Publicized for its deer, the Michel-Chartrand park, accessible by boulevard Curé-Poirier, lends itself well to a short hike, especially since access is free. And parking too.
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And since you don’t need to reserve a right of access online in this regional park, in Longueuil, you can spontaneously decide to go for a walk, which I did recently.
The tour of the park
Wide and mostly paved, Chemin du Lac crosses the park from west to east. I met walkers of all ages, young couples, seniors and small families. Passing runners and cyclists also trod the road.
At all times, we come across geese, grazing the grass along the road. We hear them everywhere, their shrill cry reminding us that spring has indeed arrived.
Here and there, in the woods, trees were cut down. Obviously ash trees. It seems to be forestry work related to the emerald ash borer. As some trails are temporarily closed as part of this work, all you have to do is stay on Chemin du Lac.
Towards the small lakes
At the end of the path, we walk along the community gardens then we take a path to return to the reception chalet. The route goes through fields, wetlands and woods.
Near the end of the course, songs of great intensity came from a flooded undergrowth. Returning to life in early spring, tree frogs make their high-pitched cry during the breeding season.
Approaching the reception chalet, after a walk of about an hour, you arrive at small lakes, frequented by Canada geese and mallard ducks. It is good to linger and take a break. It’s peaceful.
tribute monument
Before leaving, visit the imposing steel monument in homage to the fiery trade unionist Michel Chartrand, designed by the artist Armand Vaillancourt. It is colossal, at the height of the character. It is not surprising that the park bearing his name allows everyone to have access to a free corner of nature.
★ longueuil.quebec/fr/parc-michel-chartrand
Promenade RiviaIn Drummondville, this 2.5 km riverside promenade runs along the Saint-François River, between Parc des Voltigeurs and the Curé-Marchand bridge. Accessible for walking, jogging or cycling.► drummondville.ca
The city of woodsTyroparc, in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, challenges us once again with its new high ropes course, combining Tarzan rope, rope bridge and zip lines. For young and old adventurers. ► tyroparc.com
COVID-19: Before traveling, please consult the health guidelines in force at quebec.ca/coronavirus
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