Gault Nature Reserve, McGill’s 1,000-hectare natural forest on Mont Saint-Hilaire, has received local and Quebec government recognition for its tourism and community engagement initiatives:
- Plan Montagne Montérégie, funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Tourisme Montérégie, awarded Gault $135,315 to expand its infrastructure and enhance its four-season tourism offerings. Gault is using the money to renovate its welcome centre, develop a new conference centre and expand its range of educational and cultural services; the reserve has also adapted its nature trails to accommodate an increase in visitors.
- The Chambre de commerce et d’industrie Vallée-du-Richelieu awarded its Jury’s Choice Award at the 2025 Illumina Gala in recognition of Gault’s role in enhancing the region’s economic and social vitality.
“These honours reflect growing recognition of our role in research, teaching, conservation and community engagement,” said David Maneli, Associate Director of the Gault Nature Reserve.
“The constant support of our community continues to inspire and motivate us.”
Mountains and minerals
The Gault Nature Reserve serves as a scientific field station for McGill’s Faculty of Science and welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually to its 25 km of nature trails.
The new funding will also help Gault establish a new permanent exhibition dedicated to the mountain’s minerals. It is expected to open in 2026. Mont Saint-Hilaire’s quarry is world-famous among mineralogists and collectors: it’s the source of over 440 different mineral species – 73 of which were new to science when discovered – making it the world’s second most prolific mineral locality.
“If you go to any respected natural history museum, it will have a mineral from Mont Saint-Hilaire,” said Maneli. “This exhibit will highlight its diversity and uniqueness.”
The Nature Reserve will also be highlighting locally made products and tourist attractions visitors can discover.
“Gault enjoys an excellent reputation in the region, which significantly strengthens its impact and credibility with partners and citizens,” said Maneli.