A beautiful fall walk: Pollock Island
Let’s go for a nature walk Mom said…it’ll be fun she said…
Determined to get out and try a new trail last August, we packed up the kids and headed to Pollock Island in St Norbert. It was one of those beautiful summer nights when you think to yourself that there just won’t be too many more of these so we better make the most of it.
Once private property, the land has since been donated to be kept as a nature reserve. Tucked in between the Red and La Salle rivers, Pollock Island is actually more of a peninsula. However, when the rivers flood, the narrow piece of land in between the two rivers goes under water, and so, we have Ile Pollock.
Our first venture out was in mid-August. The weather was perfect but the mosquitoes were horrendous to say the least. We tried to tough it out for about five minutes but then realized we simply couldn’t go on and, quite literally, ran back to the car. Our youngest insisted: “We are never, EVER coming back here again.” At least we tried?!?
Now, let’s fast forward to a beautiful fall evening in October. I was still eager to see this trail, so close to our home. The mosquitoes were no longer, the autumn colours were in full swing and the kids were on board to give Pollock Island another try. And I’m happy to report that our second outing was far more successful! The kids played and explored and were very intrigued by the fact that people used to live on the property.
The trail is a 1.3 km out and back and is very manageable for young children. There are pretty view points, rocks and stumps to climb and explore and also a few placards providing information on the history of the land.
I would recommend baby wearing as the walk isn’t really stroller friendly. However, if a stroller was all you had, you could probably manage so long as the stroller has sturdy wheels and you are willing to maneuver over a few obstacles.
One final thing to note: We learned the hard way that Google Maps does not give accurate directions to the trail head (unless you can walk on water!). Only a couple minutes south of the St Norbert Farmer’s Market, heading south on Pembina Hwy, take a left onto Av. de l’Eglise, a right onto Rue St Pierre and then follow the road to the end where you’ll find the entrance to the trail.
This walk would be good in any season when the trail can be accessed (entrance may be flooded in the spring) but one should keep in mind that in summer the mosquitoes might be too much to handle and reviews on All Trails say it can be quite muddy in the late spring due to residual flooding. So fall and winter are the ideal times to visit.
If you try this trail, please tag @fittogetherwpg and share your outdoor enthusiasm with us. Happy Trails!
Ashley
Tips for Pollock Island
- Trail is out and back, and only 1.3 km which is great for walking tots and little ones. Explore the neighbourhood first if you want a longer walk.
- Babywearing recommended. Not ideal for strollers
- No washrooms available.
- Snacks, always bring snacks. St Norbert Market is a short drive or longer walk away if you want to make it a half day excursion.
