
Cross-country skiing
Through our 8 kilometers of skiing trails, you can explore a network of narrow, winding mountain paths designed for classic cross-country skiing. We remind you that off-trail cross-country skiing is not permitted.
Note: The Reserve’s ski trails are open when weather and snow conditions allow it. Before you visit, check out our homepage to see if the cross-country skiing trails are open.
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.
Trails
Hiking trails schedule
| Period | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| November to March During normal eastern time | 8 a.m. | 4 p.m. |
| April 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
Hiking
| Category | Day Pass - Taxes included | Where to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $ 9.25 | Reservation online required |
| 17 and under | Free | No reservation required |
Terms and conditions of the entry fees
Cross-country skiing
| Category | Day Pass - Taxes included |
|---|---|
| Adult | Day pass and an extra fee of $ 5.25 payable by credit or debit at the Welcome Centre. |
| 17 years and under | Free. No reservation required. |
Equipment rental
Available at the Alice Johannsen Welcome Centre.
| Equipment for rent | Daily fee - Taxes included | Annual card holder fee - Taxes included |
|---|---|---|
| Walking sticks | $ 8.05 | $ 6.44 |
| Crampons | $ 11.50 | $ 9.20 |
| Crampons and walking sticks | $ 13.80 | $ 11.04 |
| Adult snowshoes | $ 16.10 | $ 12.88 |
| Adult snowshoes and walking sticks | $ 18.40 | $ 14.72 |
Annual card
| Category | Annual cost - taxes included | Where to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $ 88 | Online FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBER ONLY |
| Adult - Mont-Saint-Hilaire resident | $ 79.72 | Welcome Centre only1 |
| 65 and older | $ 74.54 | Welcome Centre only1 |
| 65 and older & Mont-Saint-Hilaire resident | $ 67.29 | Welcome Centre only1 |
| 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. 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.
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.
- Discounts on equipment rental and on selected items at the Welcome Centre.
- For more information, please consult the terms and conditions of the annual card.
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.
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 | $57 | $111 | $185 |
| 31 to 40 | $88 | $172 | $287 |
| 41 to 50 | $116 | $228 | $379 |
| 51 to 60 | $144 | $283 | $472 |
| 61 to 70 | $173 | $339 | $564 |
| 71 to 80 | $201 | $394 | $657 |
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 groups1
- 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.
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.
