Discovering nature around Montreal
If you’re looking for the best walks around Montreal, you’ll be surprised by the richness of the scenery the region has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of leisurely strolls or an enthusiast of rugged trails, the area around Montreal is full of options for a breath of fresh air away from the urban hustle and bustle.
With majestic mountains, lush forests and breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a selection of the best hikes available within a few kilometers of the city, along with practical advice on how to make the most of your outing in nature.
Top 10 hikes around Montreal
1. Mount Royal: A must-see in the heart of the city
It’s impossible to talk about nature in Montreal without mentioning its iconic Mount Royal. Designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park in New York), this park offers a true breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.
Its main trail winds through a lush forest and leads to the Kondiaronk Belvedere, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Along the way, you can spot curious squirrels, songbirds, and sometimes even raccoons exploring the trails.
The park is also rich in history, featuring the Mount Royal Cross, an emblematic symbol of the city, as well as remnants of the old quarry. In winter, Mount Royal transforms into a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding being popular activities. The skating rink at Beaver Lake provides an unforgettable winter experience, while the illuminated evening trail adds a magical atmosphere to nighttime strolls.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 8 km (full loop)
- Duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Access: Mont-Royal metro or bus line 11
2. Mont-Saint-Hilaire: A preserved nature reserve
Located about 40 km from Montreal, Mont-Saint-Hilaire is perfect for those seeking total immersion in nature. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to diverse flora and fauna, including more than 600 plant species and over a hundred bird species. Birdwatching enthusiasts can spot peregrine falcons and great horned owls, while hikers may encounter white-tailed deer and raccoons along the forested trails.
The trail leading to Dieppe Summit offers a breathtaking view of the Richelieu Valley, with a gradual ascent that passes through maple forests, marshes, and rocky outcrops. On clear days, the view stretches all the way to Montreal and the surrounding Montérégiennes.
The site is open year-round and offers seasonal activities such as snowshoeing in winter and vibrant fall foliage viewing in autumn, making each visit a unique experience.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 8 to 10 km depending on the trail
- Duration: 2h30 to 4h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Access: Suburban train Mont-Saint-Hilaire line + taxi
3. Oka National Park: Between forest and beach
Oka National Park, famous for its beach on Lake of Two Mountains, also offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels.
The Calvaire d’Oka trail is particularly popular, providing an immersive experience that blends nature and historical heritage. This 4.4 km trail takes you through a lush forest and leads to a series of three chapels dating back to the 18th century, built by Catholic missionaries. The highest point offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake of Two Mountains and the surrounding valley.
In winter, the trail is accessible for snowshoeing, offering a completely different perspective on this exceptional site. For cycling enthusiasts, bike paths also run through the park, allowing visitors to combine different outdoor activities. The park is easily accessible by public transport via the Exo bus to Oka, making it a great option for a car-free getaway.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 6 to 11 km
- Duration: 2h to 3h
- Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
- Access: Exo bus towards Oka
4. Mont-Tremblant : The mountain of adventurers
If you’re looking for a real challenge, Mont-Tremblant is the place for you. With its majestic peaks and diverse trails, it’s a true paradise for hikers of all levels. The Grand Brûlé and La Roche trails offer spectacular viewpoints over the Laurentians, winding through dense forests, meandering streams, and impressive rock faces.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lake Tremblant and the surrounding mountains. For an even deeper exploration, you can rely on Montreal tour guides, who can provide expert advice and customized itineraries suited to your level.
Autumn is the best season to visit, as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and orange, creating a postcard-worthy landscape. In winter, the park transforms into a perfect setting for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, turning the experience into an unforgettable Nordic adventure.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 6 to 11 km
- Duration: 3h to 5h
- Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult
- Access: Intercity bus to Mont-Tremblant
5. Coaticook Gorge Park: The vertiginous hike
This park is home to one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world, offering a thrilling experience for hiking enthusiasts. Spanning 169 meters and towering more than 50 meters above the gorges, this bridge provides an unforgettable adventure with breathtaking views of the Coaticook River winding below.
The hike takes you through a dense forest of century-old trees, where you can observe a rich biodiversity, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. In addition to wooded trails, the park offers nighttime trails with enchanting lighting, giving visitors a completely different perspective on the surrounding landscape. In winter, snow blankets the gorges, making snowshoe hiking an even more magical experience.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 10 km
- Duration: 3h
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Access: Bus to Sherbrooke + taxi
6. Mont-Orford National Park
This park, located in the Eastern Townships, offers diverse landscapes, with peaks, lakes, and dense forests that make it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails of Mont-Chauve and Pic de l’Ours are particularly popular for their breathtaking panoramas of the region, showcasing a variety of terrains, from deciduous forests to rocky ridges.
Along the way, it’s not uncommon to spot white-tailed deer or hear the distant call of falcons soaring above the cliffs. The trails are well-marked and feature several rest areas, perfect for taking a break and admiring the surrounding nature. In winter, Mont-Oxford Park becomes a paradise for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts, offering a unique experience under a pristine white blanket.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 6 to 12 km
- Duration: 2h30 to 5h
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Access: Bus to Magog + taxi
7. Mont-Saint-Bruno: An oasis near the city
Just 30 minutes from Montreal, Mont-Saint-Bruno is perfect for a quick nature getaway. This park, part of Quebec’s national park network, is a true haven of peace where visitors can enjoy exceptional biodiversity.
Its trails wind through a mixed forest of maples, oaks, and pines, offering diverse landscapes throughout the year. The park is dotted with five lakes, including Lac Seigneurial, where many bird species can be observed. The Grand-Duc Trail, 3.5 km long, is ideal for a relaxing family walk, while more active hikers can take on the Montérégien Trail, which climbs to the summit and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding region.
In winter, the park transforms into a prime destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from all over the area.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 7 km
- Duration: 2h
- Difficulty: Easy
- Access: RTL bus line 299
8. Mauricie Park: an immersion in nature
This national park is a true gem for nature lovers, with its endless forests and numerous trails winding between rivers and waterfalls.
As you explore its trails, you’ll encounter spectacular waterfalls, steep cliffs, and a diverse array of wildlife, including beavers, moose, and countless bird species. The trails vary in difficulty, offering peaceful lakeside walks as well as more challenging climbs with breathtaking panoramic views.
In autumn, the park transforms into a living painting, with vibrant foliage that attracts photographers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. For those looking to extend their experience, camping and picnic areas are available, allowing visitors to fully enjoy this natural treasure.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 10 to 15 km
- Duration: 4h to 6h
- Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult
- Access: Bus to Trois-Rivières + taxi
9. Mount Ham: a spectacular ascent
Located in the Eastern Townships, Mont-Ham offers a relatively short but intense trail leading to a summit with a spectacular panoramic view of the region. The well-marked trail winds through a dense forest before reaching steep rocky areas.
The ascent can be demanding in some sections, with steep inclines requiring good physical condition. However, the effort is well rewarded with a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and the Saint-François Valley. On clear days, you can even spot the peaks of the Appalachians in the distance.
In autumn, the landscape transforms into a vibrant display of red and orange, offering one of the best hiking experiences in the region. The site also features picnic areas and observation platforms, perfect for resting after the climb. In winter, the trail becomes an excellent snowshoeing route, attracting many winter sports enthusiasts.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 6 km
- Duration: 2h30 to 4h
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Access: Car only
10. The Charlevoix Caps Trail: A grandiose adventure
This trail offers an immersive experience in the Charlevoix region, with breathtaking panoramas of the St. Lawrence River and the boreal forest. As you hike these trails, you’ll traverse steep ridges, deep valleys, and stunning landscapes.
The route is dotted with lookout points offering spectacular views of the St. Lawrence Islands and the surrounding mountains. Autumn is an ideal time to explore this trail, as the vegetation transforms into a vibrant display of colors. For more experienced hikers, certain sections of the trail allow for multi-day adventures with wild camping, adding an even deeper immersive dimension to this unique experience.
Practical Information :
- Distance: 12 to 50 km (depending on the chosen route)
- Duration: 5 hours to several days
- Difficulty: Intermediate to difficult
- Access: Car only
Ready to go? Montréal's hiking trails are waiting for you!
Whether you’re a fan of easy hikes or a seasoned explorer, the surroundings of Montreal offer an exceptional playground to immerse yourself in nature. From the dense forest of Mont-Saint-Hilaire to the alpine landscapes of Mont-Tremblant, every trail promises a unique adventure.
So, put on your best hiking shoes and set off to discover Quebec’s natural wonders!
