West Island nature and local life charm
The tranquil and expansive West Island offers up a different slice of Montréal island life – and several surprises too. With numerous neighbourhoods making up the area, many of them bounded by rivers and green spaces, the West Island boasts everything from nature parks, shore fronts and bike paths to excellent restaurants that are still considered local secrets.
The West Island beckons bikers and hikers
The multicultural West Island is an outdoor person’s paradise. Bike and hike (or in the winter cross-country ski) along the region’s well-maintained trails running through large green spaces and nature parks, and along river and lake shores. Take the time to discover the many museums, ecological farms, golf courses and cultural sites along the way, as well as appreciate the mix of new and old world architecture, some of which dates back to the 18th century. And don’t forget to put your feet up at the one of the unique and charming café-terraces and restaurants that line Lac Saint-Louis.
Fresh air fun for the whole family
The West Island is a natural choice for wildlife enthusiasts, pedal pushers and people watchers. Stroll, cycle or swim or just bask in the summer sunshine on a lakeside patio, soak up the beauty of spring blossoms and fall foliage in the arboretum, or cross-country ski in a nature park. Whatever the season, there’s always a great reason to head west for a fresh take on Montréal.
- Go for a hike through McGill University’s Morgan Arboretum nature reserve.
- Stare down a black bear at the Ecomuseum Zoo.
- Take a stroll along the main street of so-quaint-it-hurts Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.
- Cycle some of the pastoral, 70 km Heritage Route bike path.
- Swim on the rustic beach of the Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park.