Mont Yamaska: private land, access by permission only

The mountain

Mont Yamaska is a 410 m mountain in Saint-Paul-d'Abbotsford, according to the municipality. It formed about 125 million years ago: magma solidified underground, then glacial erosion exposed the hill. Its rich, diverse forest is a refuge for many plants and animals, about twenty of which are in danger of disappearing. According to Wikipedia, the forest is mostly deciduous, with sugar maple dominant, and apple orchards cover some lower slopes.

Access: private land

The massif is private and shared among close to 200 owners, according to the municipality, which reminds visitors that it is not possible to travel on it without authorization. According to La Voix de l'Est (June 2023), only the owners and paragliding and hang gliding pilots have access, and hiking by the public is not permitted. Before planning an outing, check with the municipality of Saint-Paul-d'Abbotsford.

In October 2023 the municipality offered a hike on the mountain; the activity was full, and the municipality called it a pilot project that it would evaluate. It would like to build a trail to the summit but, according to La Voix de l'Est (June 2023), maple syrup producers oppose it. Opening of a public trail: unconfirmed.

Protecting the mountain

The Mont Yamaska protection and sustainable development project aims to raise awareness of the mountain and to support interested owners in developing their land while preserving the environment and its species. The Fondation pour la conservation du mont Yamaska's mission is to promote and safeguard the ecosystem of the mountain and its surroundings. A local conservation plan for the Mont Yamaska hill, 2023-2027, led by Fondation SÉTHY, was tabled in December 2022 (La Voix de l'Est, June 2023).

Free flight

Paragliding and hang gliding are practised above Mont Yamaska. According to the municipality, a professional school lets visitors try both; the way there is along rang de la Montagne. The Distance Vol Libre school, at 640 rang de la Montagne, offers tandem flights and says launches are possible all around the mountain (360 degrees). It says it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; its phone number is listed for May 1 to October 31. According to its FAQ, activities are cancelled in rain, and the maximum wind is about 30 km/h for paragliding and 40 km/h for hang gliding.

At the foot of the mountain

The Les Petits Cailloux vineyard is at 625 rang de la Montagne. According to its website, it is open June 15 to October 15: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until sunset, Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers the Tour du Domaine with tastings. Its website describes no hiking trail; check hours with the vineyard.