Île de la Visitation

In 1750, Île de la Visitation shed its old name, Branchereau Island, embracing a title echoing the parish of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin-Mary. Île de la Visitation is more than just an island. It’s a whispered story of Montreal’s growth. It’s a bridge between nature and the city’s industrial past. The island sits nestled in the Rivière des Prairies, a part of the Hochelaga Archipelago within Montreal, Quebec. It’s shared by the boroughs of Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Montréal-Nord. Today, much of Île de la Visitation is a haven of nature. L’Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park protects the island’s green heart. It also preserves the echoes of the Sault-au-Récollet district, a historic community that once thrived here. But the island’s story began much earlier. Long before the park, the Sulpicians, landlords of Montreal, saw the power of the river. They built a causeway to tame the current and connect the island to the mainland. Between 1724 and 1726, engineer Simon Sicar constructed a dam and a sawmill, harnessing the river’s energy. He also built mills to grind corn and card wool, laying the foundation for the island’s industrial future. The hum of industry continued for centuries. The mills passed through many hands, from the Séminaire de Montréal to companies like the Dominion Leather Board Company and the Milmont Fibreboards Co. A nail mill operated from 1833 to 1879. Sawmills and paper mills followed, shaping the island’s soundscape. Amidst the industry, a quieter story unfolded. The Maison du Pressoir, built in 1806 by Didier Joubert, initially served as a cider press. Later, it became a home, a testament to the island’s multifaceted history. Though much of the island’s industry is gone, its remnants remain. You can still find the stone foundation of the Maison du Pressoir and traces of the old mills. Île de la Visitation stands as a living timeline. It’s a blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into Montreal’s rich and layered past.