McGill University: Gault Nature Reserve

Copyright Photo: Lac Hertel by Montreal Photo Daily, on Flickr

This is Lac Hertel (Hertel Lake) in the Gault Nature Reserve, situated in Mont St. Hilaire. Most of the mountain is currently the property of McGill University, as the Gault Nature Reserve. The University has opened the western half of the mountain to visitors (at a fee) for hiking and cross-country skiing, named "The Natural Area". And the eastern half, named "The Preservation Area" is not accessible to the general public. Since it is a mere 45 minutes drive from downtown Montreal, the reserve is much appreciated by urbanites and is popular for all sorts of outdoor activities.