Mount Wright Old Growth Forest Park

An exceptional ecological heritage!

Located in the United Townships of Stoneham and Tewkesbury, Quebec, Mount Wright Park is a 190-hectare municipal park dedicated to conservation and recreational tourism. It is home to one of the last remaining examples of old-growth forest on private land in eastern Quebec. Since 1997, this forest has been recognized as an exceptional forest ecosystem by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. The Association forestière Québec métropolitain, a local not-for-profit organization, is responsible for its conservation, enhancement and animation, in collaboration with the municipality.

What is an old-growth forest?

Old-growth forests are forest ecosystems with very old trees, the dominant trees having long since reached maturity. These forests have their own dynamics: they contain living, senescent and dead trees, and the ground is strewn with large trunks in various stages of decomposition. The term “old-growth forest” refers to stands that have not been managed by man and have not undergone any recent severe natural disturbance that could have caused the destruction of the forest cover.

Hiking and snowshoeing

A total of 6.5 km of trails have been laid out for hiking in both summer and winter.

Climbing

Climbing is practised on two equipped walls and on a series of boulders identified for this purpose. Climbers must hold a membership card from the Fédération québécoise de la montagne et de l’escalade (www.fqme.qc.ca) or a day pass to access the site.

Observation and interpretation

A series of interpretation panels invite visitors to discover the exceptional character of the site. An interpretation booklet entitled Balade au cœur d’une vieille forêt is available from the municipality and the Association at a cost of $5. Guided tours are also available.

How to get there :

The park entrance is on Route 175. Heading north, 3 km after the Stoneham exit, watch for the sign on the right shortly after the gas station.