The best walks and hikes around Montréal
4.5
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6,927
hikers
238
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Hiking trails around Montréal encompass a unique blend of urban green spaces and accessible natural landscapes. The region is characterized by its riverfront paths, gentle hills, and mixed forests, providing diverse terrain for outdoor activities. These areas offer a variety of experiences, from leisurely walks within city parks to more extensive trails in nearby nature reserves.
Best hiking trails around Montréal
- The most popular hiking route is Frédéric-Back Park Trail, a 3.6 miles (5.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This urban park route offers a unique landscape on a former quarry site.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park, an easy 3.7 miles (5.9 km) path. This trail explores a nature park along the Rivière des Prairies, featuring historical elements and natural scenery.
- Local hikers also love the Arthur Therrien Park to Rapides Park via Chemin des Berges, a 7.8 miles (12.5 km) trail leading through riverfront parks, often completed in about 3 hours 12 minutes.
- Hiking around Montréal is defined by urban green spaces, riverfront paths, and accessible forests. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate excursions.
- The routes in Montréal are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 150 reviews. More than 4000 hikers have used komoot to explore Montréal's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
5.0
(1)
96
hikers
5.77km
01:30
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
37
hikers
3.12km
00:48
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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34
hikers
5.89km
01:30
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
27
hikers
10.1km
02:35
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
24
hikers
12.5km
03:12
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The wetlands of Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies are among the park’s most important natural features, providing habitat for a wide variety of plants and wildlife. There are boardwalks and trails that pass through marshes and the edges of forest, and it’s a beautiful area of the park where you’ll spot lots of birds, amphibians, and the park’s resident white-tailed deer.
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Bois de la Réparation is a protected woodland section within the more expansive Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies. Historically, it was one of several separate regional parks in Montréal’s east end before being incorporated into the larger nature park, helping to preserve the mature forest habitat and ecological diversity. Its peaceful wooded trails are perfect for a quiet walk to appreciate nature, watch for deer, marmots, and other wildlife and immerse yourself in one of the city’s last remaining natural forests.
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Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies is a beautiful 261-hectare urban nature park nestled at the eastern tip of Montréal Island, and is the second largest in the city. The park protects forests, marshes, meadows, and shoreline habitats, and is a popular place for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation. There is an extensive trail network throughout the grounds that offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature year-round.
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At the tip of Parc René-Lévesque, Le phare d’Archimède stands like an abstract lighthouse facing Lake Saint-Louis. Created by Dominique Rolland in 1986, the installation uses a tall white column, granite, steel, and forms that nod to Archimedes’ work on balance and levers. It makes a natural turnaround point on the loop, with open water views and one of the park’s most distinctive sculpture stops.
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The Rivière des Prairies Hydroelectric Dam spans the powerful current of the Rivière des Prairies beside Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park. Built in the early 20th century, the dam harnesses the river’s strong flow to generate hydroelectric power. From nearby viewpoints and trails you can watch the water rushing through the structures and over the rocky riverbed, creating one of the most dynamic stretches of water in Montréal. It’s a fascinating place to see how the river’s natural force has been used to produce energy.
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This scenic path follows the banks of the Rivière des Prairies through Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park. The trail runs beside powerful rapids created by the river’s natural drop and the nearby hydroelectric dam. Several viewpoints along the path allow you to watch the fast-moving water rushing through the rocky channel, making this one of the most dramatic river landscapes in Montréal.
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Located along the Rivière des Prairies in northern Montréal, Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park is a peaceful green space known for its riverside scenery and historic landmarks. Trails follow the river’s edge where fast-moving rapids create one of the most dramatic stretches of water in the city. The island also has an important industrial past, with historic mill buildings that once powered Montréal’s early industries. Today, it’s a popular place for walking, cycling, and enjoying nature without leaving the city.
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The eastern tip viewpoint at Parc des Rapides offers one of the closest, safest vantage points to the powerful Lachine Rapids on the St. Lawrence River. From this shoreline lookout, you can watch fast-moving currents, standing waves, and seabirds that gather in the churning water, with clear views toward the Champlain Bridge and Île des Sœurs. Connected by Chemin des Berges, the paved path leads to benches and small observation areas where you can pause and take in the sound and force of the rapids.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Montréal?
Montréal offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 240 routes documented on komoot. These include 158 easy trails perfect for a relaxed stroll, 76 moderate routes for a bit more challenge, and 7 difficult trails for experienced hikers.
Are there family-friendly hiking options around Montréal?
Yes, Montréal and its surrounding areas provide many family-friendly hiking options. Urban parks like Frédéric-Back Park and Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park offer easy, accessible paths. Just outside the city, parks like Mont Saint-Bruno National Park also feature trails suitable for all ages, often with picnic areas and facilities.
Which trails offer the best views of Montréal or the surrounding area?
For stunning city views, Parc du Mont-Royal is iconic, offering panoramic vistas of the Montréal skyline and the St. Lawrence River. For broader regional views, Mont-Saint-Hilaire (Gault Nature Reserve) provides impressive sights of the Richelieu Valley, and L'Escapade on Mont Rigaud also boasts breathtaking scenery.
Are there any hikes with waterfalls near Montréal?
Yes, for those seeking waterfalls, Sept Chutes Regional Park, located about an hour and 45 minutes from Montréal, is an excellent choice. It features the impressive 60-meter-high Voile de la Mariée waterfall, accessible via various hiking trails.
Can I find circular hiking routes in Montréal?
Absolutely. Many parks in and around Montréal offer circular routes. For example, the Maisonneuve Park loop is a popular option within the city. Mont Saint-Bruno National Park also has the 'Sentier des Lacs,' a popular circular trail that circuits its five lakes.
What are the best urban hiking trails within Montréal?
Montréal boasts several excellent urban hiking trails. The Frédéric-Back Park Trail offers a unique landscape on a former quarry site. The Lachine Canal National Historic Site provides a flat path perfect for exploring the city's industrial heritage, and Parc La Fontaine offers peaceful walking trails amidst beautiful landscaping.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Montréal?
The hiking experiences in Montréal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 150 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique blend of urban green spaces and accessible natural landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse terrain that caters to various skill levels.
Are there dog-friendly hiking trails in Montréal?
Many parks and trails in and around Montréal are dog-friendly, though leash rules typically apply. It's always best to check the specific park regulations before heading out. Urban parks like Parc du Mont-Royal often welcome leashed dogs on trails, and many regional parks also accommodate furry companions.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see while hiking near Montréal?
Hiking near Montréal offers a diverse range of natural landscapes. You'll find mixed forests, particularly vibrant during fall foliage season, along with riverfront paths, gentle hills, and numerous lakes. Parks like Mont-Saint-Hilaire are known for their rich biodiversity, including sugar maple and eastern hemlock forests, while Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park features forests, meadows, and a sandy beach.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions along the hiking trails?
Yes, many trails lead to or pass by interesting landmarks. For instance, hikes in Parc du Mont-Royal can take you past Mount Royal Park itself, offering great viewpoints. The Lachine Canal trail showcases Montréal's industrial heritage. For natural attractions, you can explore areas like Oka National Park with its diverse trails and beach, or visit Beaver Lake within Mont-Royal Park.
What are some good options for a longer, more challenging hike near Montréal?
For a longer and more challenging experience, consider trails in Mont-Tremblant National Park, though it's a bit further out (around 2 hours drive). Closer to the city, Mont-Saint-Hilaire (Gault Nature Reserve) offers 25 kilometers of trails that can provide a good workout, and Sept Chutes Regional Park has trails like the Mont Brassard Trail with multiple lookouts, offering a more strenuous option.
Is it possible to access hiking trails near Montréal using public transport?
Many urban parks within Montréal are easily accessible by public transport, such as Parc du Mont-Royal, Parc La Fontaine, and the Lachine Canal. For parks slightly outside the city, public transport options may be more limited, often requiring a combination of bus and sometimes a short taxi ride. It's advisable to check specific routes and schedules for your chosen destination.
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