The island was originally purchased by the Grey Nuns in 1765 to establish a farm that provided food for the poor in Montreal.
It contains the only remaining old-growth forest on the South Shore of Montreal.
The Manoir d'Youville is named after Saint Marguerite d'Youville, the founder of the Grey Nuns.
The site acts as a critical stopover point for thousands of migratory birds navigating the Atlantic Flyway.
The island is home to over 200 species of birds and 20 species of mammals.
Île Saint-Bernard is a protected natural environment located at the mouth of the Châteauguay River where it flows into Lake Saint-Louis. The island encompasses the Marguerite-D’Youville Wildlife Refuge, which hosts a significant diversity of migratory birds and rare flora. Historical structures on the island include the Manoir d'Youville, a former residence for the Grey Nuns dating back to the 17th century. The site features over 8 kilometers of hiking trails that traverse woodlands, marshes, and meadows. It serves as a conservation hub managed by Héritage Saint-Bernard to protect local ecosystems. Visitors can observe distinct bird species, particularly during spring and autumn migration periods. The island preserves significant remnants of the original landscape of the Saint Lawrence River Valley.
The boardwalk overlooking the marshes near the wildlife refuge entrance.
Bring binoculars as the island is a premier regional birdwatching destination.
Stick to marked trails to protect the delicate local flora and prevent disturbing wildlife.
Wear insect repellent during the summer months due to the proximity of wetlands.
Attempting to feed the wildlife or entering restricted ecological protection zones.
Trails remain accessible year-round, though certain areas may close seasonally for ecological conservation.
Stay on designated paths, keep pets on a leash at all times, and pack out all trash.
