Montreal is known for its picturesque landscapes and snowy winters, but it also has some wonderful hiking and trekking spots. Travelers have plenty of options in and around Montreal, where they can head to for some unwinding and be surrounded by nature, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Outdoor lovers will love spots like Mont-Saint-Bruno Park, which has trails that are perfect for beginners. Both hiking and trekking have many health benefits as it increases not only your physical abilities, but also enhances your mental strength. It also allows you to increase your stamina as well as is a great stress-buster. Here’s our rundown of the best hiking and trekking spots in Montreal, Canada.
1. Ruisseau-De Montigny Nature Park
Ruisseau-De Montigny Nature Park is located in the north-east part of Montreal. The nature park has four small islands and waterfalls. It is home to severe animal species. It has a 15 km (9.3 miles) long hiking trail, and is a popular haunt for locals and tourists alike. Other activities here include cross-country skiing and cycling. There are facilities for paid outdoor parking. The nature park also has a banquet and conference hall. The picnic area at the park is filled with visitors. It is a wonderful place to observe nature at its absolute beauty and calmness. The place is open from sunrise to sunset. Any visitor would vouch for the fact that watching the sunrise and/or sunset from this nature park is an experience in itself.
Ruisseau-De Montigny Nature Park
Address: Boulevard Louis-H. La Fontaine, Montréal, QC H1J 2Y2
Website: Ruisseau-De Montigny Nature Park
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
2. Des Rapides Park
With a hiking trail of 5 km (3.1 miles), Des Rapides Park offers hiking and trekking amid a picturesque setting. This is an ideal spot if you like outdoor activities and explore nature. The park is also the perfect choice for a family outing with the possibility of camping, bird-watching, and kayaking. Kayaking and camping equipment are available here on rent. The main feature of this park is that it is a migratory bird sanctuary, with approximately 225 species of birds. It is also home to varied fish species and plants. Even if you are just interested in bicycling or walking on the trails, this park will provide you with ample opportunity to do so. There are also guided tours available to explore the park. One can witness the majestic views of Lachine Rapids and St. Lawrence River during the hike.
Des Rapides Park
Address: Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, QC H8P 1X6, Canada
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
3. Parc-Nature Pointe-aux-Prairies
The hiking trail at Parc-Nature Pointe-aux-Prairies is 15 km (9.32 miles) long. Other activities you can partake in here are cross-country skiing and cycling. If you are traveling by car, there are facilities for paid outdoor parking. The nature park also has a banquet, and a picnic area, which is filled with visitors. It is a wonderful place to observe nature and soak in the tranquility. It is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset. There are dedicated picnic spots, where one can have a good time with friends and family. The other facilities available at Parc-Nature Pointe-aux-Prairies include reception chalets, observation belvederes, charcoal barbecues, and water fountains. For groups of 15 people or more, there is the facility of outdoor rooms. Depending on your needs, you can rent equipment like sledges, snowshoes, skis, etc.
Parc-Nature Pointe-aux-Prairies
Address: Chalet d'accueil Héritage, Montréal, QC H1A 3X1
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4. Nature Park of Île-de-la-Visitation
Located along the banks of Rivière des Prairies, this area was where the first industrial site of Canada was situated. This nature park is well connected by road. Hikers and trekkers fill up the park along with enthusiasts of other activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The hiking trail at the park is 8.5 km (5.28 miles) long. Birdwatching is something visitors can indulge in and there are hundreds of species of birds to look out for. Visitors to this park will also enjoy gazing at the star-spangled sky at night as they soak in the wilderness. The reception chalets are wheelchair accessible and have food vending machines, too. There are no restaurants in the park. Parking is available for those traveling by car. Alcohol consumption is permitted with a picnic. It is open from seven in the morning till sunset.
Nature Park of Île-de-la-Visitation
Address: 2425 Boulevard Gouin E, Montreal, Quebec H2B 1X7
Montreal Tour Guide
Rene Rangel Havaux
My name is Rene and after 22 years working in the clothing industry I decided to make a carrer change and do what I love and I do best: Receive, entertain and guide visitors trough beautiful Montreal, the Canadian cultural capital, that offers to its visitors more than 100 festivals every year, a great diversity of museums, outdoor activities, sports, markets, restaurantes, craft breweries , and a vibrant cosmopolitan way of living, among many other interesting things. I love travelling, ( have been to 40 different countries around the globe), people, food, architecture, cycling and history are my passions in life. Throughout all this years discovering the world, I have come to realize that the best way to really discover and understand any place is trough its local people. I love to receive clients as if they where my own family, always in a friendly and respectful manner and adapting my tours to their specific interest and needs. I have been told many times that what makes my tours so special, is my outgoing friendly and enthusiastic personality and my knowledge and passion for Montreal.
Montreal Tour Guide
Ruby Roy
5. Mount Royal
Mount Royal in Montreal is one of the perfect places to spend time with friends and family on a holiday. It was inaugurated in 1876 and has a long history of providing the best holiday atmosphere to its visitors. The aim was to promote outdoor activities and it has never disappointed. Outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tobogganing are available here. Equipment is available for rent, hence don’t bother to bring your own. There is an annual cleaning drive organized at Mount Royal on the first Sunday of May each year to remove the area from trash like plastics, paper and other throwaways. Beaker Lake has access to rowing during the summer. Amidst the green lush landscape of Mount Royal, there are activities planned for different times of the year.
6. Bois-de-Saraguay Nature Park
With abundant natural beauty, Bois-de-Saraguay Nature Park is one of the most visited sites in Montreal. It is home to hundreds of varied species of wildlife and wildflowers. The habitat is also made up of wetlands, rivers, wastelands and woodlands. The park is home to two historic buildings at the site - the MacDougall manor and the Ogilvie estate’s driver’s house, both are worth visiting. Bois-de-Saraguay Nature Park is also home to around 275 species of plants, 80 species of birds, and 35 species of trees.
Bois-de-Saraguay Nature Park
Address: Montreal, Quebec H4K 1C2, Canada
Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)
Enjoy hiking and trekking in Montreal
Montreal is known for its phenomenal culinary scene where you can sample traditional and modern food. The city also has many landmarks, shopping malls, historic places, and more to keep you busy. However, if you like outdoor activities, then don’t forget to go hiking and trekking in and around Montreal.
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