When it starts to get warmer and the leaves start to grow, the historic site of Île-des-Moulins in Terrebonne comes back to life and becomes really attractive for a walk.
We also go there to relax, sitting on a bench with a view of the rapids of the Rivière des Mille-Îles.
Well-preserved buildings
We are surprised to see ancient massive stone buildings so well preserved. However, this is the second largest historical reconstruction site in Quebec, the first being the Place Royale in Quebec City.
Heritage buildings, including a flour mill, represent the heart of a 19th century industrial complex. Originally, the site was chosen based on the hydraulic potential related to the strong flow of water from the river at this location, hence the presence of the dam.
Building B
Shortly after crossing the small wooden bridge, you come across the old bakery. Among other things, the establishment produced “sailors’ biscuits”, a very dry bread that could be kept for a long time and was intended for the voyageurs of the North West Company traveling in large canoes.
Today under the same roof is Building B, a restaurant where local products, such as bread, cheese or mushrooms, are favored. A terrace borders the river. It opens in June or earlier on weekends when the weather is nice and warm.
On the way
Past Building B, on the way, a poster reminds us of common health precautions: keep a distance of three geese from other visitors, or one meter. As everywhere there is grass to graze along watercourses, geese are omnipresent.
A few steps away stands the Moulin Neuf, a former wool carding mill. From there, we take the footpath on the dam. At our feet roar the rapids.
The track joins a path along Île Saint-Jean, near a residential area. The trail communicates with the TransTerrebonne, a route shared between cyclists and walkers. On the tip of the island, where you can stop, you have another view of the rapids.
Back on the island of Moulins, it is pleasant to go around it. It’s not very big, but the trees that line the shore make it a pleasant place to walk and then continue in Old Terrebonne.
The TransTerrebonne
Passing through several green spaces in Terrebonne, this cycling and pedestrian route includes several sections and stops for a total length of 50 km. Map to download on Ondago.
Montreal-Sherbrooke by bike
A new route on two wheels to be savored in small bites: the Gourmet Véloroute, with a total length of 235 km. Gourmet stops and varied landscapes. Baggage transport service.
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