Press releases
A record-breaking summer season comes to an end at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
The chilly weather heralds the end of the 2019 summer season at Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, which officially took place on Tuesday, October 15 with the closure of its boat rental center. It has to be said that this year is different from previous ones for the Park, thanks in part to its brand-new Exploration Center inaugurated in spring 2019!
Indeed, the arrival of the new Center, an investment of nearly $15 million, has enabled Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles to enhance its offering in every way. The new pavilion marks a turning point in the park's history, as it can accommodate a greater number of visitors and offer ecotourism, educational, historical and scientific activities all in one location, year-round.
With the Exploration Center, the Park has added an ecology laboratory where several living species are presented, rooms to rent for various events and a café area, as well as a permanent exhibition, "Believe it or not", which recounts the history of the Mille Îles River, its vast ecosystem and its environmental issues. This museum space meets the highest standards and is open year-round.
Since the inauguration of the Center and all its services, the Park has seen a 26% increase in visitor numbers, despite a season cut short in the first few weeks due to flooding.
Seasonal traffic has reached record levels, from boat rentals and cruises to animated activities and day camps. From now on, the Park will quietly enter a phase of preparation for the winter season, when the river experience can be enjoyed on foot, on snowshoes, on cross-country skis or by taking part in an ice-fishing activity in a specially set-up village. Until then, the Park's team is ready to welcome visitors in large numbers to discover its permanent exhibition!
The entire Park team would like to take this opportunity to thank those who made this 2019 season a lasting success.