Questions
- Are you a city organization? municipal?
Éco-Nature, manager of the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, is a non-profit organization independent of the City of Laval. It does, however, collaborate with the nine neighboring municipalities.
- Are there toilets and picnic tables on the islands?
Several islands are equipped, some have dry toilets and picnic tables are available on several. For more information, consult the Park map.
- Is the river safe?
Summer:
The Mille Îles River is shallow (1.5m on average) and the waters are relatively calm, making it easy to navigate and very safe for recreational activities. Our patrol officers can also be reached by calling the emergency number given to you during your rental.
Winter :
In winter, our team monitors the thickness and quality of the ice daily and marks safe trails to ensure the safety of users. You should never venture off the marked trails; your safety is at stake.
- Is it possible/necessary to book my boat before my visit?
You cannot reserve your boats such as canoe, rowboat, kayak, pedal boat, paddle boards or SUP, where first come is first served. However, reservations are required for guided activities.
- Why is river water brown in color?
The coloring of the water is linked to the bottom of the river which is mainly composed of clay and silt. These fine substrates remain suspended in the water, making it cloudy and brownish. Even with the purest water, it would still have this brown coloration. Although not very aesthetic, that does not mean that it is dirty/polluted.
- Can I fish with my own equipment?
In summer, yes, with a valid fishing license.
- Do you have a boat ramp?
It is possible to launch your non-motorized boat at the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles for a small fee (at the Berge du Garrot site). For motorized boats, there are several launching ramps in the area. We invite you to contact the various neighbouring municipalities for more details.
It is possible to launch your boat free of charge on ERRE sites. However, the team in place will not help customers put their boats in the water.
- Are there snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails?
No, we do not have any trails designed for this type of vehicle.
- Can we camp on the islands?
Camping is prohibited on the islands.
- Can we have barbeques or campfires in the park?
It is forbidden to make fires and BBQs are not permitted.
- Can I consume alcohol, eat or smoke during activities?
Alcohol, tobacco and drugs are prohibited. Food is permitted on the islands and on-site. However, we ask you to collect your waste carefully.
- Can my child kayak alone?
Children under 14 must be in the same boat as their parents. Individuals aged 14 to 16 can be alone in their boat but must accompanied by an adult in theirs. Boat rental with parental authorization is authorized from the age of 16. Below this age, a child must always be accompanied in their boat.
- Can I go fishing?
Yes, with a valid fishing license. The license is available online and at certain retailers with hunting and fishing counters.
- Can I go hunting?
Hunting is prohibited.
- Can I venture on all the islands?
The Mille Îles River has many islands, some are developed and accessible to the public. The islands where it is possible to venture are well-identified and provided with docks to facilitate access. Some islands are not accessible since they are private property. Please refer to the Odyssey map or the Ondago application.
- Where can I get a fishing license?
Online or in several stores where they sell outdoor equipment (ex: Canadian Tire, Sail…).
To purchase your fishing license online, go to: https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/my-hunting-fishing-account
To find a point of sale near your current location, you can go to: https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/purchasing-hunting-fishing-trapping-licence/find-licence-sales-outlet
- How much does a fishing license cost?
Annually, for a resident of Quebec, under 65 years old: $25.55 and for 65 years old and over: $20.26. There are also fishing permits for 1, 3 or 7 consecutive days. Unless you are certain that you will not fish again during the year, the annual license is the most advantageous.
- Does my child need a fishing license?
In Quebec, if an adult (18+) has a valid fishing license, certain people can fish under their license (e.g.: spouse, their children under 18 years old or those of the spouse, their children aged 18 to 24 years old with student card, etc.) To see all the details, go to: https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/sport-fishing/fishing-licence#c21709 (see section Who can fish under my license?)
- Can we swim in the river?
In the 1960s, the beaches of the Mille Îles River were closed due to the quality of the water. Since then, the water quality has significantly improved, to the point where the river is even considered swimmable in several places during certain periods. As a precaution, swimming is not permitted, but there is no problem for activities involving contact with water such as canoeing or kayaking.
- Can I bring my child to day camp at any time?
No. You must bring your child no more than 15 minutes after the beginning of the day camp opening time. If a child is more than 15 minutes late, the camp counsellors are free to leave with their group.
Day camp is offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Daycare is offered in the morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Daycare costs $11.00 per day or $44.00 per week.
In the event of medical appointments or a special situation, you can contact the day camp coordinator who will check if special arrangements can be made.
- When do you sell used boats?
When changing inventories. However, we cannot give precise dates regarding the sale of the boats. Everything depends on the arrival of new orders and operational needs.
- Can I bring my dog on a boat?
Animals on a leash are allowed on the site, but they are not allowed on the boats.
- How many people can fit on a boat?
Canoes can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children under 4 feet, or 2 adults and one child under 5 feet. Single kayaks can accommodate one person, as can paddle boards. Double kayaks can accommodate two people. The pedal boats can accommodate 4 people for a maximum of 750 pounds, and the rowboats for a maximum of 523 pounds.
For safety reasons, it is not permitted to carry a small child in a single or double kayak-type boat. Young children can accompany their parents in a canoe, pedal boat, or rowboat if an adult is available to hold the child or if the child can sit up alone.
- I found a lone abandoned animal. What should I do with them?
First, you should know that it is common for parents to leave their baby alone for a certain period, and then come back to pick them up. Keep your distance, leave them alone, and leave the area. Your presence could prevent the parent from returning to his little one. A common misconception is that a baby is orphaned when left alone. However, in reality, it is a normal animal behaviour.
If the animal appears injured or in poor condition, contact the ministry's wildlife line: 1 877 346-6763. Please do not move it or bring it into your home.
General procedure of the ministry: https://www.quebec.ca/en/agriculture-environment-and-natural-resources/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/rescuing-injured-sick-wild-animal
Resources by species group
- Turtles - Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park. Laval. 450-622-1020 # 286. sostortues@eco-nature.ca
- Bat - Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks. 1-877-346-6763
- Squirrel - “Écureuil land” Facebook page
- Wounded birds - Le Nichoir. Hudson. 450-458-2809
- Raccoon - Center-Refuge-Nymous. Sainte-Beatrix. 450-883-5020
- Berger Blanc (Laval only): 450-629-0075
- SPCA (Montreal only): 514-735-2711
- How to prepare for your visit on the river?
Are you planning to visit the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles? Whether it's for an animated activity or not, here are a few tips to help you prepare for your visit and make the most of it.
During your visit, here is the material we suggest you have with you at all times:
- Clothing appropriate to the environmental conditions, the time of year, and the type of boat used (t-shirt, shorts, pants, warm sweater, coat in case of light rain);
- A cap;
- Sunglasses attached with a string;
- Your cell phone, in a waterproof pouch (available at the Park);
- Closed shoes (especially if you plan to go to the islands);
- Mosquito repellent;
- Sunscreen;
- A bottle of water (limited water points on the islands);
- One or more snacks.We also suggest that you keep the following equipment in your vehicle. They could be useful when you return from your activity:
- A towel;
- A change of clothes;
- Extra snacks.During your winter visit, we suggest avoiding cotton clothing when snowshoeing or cross-country skiing because it remains wet and loses its warmth properties.
- What are the hours of the daycare service?
Daycare is available in the morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and in the evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The cost for the daycare is $11.00 per day or $44.00 per week.