Nestled within the Montmorency Forest, the Tourbière Joncas is a remarkable natural heritage site of exceptional ecological value, playing a key role in research and education. Its fragile nature raised a fundamental question: how can this unique environment be shared without compromising its delicate balance? It is within this context that Opaysage was invited to collaborate on a project aimed at making the bog accessible to students, researchers, and visitors, while maintaining a minimal and exemplary level of intervention.

The design proposal is grounded in strong principles of environmental protection and long-term stewardship. Conceptual choices favour the use of natural materials, the preservation of the entire ecosystem—including fauna, flora, and soil quality—as well as the continuity of ecological processes and the site’s natural drainage patterns. Accessibility was conceived as a guiding thread, carefully integrated into the existing topography and hydrological conditions.

The route was designed as a gradual transition toward the bog. It begins with a crushed stone path leading to an interpretation node that marks the entrance to the biodiversity reserve. Visitors then follow a wooden boardwalk made up of floating walkways that pass through a sequence of distinct plant communities. Four observation points punctuate the experience, inviting pause, contemplation, and interpretation, and culminate in a self-supporting hexagonal platform offering a privileged view of the bog. The journey concludes with a short, intentionally rustic forest path, echoing traditional portage trails and reinforcing the connection to the natural landscape.

Already, the site bears witness to the sensitivity of the intervention: wildlife has begun to reclaim the space, and a moose has even been observed using the boardwalk. Through both its nature and the close collaboration with the teams at Université Laval, this project is deeply aligned with Opaysage’s values. A project of heart, guided by social and environmental responsibility, and one we are proud to have contributed to.