TWO LOVELY LAVAL PARKS IN NATURE - ONE SMALL, THE OTHER BIG

    What a fabulous nature getaway and it's so close to Montreal. Laval is known for its green spaces -  Parc des Crecerelles being one of them  It's sweet and small. 

 

***The Bois de l'Équerre team was finally able to offer its visitors a trail based on the principles of universal accessibility. Phase 1 of this 1.3 km long project obtained Kéroul (Destination pour tous) certification.

This Accessible and Senior Friendly Trail (SAADA) has been developed to facilitate access, among others, to people with reduced mobility and seniors to allow them to fully enjoy the benefits of this natural environment.  SAADA further strengthens the city of Laval's status as an age-friendly municipality and the Corporation for the Development of Bois de l'Équerre is proud to be able to contribute to this recognition.

         Nice views!                

My friend who uses a cane had no trouble walking here. 

He paused to spot and enjoy.

                                      

                                                             Pondering on a sweet bridge

Every tree had unique markings

I was delighted by tiny floral surprises.

 What a sweet respite from Montreal

********************************

I wanted to explore Bois de l'Equerre -  a woodsy wonderland 

Located in the Sainte-Rose district in Laval, the Bois de l'Équerre is one of the last great urban forests in Laval. Through the presence of trees and wetlands, this rural landscape and natural refuge greatly contributes to our quality of life. 

These woods are managed by CANOPÉE.

Here's some information about his lush area 

 ·         160 bird species, including 20 birds of prey (out of 27 species of raptors in Quebec)

·         20 species of mammals

·         10 species of reptiles and amphibians

Trails

·         12.95 km of hiking trails

·         ***1 accessible Kéroul accredited trail (1.65 km)

·         2.5 km of groomed trails for winter walking (Lièvre trail)

 I returned to Montreal feeling like I had gone on a vacation

Bois de l'Equerre is open all year

 www.reseaucanopee.org

 info@reseaucanopee.org

                                                                        Call: 450 624-9696
                                                                        49, rang de l'Équerre, 

GUIDED CRUISING TOUR ON RIVIERE DE MILLES ILES

Hop on the Blue Heron cruiser, and listen to all the information given by the guide who is so animated, she makes it all interesting. But you have to be in the mood to listen.  As there is not a silent cruise.

  Benoit the, captain, made me feel right at home

Passing islands, you’ll find out abut some of the population who inhabited them. For example, the Darling family owned the island that takes their moniker. Tragically one if the sons crashed his plane on the bridge.   One family never made it to church at Christmas. The ice gave way on their caleche.

 

I enjoyed the animal information, especially the fish images they held up. Some pretty scary ones too. There are so many species of fish in the river, you’ll marvel at how varied they are. Ducks too abound here and they are always within sight of your cruise tour.

It was wonderful to spend an hour passing islands gazing at the shorelines and the lovely houses that dot the it. The tour is only in French, so beware if you are going to soak in all the historical and botanical side of things on this tour.

 Supplement the tour by gliding close to the water on a kayak or canoe. You can even catch some of those fish the guide brought to our attention.

                                                     Listen or dream on.

For more information about the cruise, call, 450 622 -1020

email: info@eco-nature.ca

Visit: www#parc1000iles

Read about Nancy kayaking on the river

Parc de la Rivière-des-Milles-Iles is Wonderfully Wild

A Watery Wonder

Forty-two kilometres long and brimming with islands striding gracefully amidst shoreline splendour in Laval, Quebec, Parc de la Rivière-des-Milles-Iles is a cornucopia of natural beauty with over 95 islands.   

Your voyageur spirit will immediately kick in. Explore it all!

Canoes and kayaks to rent

Imagine paddling over calm waters while pondering the inspiring scenes surrounding you. No more looking at it from afar while yearning to glide between islands.  You can even dock on three of them and stroll around.  What a unique real-life experience!

                           

Kayaking Pleasure

 Paddles can vary in weight and size, so be sure to ask Josée to hand you a few to try them out before going.


Helpers ready to help you into the kayak

Geared up for kayaking during Covid-19

 Map in hand I charted my route, suggested by Camille at the front desk. 

The effects of this tranquil haven were palpable. Relaxation and rejuvenation were instant. And to think that noisy Montreal was only 25 minutes away! The more I paddled, the more I was delighted by unexpected surprises.

Milles Iles’ Understated Wow Factor

There’s something primeval about getting close up to nature, and what I loved about the park is the fact that water, trees and animals become your companions as you wander into the deep. It’s totally magical here.

Wildlife Close Up

                                             A great blue heron!

Can you spot it?

Ile aux Fraises

Heading back happy

After all that paddling, I ate at the picnic area

I took about 40 photos but best to leave some surprises for you.

Read here Nancy's article on her canoe and island hopping venture

Read about the cruise on the river

For all information, visit the website

info@eco-nature.ca

Call 450 622-1020 

Snapping turtle in the aquarium

Dorwin Falls Park … Where Myth and Magic Merge

Dorwin Falls

Only 60 Kilometres from Montreal in Quebec’s verdant Lanaudière region, Rawdon, a small touristy-flavoured town, is blessed with an abundance of spectacular forest amidst a myriad of watery wonders. Beckoning all nature lovers, is Dorwin Falls.  Its daring 60-foot-drop is exhilarating to witness. No wonder! It’s part of the vast Ouareau River which is over 80-kilometres long - a titan of a tributary of Landaudière’s L’ Assomption River – itself majestically meandering along a mighty 200-kilometre-long-path from Mont Tremblant’s massif.

Upon arriving at Dorwin Falls, a park in its own right – there’s even a vast picnic area set amidst a grove of towering pine trees.




                                                        Corona virus did not deter us

Valerie with mask on 

 But I headed first for the falls. I was lucky to snag on the spot, Valerie who works security – checking the trails to ensure everyone’s safe. But on this day, she graciously doubled as my guide.  I really loved where she took me. 




                         Varying vistas

Before reaching the climatic lookout - one of two staired belvederes, we walked a short path whose floor featured above-ground gnarly roots and big natural stones.

We entered the tall-treed grove 

Treading in all an easy 2.5 kilometres of canopied scenic paths - all meticulously cared for with fabulous views of Ouareau’s pristine water either spilling down or lingering lazily like a motionless lake where we made our final stop at a little lake on the isand.



 I loved the fact that the short path took visitors right to the waterfall lookout to witness its magic from an on-high advantage. My love of unbridled water falling dramatically was found here at Dorwin Falls. The sound contrast between the powerful falls and this still area of quiet water is truly remarkable and unique.

It also offered river rapids ending in a kind of lake where a bridge takes you to a small island whose waters are perfect for pondering. 

                         On the island

A beaver dam across the island

 I loved the fact that the short path took visitors right to the waterfall lookout to witness its magic from an on-high advantage. My love of unbridled water falling dramatically was found here at Dorwin Falls. The sound contrast between the powerful falls and this still area of quiet water is truly remarkable and unique.

It also offered river rapids ending in a kind of lake where a bridge takes you to a small island whose waters are perfect for pondering. 

The falls senttle into still waters 

A girl wets her feet

                                                           Magical reflections

A rare reflection of a tree. It lasted 5 seconds! Magical

Valerie  certainly proved invaluable as she guided me to this little island gem that I otherwise might have missed. No maps are given.



                                                 Magic in a rock
Dorwin Falls captured my imagination not only because of its visuals and powerful sound, but also because of the Algonquin Indian legend that has left its mark in stone.

At the lookout, the story is vividly written on a board with a surprise that awaits you: the legend’s unlucky antagonist is embodied in his profile - prominently carved in stone (much like Mount Rushmore). “Where, where?” I found myself asking.



                                                        Can you post his face?

Nipiasingue's facee is near the top under the tree on the right side

 Valerie told me to look straight ahead at the falls and a boulder midway.  There he was - right in front of me, proclaiming his stone-faced fame.

                                                      The legend in stone


Read it here:

Many moons ago, there lived in the Algonquin hunting grounds, an old Indian sorcerer, the wicked and all-powerful Nipissingue. Very cunning, able and evil, he coveted the lovely Hiawhitha and non dare oppose him.

Unfortunately for the sorcerer, Hiawhitha was deeply Christian and had taken vows to become a nun. Daughter of a chief, tradition did not allow her to refuse marriage, but she had the right to choose her own husband.

Desperate, she decided to give her heart to Arondack, the sworn enemy of Nipissingue.

Whereupon, the sorcerer then launched the Algonquins on the warpath. Nipissingue counted on the fate of the battle to get rid of Arondack… He judged well: Arondack, fatally wounded, made it back to his wigwam. Hiawhitha, the tribe’s healer, sat at his bedside and nursed him.

One day, missing some plants, Hiawhitha made her way to the steep precipice at Dorwin. There at the botton, where a thin rivulet of water trickled, grew a few sarsaparilla roots. In hot pursuit of his prey, Nipissingue sees her and enraged flung himself on her, thereby throwing her into the ravine. Just as Hiawhitha’s body touched the thin rivulet of water, a loud thunderclap reverberated through the gorge and Hiawhitha’s long, white linen robe turned into a magnificent waterfall. Nipissingue, stupefied, stopped and was transformed into stone by the Great Manitou, thus condemned for eternity to hear Hiawhitha’s triumphant song of victory.

                                                  Les Cascades... Another Watery Wonder





Les Cascades - also part of the Ouareau River is another waterfall that inspires. Tumbling over a series of beige rocks, La cascade is incedibly impressive. You can picnic at this park while enjoying watching and listening to the water cascading over canter levered rows of big rocks. I spotted bathers on rocks, but the sign warns that rocks are really slippery. No bathing.

Finally, I made my way to Rawdon lake to watch some end of season kayakers (you can rent here). A stone path offers a walk along the water.


                        
                                  
                                The beach is beautful

On the way back, I passed a children's playground sporting wooden carved statues referencing  Indian heritage.

 How original to play in the present within a cultural past. For such a small town, Rawdon is  remarkably big on outdoor recreation - accessibly pleasing for all ages. I didn't want to leave.

For all information, visit the websites:
https://rawdon.ca/en/tourism/recreational-tourist-sites/dorwin-falls-park/

https://rawdon.ca/tourisme/sites-recreotouristiques/parc-des-cascades/