Located about 20 minutes from downtown Montreal, on the western tip of the island in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, the Morgan Arboretum is a must-see spot for those curious about indigenous plant and animal life. The 245-hectare site is thoroughly protected from outside influence – even visiting dogs must first pass tests to make it to an exclusive annual list – so that the experience of hikers and snowshoe aficionados is as close to undisturbed nature as can be. As part of the McGill University Macdonald Campus, it is a place for botanical studies, birding (over 170 native species call it home) and general contemplation. The paths among the fir, oak, birch, maple, linden, spruce and flowering trees are beautifully wild yet carefully tended, and there are just enough benches to invite quiet reflection. http://morganarboretum.org/
