FAQ
Ticketing
You can purchase your day pass at the service pavilion's ticket office or online, and pick up your wristband at the reception.
No, it's not compulsory, but it's highly recommended to ensure a place on busy days and to reduce waiting times at the box office. Accepted methods of payment: bank transfer, credit and debit cards.
No. It is valid only for the selected day.
ELECTRIC BICYCLES
Quebec's mountain bike centers only accept "class 1" electric bikes with a "pedal" motor. Class 1 VTTAE bikes have a speed limit of 32 km/hour. Once this speed is reached, the motor immediately ceases all electric assistance. Class 2 (forbidden on trails) is a bike with the same speed limit, but with assistance generated by a handlebar-mounted lever and no pedal strokes required.
It should be noted that there is a 25% surcharge on the access fees payable.
No, scooters and electric scooters are strictly forbidden on our trails.
EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING
Wearing a helmet is mandatory at all times for two-wheeled activities on mountain bike and multi-use trails.
When cycling, it is highly recommended to use additional protective gear such as knee pads, elbow pads, and back protection.
No, our rental bikes have flat pedals, so sporty shoes will do. Avoid ready-to-wear shoes.
To prepare for your visit to our trails, first find out about the weather conditions and plan your clothing and equipment accordingly.
Mountain biking and hiking :
Pack a backpack to carry essentials such as a water bottle, food, cell phone and repair tools such as levers, pumps and inner tubes.
You should wear running shoes and opt for lightweight clothing such as shorts and t-shirts made of synthetic materials rather than cotton. Bring a windbreaker for cooler days and sunglasses for sunnier ones! And don't forget your sunscreen.
Winter sports :
Prioritize layering and avoid cotton! Pack a backpack to carry essentials such as a water bottle, food, cell phone and a change of clothes. When fat-biking, feet and hands are particularly vulnerable to the cold, so bring warm boots and good gloves. In general, carrying a headlamp in your backpack can be very useful.
We require helmets for all two-wheeled activities. You may, however, use your own bicycle helmet. We strongly suggest that you put a sport toque or Buff underneath to cut out the wind. If you have a ski or snowboard helmet, that's perfect. If necessary, we can rent you one.
Unfortunately not. Whatever the ground conditions, we require snowshoeing on our network for your safety and to maintain trail quality.
With the popularity of fatbikes at Espace Nature and to ensure everyone's safety, snowshoeing is not permitted on fatbike trails. The trail map indicates dedicated snowshoeing trails.
We suggest that you wear light, flexible clothing that allows you to move well. Avoid baggy pants and denim.
RISKS AND LIABILITIES
The activities offered by Espace Nature take place in semi-natural or possibly rugged natural environments, which are consequently further away from medical services.
There could be a delay in responding to an emergency requiring evacuation (rescue) and, consequently, a possible worsening of the injured person's condition leading to death.
Risks include, but are not limited to, those described below. By accessing our trails, you accept the nature of these risks as an integral part of the activity, as well as the consequences that may result.
Usual risks inherent to the business:
Steep, uneven terrain with little or no visible obstacles, where a person can get lost or into a dangerous situation;
- Falling debris caused naturally or by other users;
- Rapidly changing weather conditions with no warning signs;
- Careless behavior on the part of other users;
- Wild animals;
- An injury caused by an impact or fall against a contending object or obstacle (branches, equipment, etc.);
- An injury caused by movement (sprain, strain, fracture, etc.);
- Injury resulting from accidental or unintentional impact with another participant;
- Hypothermia.
- Heat stroke.
It is the user's responsibility to recognize that mountain biking involves risks. This document is also required by our insurers and our partner, Aventure Écotourisme Québec.
SCHEDULE
No, it's forbidden to ride outside opening hours.
Gradual opening starting summer 2026 | July 10 to October 31, 2026 | Friday-Saturday-Sunday | 9 AM to 5 PM.
Starting in Summer 2027 Taking seasons and temperature into account, the winter season generally begins around December 1st and ends around April 30th. As for the summer season, it can begin around May 15th and end around October 30th. Follow us on Facebook for updated conditions.
At any time, you can visit our Facebook page and our web page to find out about trail conditions. In between seasons, follow our Facebook page religiously for the latest relevant information. Trail conditions are visible in real time at the top of our home page, represented by green (open) and red (closed) dots. We usually update our conditions around 8:00 a.m., after a general tour.
Unfortunately not! It's an insurance issue, we cannot guarantee your safety.
Progressive opening starting Summer 2026 | July 10 to October 31, 2026 | Friday-Saturday-Sunday | 9 AM to 5 PM.
Starting in the summer of 2027 From Thursday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that these hours may change depending on customer traffic and weather conditions.
CAFÉ
The cafe will open its doors in the summer of 2027.
Our cafe will be open every day the trails are open starting at 10:00 AM.
The cafe will open its doors in the summer of 2027.
Refer to the «What to do in the area?» section to discover dining options. Click here .
DOGS
No, dogs are not allowed on the site or on the trails.
Outdoor equipment rental
Espace Nature offers a full range of all-season outdoor equipment rentals. Whether you're preparing for a bike ride or a hike, you'll find the right gear for your activity and skill level here. All equipment is maintained, inspected, and ready for use. Our team will advise you on choosing the right equipment based on your conditions and experience. Online booking is recommended to ensure availability.
Online booking is mandatory at all times. Click here to get all the information.
To make the most of your rental, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your activity. Please note that the time required to make your adjustments and answer your questions is included in the duration of your rental.
Yes. Espace Nature has a fleet of over 14 bikes. It is important to book and pay online at least 36 hours in advance if you want to ensure your time slot is available. Click here to get all the information about bicycle rentals.
Yes. We have 24-inch bikes for summer initiation.
We have helmets, knee pads and elbow pads.
No. The rental bike must be used on the nature space trails.
No. If we have to close the site, you can change the date of your reservation or receive a refund.
Yes, as long as you do so within 48 hours of booking. To do so, please contact us at 450.898.3643
Contact us 450.898.3643 and we will proceed according to bike availability.
Yes, but please note that we can't guarantee the availability of your bike without a reservation.
REPAIR WORKSHOP AND INTRODUCTION TO CYCLING
We offer a support service for breakdowns or minor adjustments. Self-service option.
Not yet, but eventually it will be possible to have advanced and introductory courses, as well as a guiding service. Write to us by indicating your needs and we will try to meet them.
PARKING AND/OR CAMPING
Parking lot P2 will be built in 2028 and will be located 3 kilometers away and will require an access ticket.
Yes, we simply take into account the length of your vehicle and ask you to fold your rack when you are parked.
No, you are not allowed to park with your vehicle + trailer.
No, you can't bring a trailer.
No, overnight parking is prohibited at all times on Espace Nature sites.
The campgrounds in Saint-Michel-des-Saints are: Camping Parc régional du Lac Taureau, Municipal campground (Pointe-Fine beach), Camping Dynastie, Camping des Roses, Camping St-Ignace and Matawin Campground.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER AND/OR PATROLLER
Are you fit and enjoy outdoor work? Join our team of volunteers! You will participate in the maintenance of the trails as well as the development of the nature area. Your help is invaluable to us, and we are grateful for your interest in our development. To do this, contact us directly through our group Facebook or email or via our become a volunteer section of website.
