The Saint‑Leonard underground cavern in Montreal has opened two guided tours, adding a brand‑new route that follows the discovery of an extra section in 2017. The initiative is overseen by Marc‑André Longpré of Caverne de Saint‑Léonard and aims to give visitors a structured way to explore the natural cavity located in Parc Pie‑XII, Saint‑Leonard.
The cavern, a naturally formed underground space, has long been a hidden geological feature of the city. Its recent expansion of visitor offerings marks the first time the site will host more than one official tour, providing an alternative to the usual off‑the‑beaten‑path experiences that attract locals and tourists interested in Montreal’s rock formations. The two tours differ in route, with one following the original pathway and the other incorporating the section uncovered in 2017.
Marc‑André Longpré explained that the 2017 find revealed a previously unknown chamber that extended the cave’s known dimensions. By integrating this area into a dedicated tour, the organization hopes to showcase the diversity of the limestone formations and the processes that created them. The tours are conducted by trained guides who describe the cave’s geological history, the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, and the role of underground water in shaping the space.
Located within the green expanse of Parc Pie‑XII, the cavern offers a unique activity that contrasts with the park’s surface amenities. Visitors can combine a walk through the park’s trails with an underground excursion, gaining insight into the layers of earth beneath the city. The addition of the new route is expected to draw increased interest from schools, geology clubs, and tourists seeking an alternative perspective on Montreal’s natural landscape.
The launch of the two guided tours coincides with a growing public curiosity about urban geology and the preservation of natural sites within the metropolitan area. By formalising access to the Saint‑Leonard cave, the organizers aim to balance public enjoyment with the protection of the delicate underground environment.