Note: While local parks, shops, and events are reopening throughout the province, Santé Quebec is reminding individuals to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. If you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. If you decide to go out, maintain the two-metre physical distancing guidelines and wear a face covering or mask when in public.
As the penultimate summer month continues to chug along, there are still half a dozen national parks and national historic sites to take in throughout the pandemic.
All within two hours from downtown Montreal, these sites are as timeless as they are gorgeous.
From battlefields that shaped history, paddling a canoe on the canal, and the gorgeous Quebec wilderness, there’s definitely plenty to be explored in Montreal’s own backyard.
So pack the car and get the squad ready — here are a few sites to consider checking out this summer.
- See also:
Fort Chambly National Historic Sites
Parks Canada
Roughly 30 kilometres outside of Montreal, Fort Chambly rises proudly at the foot of the Richelieu Rapids.
Time travel back to when the site was built (1665) and soak up what it was like to live in the military life of the 19th century. Featuring restored main components of its original architecture, discover how French soldiers lived in the era of New France.
Fort Chambly reopened to the public in mid-July and has all the necessary COVID-19 protocols in place.
When: From now until October 12
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Address: 2 Rue de Richelieu, Chambly
Price: $7.90 (free for youths)
Distance from Montreal: 38 km
Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site
Parks Canada
Visit the battlefield where 300 Canadian soldiers defeated 3,700 invading Americans on October 26, 1813. The Battle of the Châteauguay Historic Site has a centre that goes into detail about the battle and celebrates the history that recalls the importance of these militiamen who became heroes.
When: From now until August 30
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Address: 2371 Chemin de la Rivière Châteauguay, Howick
Price: $3.40 (free for youths)
Distance from Montreal: 45 km
Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site
Parks Canada
Discover the remains of the first iron industry in Canada, the Forges du Saint-Maurice, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Step into the Grande Maison (the “ironmasters’ house”) and admire the iron and cast iron items manufactured at the forges, then take a peek at the blast furnace to learn more about the community of craftsmen who provided much-need objects for the development and defence of the colony for 150 years.
When: From now until September 7
Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Address: 10000 Boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières
Price: $3.40 (free for youths)
Distance from Montreal: 149 km
La Mauricie National Park
Parks Canada
Bustling with forests of conifers and hardwoods, La Mauricie is home to more than 150 lakes of various sizes and stunning greenery.
The site features animals, hiking trails, and even waterfalls.
It’s a bit of a trek outside of Montreal, but you can’t go wrong.
When: From now until October 12
Hours: 24/7
Address: Chemin de Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Shawinigan
Price: $6.90 to $7.90
Distance from Montreal: 194 km
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Shutterstock
From something that’s a hike outside the city, to one that’s a gem just off the bike path, the Lachine Canal is a link between city and nature. Its 13.5 kilometre urban route runs between the Old Port and Lac Saint-Louis.
The route is long enough to make a full day out of it, bring a picnic, a bike and lose yourself in the gorgeous national historic site.
When: From now until mid-October
Hours: 24/7
Address: Lachine Canal
Price: Varies per activity
Distance from Montreal: 6.5 km
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Canal National Historic Site
Parks Canada
Opened in 1843, this waterway played an important commercial role in the shipping of lumber and the transport of immigrants. Today, the canal and its lock are used primarily by recreational boaters.
Guests can sail on a waterway with more than 150 years of history, go kayaking, boating, or laze and picnic under a tree.
When: From now until mid-October
Hours: 7 am to 11 pm
Address: 170 Sainte-Anne St, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
Price: Free
Distance from Montreal: 30 km
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