Natural heritage is the beauty of the land untouched by humans. With acres of natural landscapes, Laval has several beautiful natural spots just like this. Here are just a few of the city’s best natural heritage sites.

Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Wildlife Refuge
Founded by Éco-Nature in 1987, Parc de la Rivière-des-Milles-Îles is a natural gem with islands, bodies of water and shorelines. The 42 km park borders on nine municipalities. Parc de la Rivière-des-Milles-Îles, where the wildlife sanctuary is found, is a great spot for ecotourism activities.

The refuge covers an area of ​​300 hectares. Very rich in biodiversity, this natural environment is home to unique flora and fauna. The shelter is also home to endangered and vulnerable animals. The Rivière-des-Mille-Îles wildlife sanctuary is recognized both regionally and provincially for its density, wildlife productivity and wildlife diversity. Its mission is to preserve the integrity of this important wildlife habitat.

Protected in 1998, the Rivière-des-Milles-Îles wildlife sanctuary is made up of 10 islands covering 26.2 hectares of private land belonging to the cities of Laval and Rosemère, as well as to Éco-Nature.

Bois de l’Équerre
Bois de l’Équerre is one of the last remaining great natural spaces north of the city of Laval. Located in the Sainte-Rose district, Bois de l’Équerre is a natural refuge that contributes to the quality of life of the people of Laval, thanks to dense trees and wetlands. Its remarkable flora and fauna make it an ideal place for forest walks and bird watching. The entire area is about 225 hectares.

Bois de l’Équerre is made up of more than 10 km of hiking trails. They are accessible to all, for free, at all times. There is a large pavilion with over a dozen picnic tables – ideal for hosting a gathering with friends and family. Bois de l’Équerre has 141 observed bird species, 27 mammal species, 10 reptile and amphibian species, 37 herbaceous species, 22 shrub species, and 22 tree species.

Bois Papineau
Bois Papineau is a real ecological gem and offers a landscape of remarkably beautiful wildlife. Bois Papineau is made up of two streams, a bicentennial beech forest, 220 plant species, 20 mammal species, 130 bird species, and 87 species of trees and shrubs.

Created in 1986, the Association for the Conservation of Bois Papineau (ACBP) works to protect Bois Papineau. Its goal is the conservation and protection of the entire territory. The association's mission is to promote ecological and environmental knowledge of this natural environment. Located on Boulevard Saint-Martin, the services offered by Bois Papineau are numerous; chalets; interpretation panels; rackets; walking trails; Nordic Ski; and free parking. This is the perfect place to be surprised by the intimacy of the woods and to take one of the courses to discover its diversity or its bicentenary beech – part of what its known for.

Bois Sainte-Dorothée
Bois Sainte-Dorothée represents one-twelfth of the wooded area of ​​Laval. It is one of the three most important wooded areas of Île Jésus. At about 280 hectares – equivalent to about 466 football fields – Bois Sainte-Dorothée is known for its wide variety of habitats and unique plantlife.

In Bois Sainte-Dorothée, there are 262 vascular plant species including 48 tree species, 148 bird species, seven of the eight species of Quebec bats, and more than 20 terrestrial mammals. Among them are beavers, white-tailed deer, flying squirrels, coyotes and weasels. In Bois Sainte-Dorothée, there are also four species of fish and 14 species of amphibians and reptiles. It also serves as a refuge for 18 species of plants and animals whose survival is threatened.

For more information, visit laval.ca.

Translated by Maria Barillaro