Our staff’s picks: Here are the best parks in Montreal!
Montreal’s parks? They’re not just treemendous, they’re also unbeleafable. And trust us when we say they can make your day so much better that you’ll even forget about our awful puns.
Today, we’re diving into the emerald heart of Montreal, where the air is fresh, the views are stunning, and the squirrels are… well, they’re still squirrels. Still, they add to the atmosphere at the very best green spaces this city has to offer.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
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Location: Montreal, Quebec H3C 1A9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-6120
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Parc Jean-Drapeau spreads its leafy charm across two islands, Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, serving up a dynamic mix of nature, culture, and recreation.
Ever heard of Expo 67? Well, you’re practically walking through history here, surrounded by remnants of this legendary world’s fair. The iconic Biosphère, a geodesic dome that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie, is now an environmental museum.
Sports fan? Get your adrenaline pumping at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, home of the Canadian Grand Prix. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, catch some rays at the Jean-Doré Beach. Oh, and did we mention the floating obstacle course? It’s a kid’s (and adult’s) dream come true.
Mount Royal Park
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Location: 1260 Chem. Remembrance, Montréal, QC H3H 1A2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Conceived by the same genius behind New York’s Central Park, Mount Royal Park is a masterpiece of urban design. This sprawling oasis boasts over 200 hectares of diverse terrain, begging you to lace up your hiking boots or grab your bike for a scenic adventure.
It’s a playground for active souls, offering trails for jogging, cycling, and cross-country skiing. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, grab a picnic basket and head to Beaver Lake, or simply wander around and admire the diverse birdlife.
Feeling artsy? Every Sunday, the park comes alive with the rhythmic beats of the Tam Tams drumming sessions.
Le Champ des possibles
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Location: 5605 Av. de Gaspé, Montréal, QC H2T 2A4, Canada
Contact: +1 613-710-2385
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Ever heard of Le Champ des Possibles? It’s not your run-of-the-mill park, it’s a hidden oasis in Montreal’s trendy Mile End neighbourhood. It’s also managed by a passionate group of citizens who champion community and creativity.
This place is a true testament to the power of “wild” nature. Unlike your manicured lawns and perfectly pruned hedges, this park embraces a touch of the untamed. It’s where locals gather for impromptu concerts, workshops, and even the occasional dance party.
Parc Howard
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Location: Av. Querbes, Montréal, QC H3N 2G5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Tucked away in Montreal’s Villeray-Saint-Michel-Parc-Extension borough, Parc Howard might be the city’s best-kept secret.
Sure, it might not be as flashy as Mount Royal or as sprawling as Parc Jean-Drapeau, but this park has a charm all its own. It’s a place where neighbours gather for a friendly game of basketball or cricket, where kids laugh and play on the swings and slides.
Parc René-Lévesque
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Location: 398 Chem. du Canal, Lachine, QC H8S 4G2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Located on a peninsula stretching into the St. Lawrence River, this park offers panoramic views that are a feast for the eyes. But What truly sets Parc René-Lévesque apart is its impressive collection of monumental contemporary sculptures.
These artworks transform the park into one of Canada’s largest sculpture gardens, providing an open-air museum experience that complements the natural beauty of the site.
Oh, and its location between Lac Saint-Louis and the Lachine Canal also makes it a perfect spot for cross-country skiing in the winter.
Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
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Location: 20099 Boul Gouin O, Pierrefonds, QC H9K 1C6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-280-6778
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
This expansive park is a sprawling wilderness waiting to be explored. With over 40 km of trails winding through forests, wetlands, and along the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes, it’s a hiker’s paradise. You might even spot a deer or two along the way!
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Cap-Saint-Jacques boasts a sandy beach that rivals any coastal getaway, complete with kayak and canoe rentals for those who want to explore the waterways. And for the little ones, there’s even a farm where they can meet their favourite furry friends.
La Fontaine Park
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Location: 3819 Av. Calixa-Lavallée, Montréal, QC H2L 3A7, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Once a humble farm, this park has blossomed into a sanctuary of lush landscapes, picturesque ponds, and even a cascading waterfall. It’s like stepping into a Monet painting but with the added charm of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
This place is also a year-round playground for every kind of urbanite. In the summer, it’s a buzzing hive of activity, where you can spread out a picnic blanket, volley a tennis ball, or simply bask in the sun’s warm embrace.
For a touch of culture, you can catch a free performance at the Théâtre de Verdure. It’s an open-air theatre nestled amidst the park’s natural splendour.
Jarry Park
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Location: 205 Rue Gary-Carter, Montréal, QC H2R 2V7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-1135
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Jarry Park is buzzing with activity no matter the season. In the summer, it transforms into a sports lover’s paradise, hosting an international tennis tournament at the IGA Stadium.
Feeling active yourself? Grab your friends and hit the basketball or volleyball courts, or simply chill out with a picnic in the park’s expansive green spaces.
But don’t think the fun stops when the snow falls! This park embraces winter with open arms, offering cross-country ski trails and a picturesque skating rink.
Here’s a fun fact: It was once home to the Montreal Expos, Canada’s first Major League Baseball team from 1969 to 1976.
Parc Angrignon
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Location: 3400 Trinitaires Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H4E 4J3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Parc Angrignon is a 97-hectare playground where nature reigns supreme. Imagine wandering through a maze of lush greenery, stumbling upon hidden meadows and a sparkling lake stretching over a kilometre long.
It’s also a year-round adventure zone. Kids will go wild for the playgrounds, while your furry friends can unleash their inner zoomies at the dog park.
Winter transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding thrills. But if you’re seeking a more leisurely experience, summer days are perfect for lounging by the pond, picnicking in the shade, or firing up the grill for a feast.
Parc Westmount
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Location: 327 Av. Melville #329, Westmount, Quebec H3Z 2J7, Canada
Designed by the visionary Frederick Law Olmsted, the same mastermind behind New York City’s Central Park, Parc Westmount boasts over 200 hectares of diverse terrain, begging you to lace up your hiking boots or hop on your bike for a scenic journey.
This park offers something for everyone: winding paths and a natural stream perfect for strolls, tennis courts, soccer fields, and a sizable playground that promises fun for anyone (regardless of age).
Parc Maisonneuve
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Location: 4601 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Spanning a generous 63 hectares, this park is a haven for both nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Winter warriors can carve their way across the ice rink with a picture-perfect view of the Olympic Stadium, and come summer, tee off at the 9-hole golf course.
And here’s the kicker: this park has a furry secret weapon for lawn maintenance. Forget noisy mowers and harmful chemicals, Parc Maisonneuve employs a flock of fluffy sheep to graze the grass in an eco-friendly and utterly adorable way.
Parc Arthur-Therrien
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Location: 3750 Bd Gaétan Laberge, Verdun, QC H4G 2A3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-765-7250
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Parc Arthur-Therrien boasts an array of sports facilities including tennis courts, a basketball court, and even a swimming pool, making it a great spot for summer splashes and sports
Not to mention it’s also home to a skatepark designed with a touch of retro flair – modelled after the 1980s video game “720°”, it includes features like rails, ramps, and quarter pipes that promise an exhilarating ride.
Moreover, the park is a community gathering spot as evidenced by hosting events such as the Montreal Highland Games, which celebrate rich Scottish culture right in the heart of Montreal.
Parc Girouard
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Location: 3500 Av. Girouard, Montréal, QC H4A 1R2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
What makes Parc Girouard stand out is its spaciousness and range of amenities, making it a perfect spot for family outings, sports, or simply just a stroll.
This park boasts not one, but two dog runs where your furry friends can unleash their zoomies and make new pals. It’s a tail-wagging spot where dogs of all shapes and sizes can socialise and burn off some energy.
Girouard even has two skating rinks available during the winter months, which cater to various ice sports.
Jeanne-Mance Park
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Location: 4422 Esplanade Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2W 2N4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Named after Jeanne Mance, one of Montreal’s founders, Jeanne-Mance Park was once a military training ground and the site of numerous public gatherings. Today, it’s a reminder of the city’s rich past and a testament to its present.
Here, you can up the sun with friends, or maybe join an impromptu game of frisbee with strangers-turned-teammates. This park is where Montrealers come to play, relax, and simply be themselves.
Parc Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier
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Location: 5200 Brebeuf St, Montreal, Quebec H2J 3L8, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
You can think of Parc Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier as your friendly neighbourhood hangout spot, where everyone knows your name (or at least your dog’s name).
But aside from its puppy charm, the park features historical elements like the Monument à Isabelle la Catholique, which adds a touch of cultural depth to its lush landscapes.
By the way, the park’s outdoor pool is open every summer, which makes it the perfect spot to cool off and soak up the sun.