Île du Cheval de Terre

Hidden within the Rivière des Prairies, Île du Cheval de Terre awaits. Île du Cheval de Terre translates to “Island of the Earth Horse”. This unassuming islet, shaped like a crescent moon, earned its peculiar name before 1840. Locals likened its form to the rump of a horse, forever straining to pull the neighboring Île de la Visitation northward. Île du Cheval de Terre spans a modest 3.40 hectares. At its widest point, it stretches a mere 100 meters across, its length approximately 400 meters. This small island plays a vital role in Montreal’s natural heritage. It contributes to the region’s biodiversity. Île du Cheval de Terre, along with Île de la Visitation, became integral parts of a hydroelectric complex in 1929. This construction significantly altered the surrounding landscape. The once-prominent Sault rapids, Île au Sergent, and Île au Hibou vanished beneath the rising waters. Even a portion of Île de la Visitation’s shoreline succumbed to the transformation. Consequently, the Rivière des Prairies ceased to be a navigable waterway. Today, Île du Cheval de Terre rests within the Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation. This larger park, established in 1984, encompasses the former hydraulic installations, now silent remnants of the past, and a natural woodland bordering the river. The park offers a diverse range of activities. Visitors can enjoy walks and bike rides in the summer, and cross-country skiing trails wind through the snowy landscape in winter. Île du Cheval de Terre, a place of quiet beauty and ecological importance, remains a testament to the interplay of nature and human intervention.