Montreal-hiking-areas

Discover the Best Hiking Areas in Montreal

Montreal, a city surrounded by mountains and forests, offers numerous hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a trail that suits your needs. Here are some of the best hiking areas in Montreal:

1. Parc du Mont-Royal

  • Distance from downtown: 10-15 minutes
  • Trail difficulty: Easy to challenging
  • Features: Scenic views, waterfalls, and historic landmarks

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect who created New York’s Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal offers over 200 km of hiking trails. Hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the city.

2. Parc régional de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

  • Distance from downtown: 30-40 minutes
  • Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Features: Waterfalls, scenic riverside views, and picnic areas

This regional park offers over 12 km of hiking trails along the Mille-Îles River. Enjoy a leisurely hike or a more challenging trek, depending on your preference.

3. Parc d’Oka

  • Distance from downtown: 45 minutes
  • Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Features: Scenic lake views, beaches, and historic sites

Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Parc d’Oka offers over 15 km of hiking trails surrounding Lake Oka. Take a leisurely hike or rent a kayak to explore the lake.

4. Sentier de l’Escapade

  • Distance from downtown: 45 minutes
  • Trail difficulty: Challenging
  • Features: Scenic views, waterfalls, and rugged terrain

For experienced hikers, Sentier de l’Escapade offers a challenging 12 km trail with steep inclines and rugged terrain. The scenic views of the surrounding mountains make it well worth the effort.

5. Parc régional de la Forêt-Ouareau

  • Distance from downtown: 1 hour
  • Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Features: Scenic forests, lakes, and wildlife viewing

Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Parc régional de la Forêt-Ouareau offers over 20 km of hiking trails through scenic forests and along lakes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer and beavers.

Before You Go

  • Check trail conditions and difficulty levels before heading out.
  • Bring comfortable hiking shoes, water, and snacks.
  • Respect the environment and other hikers by keeping to marked trails and disposing of waste properly.

Get ready to explore the great outdoors in Montreal!