The Majestic St. Lawrence River
Historical waterway, place of contemplation, source of inspiration...the St. Lawrence River plays a central role in Quebec’s geography and history.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and its partners have protected more than 20 km2 (2,000 hectares) of natural areas along the St. Lawrence River.
Its islands and islets, which number in the hundreds, and its riverbanks, which span more than 1,000 kilometres, are inhabited by often unsuspected varieties of flora and fauna. Did you know that the Lac Saint-Pierre Archipelago alone, near Sorel-Tracy, comprises over 100 islands and the Hochelaga Archipelago (Montreal) is made up of over 300?
For over half a century, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and our many partners have been working together to protect the many natural areas found on the St. Lawrence’s islands and in its riparian environments. From the vibrant Island of Montreal to the peaceful Magdalen Islands, this unique network of ecosystems, some of which are threatened, creates valuable habitat for many plants and animals.
Each protected property is a victory for NCC and for those who donate to its efforts. Discover victories that feed into our major conservation project featuring the St. Lawrence’s natural areas:
- Six islands and three parts of an island skirting the Hochelaga Archipelago saved from urban development, and now accessible for the public to enjoy;
- The Lac Saint-Pierre Archipelago, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve;
- The swamps of Grondines and Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade, teeming with life;
- île d’Orléans and its Argentenay Point, a site of incalculable natural wealth;
- île aux Grues, which so inspired artist Jean-Paul Riopelle;
- Les Pèlerins, a small group of islands in the Kamouraska region that serves as a resting place for scores of birds; and
- The dune and wetlands of the Magdalen Islands, which shelter a variety of at-risk bird species.
Thanks to our partners:
