Piedmont: Parks, Trails and Local History

In Piedmont, natural areas, traces of the former railway and local history sit alongside opportunities for activity and time outdoors. Parc Gilbert-Aubin combines a nature park with a lake and hiking trail; at the former railway station, park facilities meet the history of the P’tit Train du Nord. There is also a cycling connection, exhibitions and a seasonal boat launch. For planning, you can distinguish the locations by their focus and by conditions such as the season or restrictions on animals.

Nature and hiking trail at Parc Gilbert-Aubin

Parc Gilbert-Aubin was gradually transformed from a former sand quarry into a large nature park through several major projects. It includes its own lake, Lac Charbonneau, with a fountain. The park also has a 1.9-kilometre hiking trail rated easy. Access is through the park, and parking is available there.

The lake and hiking trail offer different highlights: Lac Charbonneau and its fountain are part of the park landscape, while the trail provides a specific hiking option. Its length and difficulty rating give you useful information when planning it as part of your stay. This makes it possible to consider the park both for its landscape and for a route with a stated distance, without assuming a particular length of visit.

The former railway station and the trails

The grounds of Piedmont’s former railway station, in Parc de la Gare de Piedmont, have children’s play equipment, picnic tables, rest areas and public toilets. There is also an outdoor fitness park next to the P’tit Train du Nord. The station area therefore brings together several specific amenities: opportunities for activity, picnic and rest areas, as well as public toilets. Parc de la Gare de Piedmont combines these park facilities with an outdoor fitness park, while the lake, fountain and hiking trail shape what Parc Gilbert-Aubin offers.

The former station is also part of railway history. In 1996, the 201-kilometre Tracé de l’Ancien-Chemin-de-Fer-du-Nord became the route of the linear Parc linéaire le P’tit Train du Nord; Piedmont’s former station is one of the preserved stations along the route. The connection between the former railway line and its present-day use as a linear park gives the station grounds a distinct historical context.

The urban Vélocité cycling route branches off from Gare de Piedmont. It connects Parc linéaire le P’tit Train du Nord with the Corridor aérobique and passes through Piedmont, Saint-Sauveur and Morin-Heights. This brings together two distinct route connections: the former railway line, now part of the linear park, and Vélocité, which links that park with the Corridor aérobique. The places named provide concrete reference points for understanding the cycling route.

Local history and regional art

The Circuit patrimonial de Piedmont is a historical and cultural project. Twelve permanent signs installed throughout the municipality present the area’s history. Since they are spread across Piedmont, local history can be encountered in several places in the municipality rather than at just one building.

Pont Gagliesi is a structure representative of Piedmont’s history. The buildings of Centre de jeunesse Shawbridge are also representative. Together with the Circuit patrimonial signs, these places offer different points of reference for the municipality’s history. Exhibitions by regional artists are also held in the multipurpose hall next to Gare de Piedmont, adding regional art to the historical themes.

More parks and seasonal conditions

Parc du chemin du Pont has a photo exhibition along the park path featuring pictures taken by local residents. There is also a boat launch for canoes and kayaks, accessible in spring and summer. If you plan to use the launch, schedule your visit for this period. The photo exhibition and seasonal canoe and kayak access give the park distinct highlights.

Réserve naturelle Alfred-Kelly has 13 different trails. Animals are not allowed there. Plan your visit without animals; this distinguishes the reserve from the parks mentioned above, which offer other visitor options, such as park facilities, hiking trails or a seasonal boat launch. This lets you choose among Piedmont’s natural areas more easily, depending on whether you are interested in a hiking trail, park facilities, a seasonal boat launch or the reserve’s trails.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Anne-Des-Lacs, Morin-Heights, Saint-Sauveur-Des-Monts, Sainte-Adele.

Return to the regional travel overview: Les Pays-D'en-Haut.