Ile Sainte-Helene and Parc Jean-Drapeau

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The beautiful Islands of Saint Helen and Notre Dame are home to a beautiful park, a major recreational centre and several popular Montreal attractions

Early Autumn view of Ile Sainte-Helene cc licensed photo by abdallahh

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

Official Website: Parc Jean-Drapeau

Fee: No

Open Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

Monday: 9:00 am - 9:00 am
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 9:00 am
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 9:00 am
Thursday: 9:00 am - 9:00 am
Friday: 9:00 am - 9:00 am
Saturday: 9:00 am - 9:00 am
Sunday: 9:00 am - 9:00 am

Category: Parks

Address: Montreal, QC H3C 1A9
Canada

Phone: +1 514-872-6120

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4 out of 5 4 Star Rating
Based on 45 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

Large beautiful park on an island overlooking the city of Montreal. Jean Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau) is the third-largest park in Montreal. It... Read More

Robert S. Sep-09-2022

Excellent city park on an island accessible by metro. It provides not only the BioSphere, which an environmental museum as well as just a cool fricking art... Read More

Alek Z. May-23-2022

This is a really nice park. I guess is less of a park and more like a big empty lot where things happen. We came in for a free winter festival. There were... Read More

Tairyn A. Mar-04-2017

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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.

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Photo Gallery

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: Yelp
Photo Credit: Yelp
Photo Credit: Yelp
Photo Credit: akigabo - 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: art_inthecity - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: meantux - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: A Disappearing Act - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: naquib - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: naquib - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: art_inthecity - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: Joe Passe - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: Artur Staszewski - cc license via Flickr
Photo Credit: art_inthecity - cc license via Flickr

Video

HD video of an aerial flyover from north to south of Ile Sainte-Helene and Ile Notre-Dame. Starting at the north end you can see the La Ronde Amusement Park with its giant rollercoasters. Later you pass over the and Fort, the Aquatic Centre, the Biosphere, Montreal Casino and and eventually the beach and lake at the south end of Ile Notre-Dame with the Gilles Villeneuve Formula 1 Circuit and grandstands along the eastern shore.