Nature, Habitats and Parks
Montreal offers a unique setting within a diverse natural environment, supporting not only common animals and plants adapted to human activities but also species from nearby untouched areas less accustomed to urban life.
The region features a variety of habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, forests, swamps, and prairies, each home to its own distinctive plants and animals. This habitat diversity is reflected in the wide range of species you can encounter when visiting nearby urban or natural parks.
Habitats
Ponds
The flat terrain of Montreal and Southern Quebec supports the formation of ponds, which provide vital habitats for many species. In spring, melting snow create temporary ponds in forests and prairies, essential for certain species' life cycles.
Rivers
Smaller rivers feed into the Saint Lawrence River, which flows through Montreal, Quebec City, and into the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. These waterways and their rapids sustain diverse species.
Wetlands
Flooded areas near rivers and ponds form wetlands and swamps, either temporarily or year-round, offering critical resources for wildlife.
Forests
Deciduous forests dominate the Montreal area, with occasional pine trees transitioning to pine forests at higher altitudes or farther north.
Prairies
Both cultivated and natural prairies abound, providing habitats for a wide range of species.