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Lace-up your boots for the top hiking trails in Montreal

Lace-up your boots for the top hiking trails in Montreal

Lace-up your boots for the top hiking trails in Montreal

I’m wasn’t born the outdoorsy type. Give me a cosy café and a good book any day. But when a friend dragged me on a hike in Montreal, I was in for a surprise. The views from the top? Spectacular. The feeling of accomplishment? Priceless. 

Now I’m hooked. So, if a nature newbie like me can find joy on the trails, trust me, you can too. If you’re willing to take a chance, let me be your guide! Let’s lace up those boots and discover the top hiking spots this city has to offer (I won’t cover hard ones, don’t worry!).

Easy

La Fontaine Park Loop 

Media credit to montreal

Location: Parc La Fontaine, Montreal, Canada

Distance: 2.9 km

Time to complete: 32 minutes

Once a humble farm, La Fontaine Park has blossomed into a beloved urban oasis that embodies Montreal’s bohemian spirit. This park’s gentle loop trail winds through picturesque scenery, offering a leisurely escape for all ages and fitness levels. 

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking a peaceful stroll, this loop welcomes you with open arms. But the park is more than just a scenic trail – it’s a multifunctional wonderland. 

Summer brings picnics, outdoor theatre, and live music at the Théâtre de Verdure, while winter transforms the park into a snowy playground with ice skating and snowshoeing. 

Maisonneuve Park Loop

Media credit to eastendrunclubmtl

Location: Maisonneuve Park, Montreal, Canada

Distance: 3.2 km

Time to complete: 35 minutes

Just a hop, skip, and a metro ride from downtown Montreal, Maisonneuve Park Loop offers a delightful escape into nature’s embrace. The park’s gentle loop trail winds through a sprawling landscape of lush greenery and diverse flora, making it a botanical wonderland adjacent to the renowned Montreal Botanical Garden. 

Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident wildlife – squirrels chattering in the trees, ducks paddling in the ponds, and perhaps even a mischievous raccoon (don’t worry, they’re usually harmless).

Parc-de-la-Merci

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Distance: 4.7 km

Time to complete: 51 minutes

This easy loop trail in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough is perfect if you crave an escape without sacrificing urban convenience. Whether you’re a leisurely stroller, a dedicated jogger, or a road biking enthusiast, Parc-de-la-Merci’s well-maintained paths cater to all. 

Here, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Rivière des Prairies, its serene waters sparkling in the sunlight. You’ll likely fill your phone gallery with shots – I did.

With stroller-friendly paths and inviting picnic areas, it’s a haven for families seeking a fun-filled day in nature. And the best part? This trail is open year-round, offering a picturesque escape no matter the season.

Maynard-Ferguson Park

Media credit to framboiseparfait

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Distance: 5.8 km

Time to complete: 1 hour and 3 minutes

This riverside haven boasts a well-maintained trail that meanders alongside the Lachine Canal and offers picturesque views and a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. 

Plus, if you’re a bird enthusiast, lucky you since this is a designated eBird hotspot! It’s where a diverse array of feathered friends, from Great Crested Flycatchers to Snow Geese, grace the skies and trees. 

But the park’s allure extends beyond its avian inhabitants. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk, a heart-pumping jog, or a relaxing picnic by the water, this place caters to all. 

Promenade of the Lachine Canal, Lake Saint-Louis

Media credit to alexjreng

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Distance: 6.6 km

Time to complete: 1 hour and 10 minutes

The Promenade of the Lachine Canal, Lake Saint-Louis is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. In summer, the trail transforms into a hub of activity, where cyclists, runners, and walkers bask in the lush green scenery and the calming sight of boats gliding along the canal. 

While winter blankets the landscape in snow, the promenade reveals its enchanting side, beckoning snowshoers and cross-country skiers to explore its frosty trails. 

Plus, with its partial accessibility for those with restricted mobility and a wealth of amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and equipment rentals, the Lachine Canal ensures a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone (the best hikes aren’t always about scaling mountains).

Point Aux Carrieres and Bizard Island

Media credit to asdjbr

Location: Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal, Canada

Distance: 10 km

Time to complete: 1 hour and 52 minutes

Pointe-aux-Carrières and Bizard Island Loop is a mini-vacation from the urban jungle. Tucked away within Montreal’s embrace, this trail offers a slice of natural paradise that’s easily accessible yet feels worlds away. 

As you traverse the well-maintained paths, you’ll be enveloped by the serene beauty of the Bois-de-Île-Bizard Nature Park on Bizard Island, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Get your camera ready, because you’re likely to encounter a charming cast of characters, including ducks, turtles, and frogs.

After your adventure, you can reward yourself with a well-deserved brunch at one of the local gems like Omelette & Cie. It’s just the perfect way to cap off your nature-filled escapade.

Moderate

Pavillion trail to Pedmont

Media credit to minervahaddad

Location: Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal, Canada

Distance: 5.6 km

Time to complete: 1 hour and 46 minutes

Renowned for its impressive 728-foot elevation gain, this trail challenges both novice and seasoned hikers while rewarding them with breathtaking panoramic views of Montreal and its surrounding landscapes. 

The well-maintained trail offers a diverse hiking experience, with several lookouts strategically placed along the way to ensure you don’t miss a single photo-worthy moment. 

Whether you’re seeking a challenging workout, an immersive nature escape, or simply a stunning vantage point to admire the city, the Pavilion Trail to Piedmont is an all-season wonderland that delivers on all fronts.

The Little River Way

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Distance: 31.7 km

Time to complete: 5 hours and 43 minutes

The Little River Way offers an idyllic escape right in the heart of Montreal. This trail weaves through lush greenery and follows the serene path of a picturesque river, making it a perfect getaway. 

Plus, with minimal elevation gain, it’s a delightful walk rather than a gruelling hike. This makes it ideal for a family outing, a casual stroll with friends, or even a peaceful solo retreat to clear your mind​ from the bustle of city life.

Montreal Scenic Walking Tour

Media credit to mitchmanguy

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Distance: 11.6 km

Time to complete: 2 hours and 44 minutes

Montreal Scenic Walking Tour is an immersive adventure that will awaken your senses and leave you with a newfound appreciation for this city.

As you wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, imagine yourself stepping back in time, surrounded by centuries-old architecture and the echoes of history. The grandeur of the Notre-Dame Basilica will leave you breathless, while the charming boutiques and cafes beckon you to linger and soak up the atmosphere. 

But wait, there’s more! The adventure continues underground as you venture into Montreal’s unique Underground City. This subterranean labyrinth is a shopper’s paradise, a foodie’s dream, and a transportation hub all rolled into one.

Mount Royal Park Loop

Media credit to felipecollado

Location: Parc du Mont-Royal, Montreal, Canada

Distance: 8.5 km

Time to complete: 2 hours and 13 minutes

A Montreal treasure designed by the same visionary behind New York’s Central Park. Mount Royal Park Loop rewards you with a 682-foot climb and breathtaking vistas at every turn. 

Imagine winding through lush forests, catching glimpses of the iconic Mount Royal Cross, and finally ascending to the Kondiaronk Belvedere, where a panoramic view of the city skyline and the majestic Saint Lawrence River awaits. 

This all-season wonder even transforms with the changing seasons, inviting you to discover its hidden treasures year-round, from vibrant foliage in autumn to snow-covered trails in winter.

Sainte-Hélène Island

Media credit to mitchmanguy

Location: Parc Jean-Drapeua, Montreal, Canada

Distance: 10.5 km

Time to complete: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Sainte-Hélène Island is a network of trails that offers a journey through history, nature, and art. You can meander along the well-maintained paths, where each turn reveals a new delight. Maybe you’ll even discover hidden gardens bursting with blooms, or soak in breathtaking views of Montreal’s iconic skyline and the majestic St. Lawrence River.  

This trail is also an invitation to explore the island’s rich heritage that leads you to a past of historical landmarks like the imposing Stewart Museum, housed in a former British fort, and the iconic Biosphère, a testament to Expo 67’s innovative spirit.

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