"It's a pity, because a lot of people don't really know about what you can find (in Cap St. Jacques," explained Pierrefonds/Roxboro borough councillor Catherine Talbot, who lives in one of the large, stone homes recognized as a historical monument by the City of Montreal.

Last month, Montreal recognized two more homes in the area as historical monuments. The first, Thomas Brunet House, was built back in 1835 by an eponymous farmer. "Maison Brunet is to be renovated," Talbot said. According to her, the home was purchased by the Montreal Urban Community in 1982.

Though an old Montreal Urban Community sign still adorned a wall of the fieldstone home Friday afternoon, Brunet has been steadily receiving about $400 000 worth of renovation since 2005, according to City of Montreal documents.

Thomas Brunet House is remarkable not only for its well-preserved state, but also some of the unique additions that have been made to the home since it was built. In 1928 and 1958, two towers were added to the house. Brunet's unique, curved exterior thus stands out even more from the homes around it.

Depending on their luck, visitors to Cap St. Jacques can also possibly catch a movie or television series in the middle of a shoot. On Friday afternoon, cast and crew for La Grande Bataille, a made-for-television-historical epic, was wrapping up production near Thomas Brunet.

Last year, a Hollywood production crew even built (and subsequently tore down) an ancient-looking home for fantasy movie The Spiderwick Chronicles in an area of the forest.

For a look at a real, ancient-looking historical monument though, head to Maison Ladouceur, another 1835-era abode that recently got the nod as a historical monument by the City of Montreal. Though not preserved as well as Thomas Brunet House, this farmer home's rustic appearance-complete with vines stretching over its wall-are what lend it its appearance.

Visitors who take a look underneath the house's right wall might be curious to find a flat, stone slab. "I know it just looks like stone," explained Talbot, but she said the slab used to be a part of the home's kitchen sink.

Those who are less historically inclined can take advantage of the great hiking opportunities Cap St. Jacques offers, with about 26 km of trails. Bicycling, canoeing, nature observation and cross-country skiing in the winter are also on offer.

And, last but not least, you can also enjoy a relaxing day at Cap St. Jacque's beach on Lake of Two Mountains.

Talbot also highlighted the park's ecological farm and sugar shack. "Isn't it wonderful?" She said, mentioning these places are a stone's throw away for many West Islanders, but unknown to many of them.

Call 514-280-6871 for more information.