CAP-SAINT-JACQUES

So much beauty at Cap-Saint-Jacques.

Here, you’ll forget the tick-tock of the clock.

Water, lush forest and enchanting birdsong

Follow you everywhere as you walk along

 Cap St Jacques, you’re my tranquil  paradise

Where nothing ever goes wrong.

                                                Written by Nancy

An all-season nature park brimming with so many appealing aspects

Did you know it’s the largest park in Montreal, yet it’s only 30 minutes by car from downtown Montreal? It encompasses 360 hectares. Such a gorgeous vast area provides awesome bounteous respite in a variety of ways.

                               Water everywhere peeking out from the paths.

I call it a getaway that welcomes everyone. This wonderful has lots of picnic tables and barbecues located on grassy areas along the river’s edge.. It really is peaceful and full of vista surprises as the winding paths bring you to superb views. I took the 2.2 kilometre flat easy "Rabbit" trail.

I set out on a pastoral plain that spread for miles ahead of me

Soon water came into view. Rivière de la Prairie borders, Ile Bizarre, Oka, and more places. You can actually see the mouth of Lake of Two Mountains is as you walk about 2 kilometres in.  Equally remarkable is the floating island of one tree with rapids meeting it. This is magical. 

 There are so many pleasing views.

Feeding the animals is fun for the kids

I got to the  farm. 

Just a bit further along you come to another gem. 
Welcome to the general store. Dating back to 1860, it’s a god send. I spent so much time there just feasting on the great amount of organic veggies -- all grown in the sprawling acres surrounding the store. 

 

There were so many different types of tomatoes.

                                            Gorgeous tasting tomatoes

This wonderful place has a resocialization program that employs young adults who have had some bad luck, and are in need of reintegration into the job market. 

Just outside, you will spot an outdoor “library”. 

Take a book from the shelf and read. There are many for your kids too. Or just bring you favourite book from home and while munching on the fabulous home-made maple muffins inside the store, just think how addictive it is here.

The most refreshing aspect to Cap-Saint-Jacques is its staff. The moment you walk into its spacious visitors centre, you’ are made to feel like a Cap St Jacques pal. You’ll find the same authentic warmth at the general store too. The friendliness really defines this park and the people you’ll pass as you walk your own path.

There’s a huge beach for swimming and at dusk, yoga lovers ascend to do yoga as the sun goes down. This is a planned event, so you have to visit the website to get all the information.

Oh yes, did I mention there’s even a small boat launch where you can set off on the water in your own mode of aquatic transport. Bring your fishing rod.

     Winter, spring, summer and fall,

  Cap-Saint- Jacques has it all!

                                                            

Visit the website to find out about the park’s planned activities year-round.

                    https://parcs-nature.com/public/en/cap-saint-jacques

                                             Read about previous visits

https://sntravelandartswithoutborders.blogspot.com/2017/02/sunny-skiing-on-smooth-trails-in-cap.html#.XVyGQNQrLVQ