The best walks and hikes around Saint-Placide
4.4
(55)
1,054
hikers
11
hikes
Hiking around Saint-Placide offers diverse natural landscapes in the Laurentians region of Quebec, Canada. The area is characterized by its location along the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes, providing expansive water views. Beyond the lake, the terrain includes agricultural lands, dense forests, and marshes, particularly within nearby protected areas like Oka National Park. These features create varied ecosystems suitable for outdoor exploration.
Best hiking trails around Saint-Placide
- The most popular hiking route is Haut-Lieu loop, a 8.5 miles…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(4)
82
hikers
13.7km
03:41
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
26
hikers
5.43km
01:33
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.4
(9)
256
hikers
4.07km
01:09
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
30
hikers
6.52km
01:50
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Saint-Placide
Tips from the Community
Sentiers de l’Escapade is a year-round network of roughly 27 kilometres of marked trails that winds through the forests of Mont Rigaud, offering routes for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The trail system passes through mature hardwood forest, wetlands, maple groves, and picturesque viewpoints, with interpretive panels that explain the mountain’s wildlife, plant life, geology, and history. With a mix of shorter family-friendly walks and longer climbs to panoramic lookouts overlooking the surrounding valley, it's one of the main outdoor recreation areas in the Rigaud region.
0
0
Parc Chartier-De Lotbinière is a large community park at the foot of Mont Rigaud that includes sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and direct access to the Sentiers de L’Escapade trail network. The park sits adjacent to wooded areas and open green space, making it a popular starting point for hikes into the surrounding forest and a popular spot for family recreation, with a splash pad and open lawns to enjoy in warmer months.
0
0
The Key to the Woods Trail is a forested route on Mount Rigaud that follows gentle-to-moderate terrain through mature hardwood forest and serves as a connector trail to the broader Sentiers de L’Escapade network. The trail passes through areas of sugar maple, hickory, and white birch forest, crosses wetlands, and passes underneath the elevated zipline course at Arbraska, with interpretive signs along the way that explain the area’s ecology and geology. Although relatively accessible, the route includes some steady climbing and is a fantastic, picturesque route to explore the biodiversity and wooded landscapes of Mont Rigaud.
0
0
While passing through this area, you may find buckets hanging off trees. This area is where the Mountain Sugar Shack harvests maple syrup from the maples, then boils it down to its final product. Typically, modern productions use more advanced tools, but this area practices the original method of making maple syrup. Want to taste the final product? Head over to Mountain Sugar Shack to buy some or enjoy a meal with some authentic Maple Syrup.
0
0
Mountain Sugar Shack is a Québec heritage site serving and selling old-world maple syrup from a 120-acre forest of mature maple trees using authentic syrup-making methods. Mountain Sugar Shack is open all year with optional tours. It's a great place to stop and enjoy a classic feast of Québec dishes like pea soup, wood-fired baked beans, omelettes, sausages, maple-smoked ham, tourtière, crispy pork rinds, mashed potatoes, and more, all served with their maple syrup.
0
0
Sentiers de l'Escapade is one trail in a well-maintained network of trails in Mont Rigaud, a recreational park with a total of 27 kilometers of hikable and bikable trails. Access is free and year-round, with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat biking in winter. These trails are also open to horseback riders.
0
0
it's an easy hiking trail, but it can be done on the bike too (gravel or mountain), I had to dismount twice but maybe its because I am out of shape
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Saint-Placide?
There are 10 hiking routes available around Saint-Placide. These include 8 easy trails and 2 moderate trails, offering options for various fitness levels.
What types of terrain can I expect on hikes near Saint-Placide?
Hikes around Saint-Placide offer a diverse range of terrain. You can expect trails along the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes, through agricultural lands, and into dense forests and marshes, particularly within areas like Oka National Park.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Saint-Placide offers 8 easy hiking trails perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the View of Lac des Deux Montagnes loop from Mont du Calvaire d'Oka, an easy 4.1 km path that provides scenic views of the prominent lake.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints I can see on a hike?
Many trails offer stunning views of Lac des Deux Montagnes, a central natural feature of the region. You can also explore the diverse ecosystems of Oka National Park, which features forests, marshes, and a large beach. The Canal de Carillon also offers historical insights along the Ottawa River.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the area?
Yes, several routes around Saint-Placide are circular. For example, the Haut-Lieu loop is a moderate 13.7 km trail, and the Mountain Sugar Shack – Sugarbush loop from Site de conservation volontaire is a moderate 9.3 km option through forested areas.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Saint-Placide?
The hiking routes in Saint-Placide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from 50 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, from the expansive views of Lac des Deux Montagnes to the peaceful forested paths and the accessibility of trails within Oka National Park.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
While many trails in the broader Laurentians region are dog-friendly, specific regulations can vary. It's best to check the rules for individual parks or conservation areas, such as Oka National Park, regarding pets before you go.
What is the best time of year to hike in Saint-Placide?
Saint-Placide offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring and summer provide lush greenery and pleasant temperatures, while autumn is particularly beautiful with vibrant fall foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, offering a different perspective of the snowy landscapes.
Are there any agri-tourism attractions near the hiking trails?
Yes, for those interested in agri-tourism, Les vergers La France orchard in St-Joseph-du-Lac is nearby. It offers apple picking during harvest season and a boutique with local products year-round, making for a pleasant stop after a hike.
Are there any historical sites accessible from the trails?
The Canal de Carillon, located on the Ottawa River, is a historic site built in the 1820s. While not directly on a hiking trail listed, it's situated in the broader Laurentians area and offers insights into the region's past.
What is the longest moderate hike available?
The longest moderate hike is the Haut-Lieu loop, which spans 13.7 km and typically takes about 3 hours and 41 minutes to complete.
Are there options for public transport to access hiking areas?
While Saint-Placide is primarily accessed by car, some areas like Oka National Park may have limited public transport options or shuttle services during peak seasons. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes or park access points.
Most popular routes around Saint-Placide
Most popular attractions around Saint-Placide
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
