Ten Things -- Why I Love 'Cap St Jacques', Pierrefonds, Québec

Featured Trail -- Cap St Jacques (Pierrefonds, Québec)

July 6, 2012

The trails of Cap St Jacques Nature Park in Pierrefonds, Québec, just west of Montréal, are easy to hike and are suitable for lower to moderate fitness levels.  Although I enjoy a serious fitness challenge on the trails, I love that this trail system includes several rest spots and picnic areas for families, lots of tree cover, and a farm for children to visit at the half-way point on the trail.  This is the most entertaining of any hike that I have entertained thus far, and L'il Chica is sure to agree.

L'il Chica Heading Away from
the Hens on the Cap St Jacques Farm

 Ten Reasons to Hike the 'Cap St Jacques' Trails in Pierrefonds, Québec


The Cows in the Meadow



1.  The Farm -- About 2km into our hike, I spotted a fenced-off enclosure with cows in the distance.  Really? Cows? Yes!  As well as grazing horses and goats ready to approach the fence to have you feed them strips of sweet grass from the trail.  Neat-oh!





Unable to understand that real ducks also
say "Quack! Quack!", L'il Chica runs away.

2.  The Farm -- Not only are there grazing animals, but around the bend there are rabbits, a chicken coop and a chicken run with tens of hens.  Just across the way there are ducks swimming in a pond!  Bonus!!  L'il Chica has just perfected her version of "Quack!  Quack!"  Then there are even goats, pigs, and emu in the barn.

3.  The Farm -- Around and about the farm area, there are benches and trees that invite both weary adult legs and happy toddler legs.  We also visited a huge greenhouse with tomatoes almost ready to be picked. 

What's up with all the running away
from the farm animals?

4.  The Views -- Because 'Cap St Jacques' is situated on a cape, there are awesome views, not only of the river and the rapids, but also of the Oka region and mountains on the other side of the river -- mainland Québec, with Montréal being an island.

5. Location -- The park is about 40 minutes from downtown Montréal.  A bit far, but well worth it as entry is free.  Parking is $8, but because the park in located near residential streets, hikers like me are happy to park a 5-10-minute walk away and hike to the park entrance and trail head.


6.  Rest Areas -- Along the trail, you can find a few benches, all in strategic spots with views of the water.

One of the many picnic sites along the Rabbit Trail

7.  Farmer's Market -- Although we visited during the week, there is weekend Farmer's Market that sells produce from the on-site farm.

8.  Flat Trails -- There are virtually no hills in this park, making it an easy trail.  We hiked almost 6 km on the dirt paths, but there are also 8 km of paved paths that cyclists use.

Sign along the Rabbit Trail

9. Picnic Sites -- There are at least 5 picnic areas that offer picnic tables, shady trees, water access (not necessarily beaches, but good for rock-skipping), outhouses, and great views. 

10. Access to Beach -- Cap St Jacques is most famous for its beach after hiking and cycling.  It is quite popular and can be a welcome break on a hot day.  Including the beach in your hike will cost you an extra 2 km hike and the entrance fee (free for infants and then up to $4.50 depending on your age).  We did not swim that day, though. 



L'il Chica doing her favourite thing
when she touches ground -- playing with rocks.

 

If you have anything to add to this feature on Cap St Jacques, feel free to comment.  As well, if you have questions that I might be able to answer, leave your questions below.  Happy Hiking!