The best traffic-free bike rides in Bois De L'Équerre

Launch straight into the Rivière des Mille Îles from the park's main rental centre and explore a maze of islands, marshes, and quiet waterways at your own pace. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and rabaskas are available to rent for three-hour blocks or a full day on a first-come, first-served basis. Your rental also helps support the conservation of the river's unique ecosystems and wildlife, making it a great way to experience the park from the water.

Set beside the Rivière des Mille Îles in the historic Sainte-Rose neighbourhood, Berge des Baigneurs is one of Laval’s main riverside parks. The landscaped shoreline has open views across the river, places to sit, and a seasonal dock that brings you closer to the water. It’s a natural stopping point along the route, with the streets, church, and older buildings of Vieux-Sainte-Rose just behind the riverbank. The park is free to visit.

This is one of the most scenic stretches of the Lower Laurentians Linear Park as the trail passes beside Armistice Park. Here the path runs through a lush corridor of mature trees, creating a cool, shaded section that feels noticeably greener than much of the surrounding route. The canopy overhead and dense woodland on both sides make this a particularly peaceful place to walk or cycle.

The Route Verte (Green Route) is North America’s largest cycling network, stretching thousands of kilometres across Québec and linking hundreds of communities with signed, mostly low-traffic routes for biking and walking. This section is popular with recreational riders and hikers, commuters, and long-distance touring cyclists, offering an easy, traffic-free way to explore Laval’s natural surroundings and city highlights, whether you’re on foot or on a bike.

Bois de Naples is a beautiful urban woodland in the Vimont sector, part of a larger green corridor that encompasses several other woodlands and natural spaces. It's an inviting natural environment for cyclists and walkers, and, compared to other wooded areas in Laval, it lacks the development of formal trails and parks, making it an ideal spot to pause and take in the quiet scenery.

This small natural body of water is located near Blainville, in the Laurentians, north of Montreal. Peaceful, it is bordered by numerous hiking trails, such as the Seigneurie des Plaines.

Microbrasserie Dieu Du Ciel is perfectly situated at the end of Le P'tit train du Nord route. Understandably, it's the perfect way to end your ride. Enjoy a nice beer (other drinks are available) to celebrate a great adventure.

🌿 Halte des Prairies – Gateway to Nature and Route Verte 1 Halte des Prairies is a peaceful & scenic riverside rest area located along Boulevard des Prairies in Laval-des-Rapides. This tranquil spot is strategically located and serves as a gateway for cyclists and pedestrians exploring the region's natural beauty. Notably, it is a key access point to Route Verte 1, Quebec's extensive & legendary cycling network that spans the province from Gatineau to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. 🚴 Route Verte 1 and the 🌉 Perry Island Bridge Connection Route Verte 1 runs directly through Halte des Prairies, making it a natural rest or departure point for cyclists. From here, Route Verte 1 continues over the Perry Island Bridge—a historic metal railway bridge that has been adapted for pedestrian and cyclist use that's easily accessible to them. This bridge is officially part of Route Verte 1 and plays a crucial role in local transportation, providing a direct link & serving as a key crossing between Laval and Montreal over the Rivière des Prairies. Adjacent to the bridge is Île Perry (often affectionately called “Île aux Fesses” by longtime residents & locals), a small island that offers a unique and picturesque transition between the two cities which is accessible via the bridge and offers opportunities for exploration and recreation. 🌳 Nearby Parks and Trails Once across the Perry Island Bridge, visitors can explore Parc Bernard-Landry, a primarily forested area. With its forested trails and charming pond, it offers natural beauty and is perfect for a short break or nature walk. This park provides a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and complements the cycling experience along Route Verte 1. 🗺️ Planning Your Visit Halte des Prairies offers a strategic and beautiful place to pause. It’s accessible by bike, foot, or public transit, and offers a smooth, scenic gateway into both Laval and Montreal via Route Verte 1. Whether you're embarking on a long-distance cycling journey or seeking a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, this rest area serves as an excellent starting point.