We are open every day of the year
Hiking Trails :
November to March: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
During normal Eastern Time
April to November: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
During Eastern Daylight Time
Exception April 16 to August 31: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Center :
All Year: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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
The snowshoeing and cross-country skiing season is now over.
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 |
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 Labor 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 | |
|---|---|
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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. |
| TRAIL ETIQUETTE | |
|---|---|
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You must remain on the hiking trails. |
| On one-way trails | Please heed signage for one-way trails. As some trails are one-way, you will be required to complete the entire circuit. Please ensure you are properly prepared before using the trail. |
| On two-way trails. | 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. |
| PLEASE HELP PRESERVE WILDLIFE AND FLORA | |
|---|---|
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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 | |
|---|---|
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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 welcome at the Reserve. The dog may be accompanying someone with a physical, mental, or visual disability.
- Owners are required to carry evidence that the dog is an assistance or guide dog. Acceptable evidence is an identification card issued for the animal by an accredited assistance provider.
- Dogs must wear their assistance dog harness at all times.
- Emotional support dogs are not allowed.
COVID-19
| Preventive measures | Your safety when visiting |
|---|---|
| Mask and physical distincing | Wear a mask where required : buildings, queues. |
| Rental | Closed. |
| Washrooms | Opened at the Welcome Centre and the Cottage. Capacity limited, masks required. |
GROUPS
Group reservation will be available again as of May 16, 2022 (after thawing season).
Important: The prices below only apply to groups (schools, sports or other) accessing the Reserve by the main entrance at 422 chemin des Moulins by bus.
Daily quota for groups
| Group type | Number of participants |
|---|---|
| Primary school / High school | 80 |
| Organized groups and higher education | 80 |
Daily rates
| Number of participants | Primary 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 |
Primary 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.
Price includes taxes.
Reservation
Please fill out one of the following forms to assess our availabilities. 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 sports groups or other
Please note that you need to pay ahead of your visit and show a proof of purchase upon your arrival.
