1. Overview of Cap St. Jacques
Cap St. Jacques is renowned for its beautiful sandy beach and is recognized as the largest park in Montreal, even larger than Mount Royal. This picturesque peninsula spans 302 hectares (746 acres) and features a diverse landscape of beachfront, silver birch and maple woods, fields, and farmland. Throughout the year, various activities are available at Cap St. Jacques, including archery, boating, and cross-country skiing.
2. Activities in Fall, Spring, and Summer
Cap St. Jacques is the largest on-island beach in Montreal, situated on the northwestern tip of the island. It overlooks Two Mountains Lake at the mouth of the Rivière des Prairies. A small admission fee grants access to the waterfront and boat rentals.
- General admission: $4.75
- Seniors (ages 60+) and children (ages 6-17): $3.25
- Free for ages 5 and under
Boat rental prices vary by type and can go up to $35 for 2 hours. For safety, it is advisable to head west when getting on the boats to avoid strong currents. Beach season typically runs from mid-June through late August.
Cycling through the park is a fantastic option during warmer months, featuring up to 26 km (16 miles) of hiking trails that remain open year-round. In autumn, the vibrant fall colors make Cap St. Jacques one of Montreal’s premier leaf-peeping spots.
During your visit, don’t miss the organic farm operated by D-Trois-Pierres. The farm is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission. Visitors can meet farm animals such as lambs, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys, chickens, and rabbits.
Moreover, the farm provides options for organic food baskets available for approximately 20 weeks each summer and fall. Those who prefer a more casual experience can purchase produce directly from the general store.
3. Winter Activities at Cap St. Jacques
In winter, Cap St. Jacques boasts the most extensive cross-country ski trail network on the island of Montreal, offering 32 km of trails. The public can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes on-site, with rental prices varying by equipment and renter age.
Additionally, special evening winter forest treks are organized from January through March, led by knowledgeable guides. Though these treks were not held in 2017, they may return in subsequent seasons.
Starting in January and running until April, the sugar shack operates at Cap St. Jacques. While it may not offer a full traditional cabane à sucre meal, visitors can enjoy delicious soups, pancakes, maple taffy on snow, and hot beverages. Parking is available near the main entrance, and visitors can either ski to the sugar shack or take a tractor ride for a small fee. It’s advisable to call ahead for information about tractor ride availability.
4. Visitor Information
- Location: 20099 Gouin West, corner of Chemin du Cap St. Jacques
- Neighborhood: Pierrefonds-Roxboro
- Transportation: Cô te-Vertu Metro, Bus 64, Bus 68
- Parking: $9 per day ($50 to $70 for an annual permit)
- Contact: (514) 280-6871, (514) 280-6784; for the farm: (514) 280-6743
- Information:
Parc-nature du Cap St. Jacques Website
D-Trois-Pierres: Cap St. Jacques’ Farm Website
