Ile Sainte-Helene and Parc Jean-Drapeau
The beautiful Islands of Saint Helen and Notre Dame are home to a beautiful park, a major recreational centre and several popular Montreal attractions
Ile Sainte-Helene is an island located in the Saint Lawrence River South of the City. The original island was merged with a group of smaller islands that were filled in and, along with the adjacent man-made Ile Notre-Dame, became the site of the 1967 World's Fair. As such, the island has been left with a legacy that includes many popular Montreal attractions. Collectively, the two islands form a park called Parc Jean-Drapeau named after the mayor of Montreal who helped bring the 1967 World's Fair to the island and was also responsible the building of the Metro system.
The island, which has its own Metro Station, is home to interesting sculptures and some major tourist attractions including the Biosphere and La Ronde Amusement Park. There is also a large aquatic centre on the Island boasting 3 outdoor swimming pools. With so much to offer, Saint Helen's Island is the number one recreational area for Montrealers. It also hosts numerous events such as outdoor shows, concerts and fireworks. Every year in the month of June the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix is held on the adjacent Ile Notre-Dame.
On the southern end of Ile Notre-Dame a little lake and beach area are enjoyed by swimmers during the summer months. There are also volleyball courts, trampolines and canoe, kayak or pedal boat rentals.There is an admission charge for accessing this area. You can get more information at the link below.
No season is left without some type of fun activities going on. During the winter you will want to check out the Snow Village or partake of some of the many winter activities happening during the Fête des neiges de Montréal. There is also a large Casino in the Park which is open year round.
Of course you don't have to be visiting any particular attraction to enjoy these picturesque islands. There are many walking paths through the forests and greenspaces for you to enjoy. Some of these provide an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the view of downtown Montreal across the river. So, whether you want to spend a day exploring one of more of the many attractions or just go for a relaxing stroll, Park Jean Drapeau and Saint Helen's Island truly have something for everyone.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: St Helen's Island, Montréal, QC, Canada
Parc Jean-Drapeau Reviews
Rated out of 5
Great place to kill time. Beautiful views of downtown and bridge. Alot of wild animals and birds for a small island such as racoons, herrons, ground hogs, feral cats, foxes, weasels, giant rats, snakes, skunks, squirrels, ducks. Bring a camera.
Peter Uveges - 3 years ago
It’s a great place to hangout in weekends.
Kaniyan Paramasivam - a year ago
My absolutely favourite place in Montréal. The developed parts of the island were closed because of Covid, and also the Fort. But walking around the park (original Island) is absolutely beautiful, especially around the pond at La Poudrière, the historic buildings, the memories...
Doug Anderson - 3 years ago
Very beautiful from the sky and on the ground. This island was always a fun part of my trips to Montreal as a kid.
Easily accessible by metro, go for a nice walk and picnic or go visit Laronde once the lockdown is done.
Ryan - 3 years ago
Nice place to go walking if there aren't a lot of people.
Forrest to walk paths, historical sites, beautiful views! Make it a picnic!
Sam Ryckman - 3 years ago
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 4 - Yellow | Station Jean-Drapeau | 0 Minutes |
How to get to Parc Jean-Drapeau by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 4 to Station Jean-Drapeau. This places you on Ile Sainte-Helene close to the Aquatic Complex and Biosphere. From here you can walk in almost any direction to explore the island. For walking directions to specific attractions click on the link for the specific attraction under 'Nearby Attractions' above.
You can also take advantage of Bus #777 that goes to the Casino to get over to Ile Notre-Dame quickly and there are also seasonal buses that serve the La Ronde amusement park when it is open.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Parc Jean-Drapeau:
Photo Gallery
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Fall colors add to a very picturesque and serene spot in Parc Jean Drapeau -
Cooling off during the summer at a water park in Parc Jean Drapeau cc licensed photo by Hobbes vs Boyle -
Photo Credit: Joe Passe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: art_inthecity - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Joe Passe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: A Disappearing Act - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: A Disappearing Act - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: A Disappearing Act - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: art_inthecity - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: naquib - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: meantux - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: art_inthecity - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: naquib - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Joe Passe - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: meantux - cc license via Flickr
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