The Parc
Sustainable development
Visitors
Practical info
Customer service
Venues
Rental halls
Other services
Société du parc Jean-Drapeau
Resources
Contact Us
Contacts
| Customer Service | 514 872-6120 |
| Emergency and security | 514 872-9999 |
| Jean-Doré Beach | 514 872-0199 |
| Aquatic Complex | 514 872-7368 |
| Athletes' Quarters | 514 872-6222 |
#ParcJeanDrapeau
Wildlife
Parc Jean-Drapeau boasts a wealth of green spaces and a highly diversifed wildlife on the premises. There are very few places near Montréal that are home to as many mammals, along with a wide variety of birds and facilities specifically designed to house insects.
Don't feed the animals
If you come across an animal while you're at the Parc, please don't feed it - it's important to avoid doing this so that the animals don't become dependent on a human presence to get fed!
The animals on the Parc Jean-Drapeau premises are perfectly capable of surviving in a natural environment - you'll be doing them a favour by refraining from giving them food.
Red foxes
Emblematic of Parc Jean-Drapeau, red foxes are mammals which have orange-hue fur with white under the throat and stomach, a pointed muzzle, erect ears and bushy tail.
Foxes are omnivores but their diet is mainly carnivorous. They consume rodents and rabbits, but they also eat insects, fish or fruit. They are opportunistic, with the ability to adapt to very diversifed environments and change their eating habits in relation to the time of the year.
Interesting fact
The mammal population at the Parc was so considerable it led to quite a few problems, including ones related to maintenance and mobility on the islands. As a result, Parc Jean-Drapeau, in conjunction with the Foundation de la faune, artificially introduced red foxes on its site for the purpose of rebalancing and controlling the overpopulation of rodents on the premises.
Raccoons
Raccoons have been naturally sneaking onto the islands of Parc Jean-Drapeau. Raccoons are largely nocturnal, easily able to climb trees, with their agile fingers and sharp claws. They have salt-and-pepper fur with slightly red hues. They are recognizable by their black mask featues bordered by white around the eyes and their tail of alternating clear and black rings.
Raccoons adapt to their many natural environments. Opportunistic and easy to tame, raccoons are often seen roaming in urban areas. Shyer than other animals, raccoons are evasive and hard to spot.
Groundhogs
There is an abundance of groundhogs at Parc Jean-Drapeau and they have gained notoriety worldwide, especially during the Canadian Grand Prix. It's not unusual to see them moseying along the trails or lolling in the sun on a warm summer day.
They have a dark brown, reddish fur and sturdy claws, which are a big help when they dig their burrows.
Interesting fact
Groundhogs are of help to many animals that reuse the groundhogs' burrows as a shelter to protect themselves from predators or bad weather.
Birds
Lots of birds live at or come to Parc Jean-Drapeau because of the diversity of the ecosystems and the omnipresence of water. Nuthatches, cardinals, robins, warblers and hawks are some of the many species on the site. In fact, QuébecOiseaux notes that about 200 species have been observed on the islands.
Year-long, visitors and ornithologists are invited to observe the different types of birds at Parc Jean-Drapeau by going along the many pedestrian pathways on Notre-Dame and Sainte-Hélène islands.
Butterflies
Parc Jean-Drapeau has an array of butterfly houses, places that provide the insects with great protection from the rain, as well as a temperature that's slightly milder than it is outside. In the fall, some of the adult butterfly species look for places to protect themselves and hide until spring.
The nesting houses are placed in an area sheltered from the rain, ideally set beneath the eavesline of buildings, in the Floralies Gardens' area.
The installation of butterfly houses isn't an absolute must for the survival of the species, but it provides a nice opportunity to watch this phenomenon and make the general public aware of what a fine pollinator the butterfly is.
Insects
The next time you're touring the Floralies Gardens, you can take a look at the insect hotels on the site. These tiny cedar houses can accommodate many insects, including solitary bees - also called wild bees - carpenter or mason bees, which are big pollinators. They are the first to pollinate flowers and fruits in the spring. There are more than 350 species in the province of Québec.
The upper area (attic) of the hotels can accommodate ladybugs and lacewings, which are great for eating aphids, insects that are harmful to plant life.
The insect hotels at Parc Jean-Drapeau are made by Atelier Zabie.
Photos
Here are a few photos of the wildlife at the Parc.
Discover the 11 photos of the album!
Also worth discovering
Hiking
With more than 25 kilometres of roads and trails, Parc Jean-Drapeau provides an outdoor escape in the heart of nature, just a few steps from downtown Montréal.
Mosaïcultures
Three monumental mosaïcultures artworks are now permanently installed at Parc Jean-Drapeau. An immersive trail celebrates art, nature, and culture within the Floralies Gardens, open to all. An invitation to rediscover this unique and inspiring site.
Historical books
Get the literary works that cover the significant historical periods of Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Floralies Gardens
To let you discover the marvels of nature in Montreal for free, the Gardens combine thousands of flowers, many types of trees and shrubs, lagoons and public art works!
Portrait sonore
A walking path on Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands is there for your journey, on which you can learn more about public art works and the artists who created them.
Voyage des îles
Discover Parc Jean-Drapeau's bountiful culture and heritage and get access to a wealth of pertinent information through our brand new interactive experience: Voyage des Îles!
Picnic
Parc Jean-Drapeau has a wealth of outstanding places to enjoy a meal or snack in the great outdoors. Whether you are by yourself or with a companion, head off on a discovery of the two islands that compose the Parc and find your next peaceful oasis.
The future of the Parc
Relying on open governance that stimulates commitment and collaboration, Parc Jean-Drapeau is mobilizing to implement a series of actions aimed at achieving its ecological transition, enhancing its rich heritage, and creating vibrant, enriching experiences for its users.
A sustainable and responsible outdoors
To promote a healthy co-existence between the natural areas and the activities conducted at Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Parc urges users to respect the seven outdoor ethics principles recommended by Leave No Trace Canada.
Information Center
Before setting out on your visit to the Parc, we suggest you stop at the Information Center that's right in the middle of Espace 67 on Île Sainte-Hélène, near the Jean-Drapeau subway station and the BIXI bike station.
Discovery Ride
As you ride aboard a 15-seat electric vehicle, take the time to travel more leisurely and crisscross the islands as carefree as the wind while you discover previously unseen places at Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Restrooms
Parc Jean-Drapeau users have access to many safe and clean washrooms outside the sports, museum and entertainment facilities. The restroom facilities are located in key areas of Parc Jean-Drapeau, near activities and events, and some of these facilities are accessible year-round.
Public Art
A collection of 15 City of Montreal art works, done mostly for Expo 67, on display for free along the trails and gardens of Parc Jean-Drapeau.
Learn more
To obtain more details regarding wildlife or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact our staff.
Mobility
Getting to the Parc Jean-Drapeau
Here is the exact location of the Parc Jean-Drapeau, marked on the map to make getting there easier.
Get directions to the location:
Whether you're coming by subway, bike, car, or even on foot, explore all the ways to get to the Parc.
© Société du parc Jean-Drapeau