West Island’s wildlife sanctuary

BY HOLLIE WATSON

One of the most unique attractions on the West Island is the Ecomuseum, a sanctuary for indigenous wildlife that draws thousands of nature-lovers each year. Operated by the St. Lawrence Valley Natural History Society, “the Ecomuseum is an 11.3-hectare educational park where visitors can observe over 110 species in their own habitat,” according to administrative assistant Caroline Bourque.

Located in Ste. Anne de Bellevue, the non-profit retreat opened in 1988 and is home to myriad furred and feathered creatures, from the arctic fox and caribou, to wolves and wild turkeys, as well as a wide range of birds of prey. An educational centre houses fish and amphibians, as well as a songbird aviary.

“In addition to guided tours for 15 people or more, we have many other activities year-round. Our summer day camps for kids started last week and continue until mid-August, and on July 28 there will be an apprenticeship program for children under six,” Bourque said

Accompanied by a parent, children feed the animals and learn what’s involved in their care. A similar program for older children will be held Aug. 4 and 5.

“We’ll be holding our Magical Nights sleepover Aug. 17 and 18, and in September we’ll be hosting Breakfast with the Otters. It’s similar to our Breakfast with Bears program, which has been a great success. We give participants a continental breakfast, a presentation and a tour, and we bring food for the animals.”

Other features include monthly Story time September through April, and frog-call nights each spring.

“Birthday parties are also popular. We have a private room families can use; they bring their own food, or call in for pizza (beverages and snacks are also available on site),” Bourque said.

While visitors can tour the facility on their own or participate in an activity of their choosing, membership is a good option as it provides free access to the park and rebates on other events.

“In addition, new arrivals to the West Island might like to consider this opportunity to volunteer at the Ecomuseum,” she said.

The park is located at 21125 Ste. Marie Rd. (exit 41 off Highway 40). For more information and to register for upcoming activities, call 514-457-9449, or visit www.ecomuseum.ca.