Parc régional Beauharnois-Salaberry
Parc régional de Beauharnois-Salaberry: A Natural Jewel in the Heart of the Region
The Parc régional de Beauharnois-Salaberry is a green space for local residents and a major tourist attraction for the region. Welcoming more than 276,000 visits each year, it offers its users a variety of riverside and agricultural landscapes, a prime location for outdoor activities, an open-air museum space, infrastructures integrated with the urban fabric of surrounding municipalities, and a safe, peaceful setting for relaxation.
Access to Nature
Born from a desire to give people access to the shores of the Beauharnois Canal, the park quickly became a unifying project, connecting the seven municipalities of the Beauharnois-Salaberry RCM. It spans 1,764 hectares of natural areas and boasts 50 kilometers of shoreline with exceptional views of major bodies of water, including Lake Saint-François, Lake Saint-Louis, and the Beauharnois Canal. Extending into the rural areas of Montérégie, the park also offers enchanting bucolic scenery.
Located in the heart of a major migratory route, the park is a meeting point for hundreds of bird species—and for birdwatchers. Along the route, several interpretation stops and four observation towers help visitors spot their feathered friends.
A Destination for Sports Enthusiasts
The park’s backbone is a 72-kilometer multi-use trail, entirely paved and located on a dedicated route, drawing cyclists from across Quebec to enjoy a safe, flat ride. As part of the Route verte and connected to neighboring regional bike paths, the park is an essential link in Montérégie’s cycling network. Inline skaters, runners, and walkers also benefit from the well-maintained surface.
On foot, on wheels—or even by boat! Two boat launches are available for water sports enthusiasts to explore the Beauharnois Canal. Visitors who wish to extend their stay can even take advantage of two dockside accommodation options.
Infrastructures for Everyone
Integrated into the urban layout of the Beauharnois-Salaberry region, the park offers walking access from various street corners. Nine parking areas are also available throughout the network.
Both the trails and parking are free to use. Mobility scooters are welcome, and dogs on leashes are allowed too.
Numerous rest stops line the route, offering amenities such as restrooms and bike repair stations to make your visit more comfortable.
Located just 30 minutes from Montreal, the park is a great option for a quick and refreshing getaway for residents of the metropolitan area.
An Open-Air Museum
In addition to highlighting the region’s natural heritage, the park also shines a light on its cultural roots. Interpretation panels at rest stops tell the story of local wildlife and the historical moments that have shaped the area.
The park also inspires local artists, and their works embellish various locations—from trailsides and shelters to structures and facilities. Highlights include Les Géants de bois by Lise Page, the mural Les Champs du Fleuve by Sophie Wilkins and Anik Favreau, and the photo panels Reflet de notre patrimoine régional by Bernard Boyer and Monique Lachance. Each year, new artistic creations enrich the experience for visitors seeking inspiration.
A Safe and Peaceful Environment
A gathering place for residents, cyclists, nature lovers, and visitors, the regional park is a vibrant, dynamic living space.
For the past 26 years, a volunteer Bike Patrol has been present throughout the park’s network during the summer. This passionate team offers directional assistance, basic mechanical help, and first aid. They contribute nearly 3,500 hours of patrol annually.
Also on-site is the Sécuri-Parc team, made up of students in police training. Their proactive approach helps prevent problems and reduce incidents.
Lastly, more than 300 geolocation markers are installed every 250 meters along the trails, enabling users in distress to call for help if needed.
19 REST STOPS TO DISCOVER ALONG THE WAY
Halte du Belvédère: The official gateway to the park and its interpretation network, this stop introduces the characters behind the park's main themes and highlights the region’s tangible and intangible cultural and natural heritage.
Halte Brise-Vent: A charming location for a picnic break during your walk between Beauharnois and Sainte-Martine.
Halte du Canal: Located at the tip of the Beauharnois Canal, this stop shares the fascinating history behind the construction of this major infrastructure, with interpretation panels and spectacular views of Lake Saint-François.
Halte du Domaine-de-la-Pêche-au-Saumon: Set in the heart of Sainte-Martine, along the Châteauguay River, this picturesque spot is perfect for observing waterfowl and shorebirds.
Halte au Fil de l’eau : This stop reflects the area's nautical identity and highlights features like the hydroelectric station, the Beauharnois Canal, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and Lake Saint-Louis.
Halte de la Gare: Located at the former Sainte-Martine railway station from the 1920s, this stop features both historical and floral landscaping.
Halte du Héron: Also known as the Saint-Timothée Marsh, this birdwatching haven is home to marsh birds, shorebirds, songbirds, and raptors.
Halte de l’Hydroélectricité: Learn about the region’s hydro resources and energy production facilities. You can also hop on the river shuttle between Salaberry-de-Valleyfield (Île aux Vaches) and the village of Les Cèdres.
Halte Maritime: This stop highlights the maritime, port, and industrial activities that shaped Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and the region. Enjoy picnic areas, a dog park, and more.
Halte des Moissons: Gives cyclists access to the popular Route verte. Cross Highway 30 via a dedicated overpass to reach the Sainte-Martine section.
Halte de l’Oie des Neiges: Located near basins developed by Ducks Unlimited, this stop allows birders to spot up to 189 officially recorded bird species during migration seasons.
Halte des Paysages: The only stop not located directly in the park, this one is in Saint-Urbain-Premier. Enjoy the pastoral landscapes and connect to the Haut-Saint-Laurent cycling routes.
Halte des Pêcheurs: Enjoy stunning views of the Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague bridge or go birdwatching at the Saint-Louis pond. From here, cycle to Beauharnois through the Ducks Unlimited marsh or to Valleyfield via the industrial sector and port.
Halte des Plaisanciers: Set in a unique environment, this stop offers a boat launch, RV parking, and a prime spot to watch ships pass along the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Halte de la Presqu’île: A peaceful retreat along the Beauharnois Canal.
Halte des Tisserands: Close to downtown Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, this stop recalls the region’s industrial and textile heritage.
Halte des Villages: Home to the mural Les Champs du Fleuve, by artists Sophie Wilkins and Anik Favreau, this stop under the Saint-Louis bridge also includes a tourist info center, boat launch, nautical lodging, and fitness equipment during summer.
Halte du Vieux canal: Located in the lively downtown of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, this stop pays tribute to the old canal built in the mid-19th century.
Halte des Voyageurs: This artistically designed stop invites you to travel through time, exploring themes related to transportation.
