Looking for the best hiking near Montreal? You’ve come to the right place!
Infused with European vibes, Montreal is home to some seriously charming sights such as the Old Montreal neighbourhood and the Old Port of Montreal. But while the city is packed with plenty to keep you entertained, sometimes you just need to escape the daily grind. What better way to do that than to plug into nature, right?
Well, the good news is that Montreal offers easy access to some truly epic hiking trails. Plus, you don’t need to be super experienced since the city is surrounded by hiking trails for all fitness levels. Whether you’re just looking for a relaxing nature walk, a full-on mountain challenge, or a more moderate hike punctuated by scenic views, there is lots of spots to go hiking near Montreal for everyone.
So, pack a picnic, grab your best hiking shoes, and get ready to hit those trails. These are the top places to go hiking near Montreal!
The Gorge Canyon Trail
The Gorge Canyon Trail is said to be one of the best hiking trails in North America- and for good reason!
Located in the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, this trail also happens to be home to North America’s longest suspension bridge! At 50 metres high and 169 metres long, the bridge is one of the hike’s highlights – but bear in mind that it can be pretty daunting!
If you do manage to cross it though, you’ll be greeted by an observation tower on the other side. From there, you’ll be treated to scenic views of the Gorge, including a canyon that dates back to the last ice age.
Getting to the trailhead is pretty easy since it’s located right by the reception building. There’s also a parking lot off Michaud Road. This park does require a daily fee.
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Hiking time: 1.5 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 1 hr 50
Mont-Tremblant National Park
As the sixth national park in North America, Mont Tremblant is said to be a perfect place for fans of the great outdoors After all, while the park offers beautiful loop trails with panoramic views in the summer, it’s known for being a great ski hill in the winter!
Not only will you have over 20 hiking trails to explore, but it also makes for a great road trip from Montreal since you’ll cross through the gorgeous Laurentides areas.
If you’re not an experienced hiker, rest assured that the park has around 10 easy strolls and 8 intermediate hikes as well. If you’ve got a lot of experience under your belt, you can always opt for one of the 5 difficult hikes.
One of the popular options is the Grand Prix des Couleurs route, which is the shortest trail to the summit. Just a quick heads-up though: It might be short, but the hike is quite steep in some places. If you get tired, you can always take the gondola! The trailhead kicks off near the gondola and there’s a parking lot in the village for $15/day.
- Elevation Gain: 645 metres
- Distance: 2.7 km (one way)
- Hiking time: 1.5 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 1 hr 40
Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Located less than an hour from downtown Montreal, Mont Saint Hilaire is positively packed with kilometres of trails and is the perfect spot to go hiking near Montreal.
The Mont Saint Hilaire is found in the Gault Nature Reserve, which is Canada’s very first UNESCO biosphere reserve. As such, you’ll find over 180 bird species and around 800 butterfly species that call this park home.
Because it’s so close to the Montreal area, this park is very popular among locals and tourists alike. You’ll find numerous trails leading to the summit, including the Pain de Sucre, Rocky Red, Rocky Blue, Burned Hill, and Lac Hertel. One of the popular options is the Dieppe Trail, which is moderately challenging. For the best conditions, we recommend exploring this trail during the warmer months. However, in the winter, it’s not uncommon to see people snowshoeing on the Dieppe Trail. The Dieppe trailhead forks off from the Pain de Sucre trail, so you’ll need to start from the Gault Nature Reserve’s Nature Centre.
- Elevation Gain: 370 metres
- Distance: 7.7 km (loop)
- Hiking time: 3 hours (round trip)
- Drive time from Montreal: 30 minutes
Parc du Mount-Royal
With beautiful scenery and easy trails, the Parc du Mont-Royal is a great option for less experienced hikers and is found right in downtown Montreal!
The Mount Royal trail is a pretty short hiking trail that can be completed in around 50 minutes to an hour. Some parts of the trail are a bit steep, but we’d say it’s a pretty doable hike, even for kids. After all, it’s one of the main things to do in Montreal. Once you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the city skyline and the St. Lawrence River.
To avoid the crowds (and for the best views), we recommend that you hit the trail at sunrise. However, any time of day is nice if you don’t mind sharing it with lots of people. Along with the views, the main highlights of the hike include the Mount Royal Observatory’s lookout spot and the massive metal cross.
Because this urban mountain is part of McGill University, you can easily access the trailhead from the staircase located at the back of the campus. There are numerous other trails to choose from but in our experience, this one is the fastest.
- Elevation Gain: 120 metres
- Distance: 6 km
- Hiking time: 1 hour
- Drive time from Montreal: N/A
L’Escapade
Here’s a real doozy as far as the best hiking trails are concerned! One of the most popular trails near the Montreal area, L’Escapade offers something for all seasons. Because of its great location on Mont Rigaud, you can expect breathtaking views from all angles!
In the winter, this spot is quite popular for cross-country skiing. The area is also speckled with picnic tables where hikers can enjoy some respite during longer hikes. There are several trailheads and parking lots to choose from. We parked by the main lodge which is found close to the Cle des Bois trail.
In addition to hiking, this is a great trail for horseback riding, cycling, snowshoeing or simply observing the generous flora and fauna in the vicinity.
- Elevation Gain: 60 metres
- Distance: 13.5 km
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 55 minutes
Mont Brassard Trail
Okay, we can’t talk about the best hikes near Montreal and not mention the Mont Brassard Trail in the Sept Chutes Regional Park. After all, this is among the most popular hikes near the city!
An absolute visual smorgasbord awaits, with no less than seven different lookouts. In addition to the Mont Brassard hike, the park has trails for all fitness levels. If you’re an experienced hiker, you can even check out the 60-metre-high Voile de la Mariée waterfall which is an absolute sight to behold!
The waterfall hike continues past Guy Lake where it eventually forks into the Mont Brassard trailhead. Make sure that your phone is completely charged since heaps of photo ops await: from beautiful views of the Noire Valley River to the Lake Remi cliff, this trail is brimming with picturesque sights.
During the hike, you’ll also see a black spruce forest as well as a red pine forest.
- Elevation Gain: 250 metres
- Distance: 6.7km (loop trail)
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 1 hr 45
Les Lacs
In our opinion, there’s no better place to take in all those amazing treasures that mother nature has to offer than Les Lacs, located in the Mont Saint Bruno National Park!
The moderately challenging Les Lacs trail (Also known as the ‘Sentier des Lacs’) is a real crowd-pleaser because it takes you past all five lakes, making it a beautiful place to go hiking near Montreal! A popular spot for cross-country skiing, hiking, and backpacking, this family-friendly loop is mostly flat, making it a great choice for kids or less experienced hikers.
The trailhead is found at the Mont St. Bruno Discovery and Visitor’s Centre.
- Elevation Gain: 126 metres
- Distance: 8.8 km (loop trail)
- Hiking time: 2 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 30 minutes
Lachine Canal
Another fantastic option for families, the Lachine Canal is more of a stroll than an actual hike. It runs through Lachine, the Sud-Ouest, and Lasalle. In summer, it’s not uncommon to see people cycling or even rollerblading down the trail. You’ll also see kayaks drifting down the canal.
The trail is open all year long but we’ve heard that the best time to visit this pet-friendly trail is from March through September. Just make sure that your pooch is properly leashed.
Bordered by the St. Lawrence River, the Lachine Canal trail is peppered with numerous points of interest, including a national historic site, a waterway split into five locks, and the beautiful Saint-Anges church.
You’ll find numerous jumping-on points, but the main trailhead kicks off from Montreal’s Old Port.
- Elevation Gain: 1 metre
- Distance: 14.5 km
- Hiking time: 1.30 to 2 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 14 minutes (from Downtown)
Moose Back Loop
While it’s admittedly not as famous as the Round Top Trail, the Moose Back Loop is our go-to option when you want to avoid the crowds.
Also known as Le Dos de l’Orignal, this trail is found in the Parc d’Environnement Natural de Sutton. This trail is super picturesque and only recommended to experienced hikers as you do need to prepare yourself for a steep climb and descent. We also recommend avoiding this trail during heavy rain or snowmelt since some parts can become dangerous or even impassable.
Once you reach the summit (the moose’s back), you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of the surroundings punctuated by maple, yellow birch, and dwarf fir trees. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy at the Echine’s rocky outcroppings!
- Elevation Gain: 380m
- Distance: 7.3 km
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 1 hr 20
Le Grand Tour Trail
Located just over an hour’s drive from the Eastern Townships, the Grand Tour Trail is found in Yamaska National Park and is a wonderful spot to go hiking near Montreal.
One of the many great things about this trail is that it takes you completely around the Choinière reservoir. We’ll admit that it’s a lengthy route, but the actual hike is fairly easy. There are multiple viewpoints and rest stops along the way where you can catch your breath and marvel at the panoramic views.
If you’re a bird watcher, keep your eyes peeled for the blue herons that often fly through the park.
Depending on the weather, you can even go for a dip, enjoy a boat ride, or fish in the reservoir. Believe us when we say there’s nothing more rewarding than a refreshing swim in Choiniere’s cool waters after a lengthy hike!
The Grand Tour trailhead is found at the park’s Discovery and Visitor’s Centre.
- Elevation Gain: Minimal
- Distance: 19 km
- Hiking time: 5.5 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 1 hr 15
Morgan Arboretum
Another hike that’s part of McGill University, the Morgan Arboretum houses some of the best trails in the city.
The arboretum was originally set up for research and teaching purposes, but visitors are welcome all year long for hiking or cross-country skiing. The Morgan Arboretum has eight trails to choose from. Ranging from 1 to 5.8 kilometres, the trails are all super easy since they’re mostly flat and well-maintained.
We decided to explore the Yellow Trail, which made for a delightful nature walk. Unlike the other hikes we mentioned on our list, this one doesn’t have any landmarks or viewpoints but it’s perfect for connecting with nature. There are lots of vegetation around and we recommend that you plan your hike in the fall when the forest turns red and gold.
Be sure to wear insect repellent since there can be a lot of mosquitoes.
- Elevation Gain: 13m
- Distance: 4.2 km
- Hiking time: 45 minutes
- Drive time from Montreal: 30 minutes
Mont Saint Gregoire
Even if you’re not familiar with the area, Mont Saint Gregoire is pretty impossible to miss since it stands all alone in the middle of thick, agricultural fields! You’ll even spot it from Highway 10.
Not only does this hike lie just around an hour’s drive from Montreal, but it’s also home to a diverse forest ecosystem. Because of its unique flora and fauna, Mont Saint Gregoire is protected by the Haut-Richelieu Ecological Environment Interpretation Centre.
The trail is said to be easy but some find it more moderately challenging because the hike to the summit can be quite rocky and steep. Chains were even installed in some sections to assist the climbers. Having said that, the trail in itself is pretty short.
From the summit, you’ll be treated to 360° views of the St. Lawrence River Valley, the Saint Bruno Mountain, and the Mont Saint Hilaire. On clear days, you can even see Montreal’s skyline!
If hiking in the fall, be sure to check out one of the many farms in the neighbourhood for maple candy tastings or apple picking. The trail starts from the paid parking lot.
- Elevation Gain: 157m
- Distance: 2.3 km
- Hiking time: 1-2 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 35 minutes
Plaisance National Park
Another great family-friendly trail, the Zizanie-des-Marais Trail is found in Plaisance National Park. With a delightful landscape of forests and marshy ponds, the park has five hiking circuits and is a great spot to go hiking near Montreal.
The Zizanie-des-Marais Trail is a floating path that takes you through a diverse ecosystem speckled with fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds. There are plenty of mosquitoes too, so do take the necessary precautions.
We suggest visiting in summer so you can see the flowering aquatic plants. If you’re into astronomy, you can always visit after sunset as the park is famous for its amazing stargazing opportunities.
- Elevation Gain: 8m
- Distance: 0.6km
- Hiking time: A few minutes
- Drive time from Montreal: 1 hr 40
Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière
We’ll admit that the Parc des Chutes-de-la- Chaudière is closer to Quebec City than Downtown Montreal, but most people think it’s worth the two-hour drive! With a suspension bridge, panoramic viewpoint, and numerous trails, this park packs quite a punch.
One of the most popular hikes is the moderately challenging Chaudière Falls & Charny trail. Best explored from January to October, this hike is punctuated by a rocky, rust-coloured shoreline and gorgeous waterfalls.
- Elevation Gain: 99 m
- Distance: 7.9 km
- Hiking time: 2 hours
- Drive time from Montreal: 2 hr 30
Oka National Park
Last up on our list of hiking trails is the Mont of Calvaire d’Oka Trail, located in Oka National Park. Open all year round, this trail is pet-friendly so feel free to bring your leashed pooch along!
The Mont of Calvaire d’Oka trail is admittedly short, but from what we’ve heard, it’s the most picturesque hike in the park. You’ll be greeted by beautiful views of the Adirondacks, the Lac des Deux Montagnes, and three quaint chapels. Bear in mind that even though it’s short, some parts of the trail are a bit steep.
Alternatively, you can always check out the Grande Baie Trail, which has been hailed as the ‘headquarters for migrating birds’. This area also has a beach where you can cool off in the refreshing waters after your hike.
- Elevation Gain: 105 metres
- Distance: 4.7 km
- Hiking time: 1 hr 11
- Drive time from Montreal: 55 minutes
Want more things to do in Montreal?
If you’re into hiking near Montreal, you’ve now got a pretty good grasp of where to go. However, if you want even more things to do in Montreal and the area, check out these guides below:
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