10 Extraordinary Routes & Trails For Hiking Near Montreal

If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, there are plenty of incredible locations to go hiking near montreal. From stunning mountainscapes to luscious woodland, there’s an abundance of natural beauty to be discovered just a stone’s throw away from the city. These are just a few of the best places go hiking in Montreal and the surrounding area:

The Gorge Canyon Trail

Located in the stunning Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, this trail is 3.5km in length  with incredible views to discover along the way. The main highlight of this route has to be the 169 metre long and 50 metre high suspension bridge that’s known as the longest suspended footbridge in North America. Once you’ve crossed the bridge you’ll be able to see the most impressive views of the Gorge. This trail is a little further outside of town, approximately two and a half hours by car, however the unmissable scenery makes it well worth the trip.

Sentier Des Lacs

If you’re looking for a slightly longer route for hiking near Montreal, then you don’t want to miss the 8.8km loop of the five lakes at Mont St.-Bruno National Park. Just a short drive away from the city centre, Mont St.-Bruno National Park features five stunning lakes, an orchard, a historic mill, as well as an abundance of different hiking trails. There are plenty of different routes to explore within the park, however the trail of the lakes is our favourite for the gorgeous views it offers.

Parc du Mount-Royal

Whilst there are plenty of places to go hiking near Montreal, some of the best hiking trails are nestled amongst the city itself. One of these is a lovely 6km route in Parc du Mount-Royal. This is the best way to see some of the most incredible views of the city skyline. The best part? It’s in the centre of the city, making it the perfect location for enjoying a hike with friends at the weekend, or for getting some exercise to de-stress after a hard day at work. 

Dieppe Trail

Mont Saint-Hilaire is located approximately 30km outside of Montreal and is home to an abundance of beautiful trails. One of our favourite routes at Mont Saint-Hilaire has to be The Dieppe Trail which explores the best of the Gault Nature Reserve which is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.One of the main wildlife highlights to look out for are the divergent species of butterflies.Once you reach the summit, there’s also some impressive views of the city that you won’t catch from elsewhere. 

Le Grand Tour Trail

One of the longer but equally enjoyable routes for hiking near Montreal is Le Grand Tour Trail that’s located in Yamaska National Park. This is a 19km loop that takes approximately five and half hours to complete. The hike loops around the edge of the Choinière Reservoir, where you’ll spot blue herons among other unique wildlife species. Make sure to pack up a picnic in one of our waterproof cool bags, as there are plenty of gorgeous spots to stop and enjoy some refreshments by the reservoir. 

Grand Prix Des Couleurs

This stunning hiking trail near Montreal is located at Mont Tremblant. Whilst Mont Tremblant is best known for being a popular ski resort during the winter, when summer comes around it provides an incredibly rewarding hiking route. The entrance to the Grand Prix des couleurs is near the base of the Gondola and offers one of the most straightforward routes from the base to the summit. It takes approximately an hour and a half to reach the top and the views you’re rewarded with are spectacular.

Calvaire d’Oka

Oka National Park is a 45 minute drive from the city centre and is an incredibly popular spot amongst locals, particularly during the summertime. The park has a rich historical and natural heritage that offers plenty to explore, and also features a stunning beach. There are a mix of long and short hiking routes to choose from, however one of the most rewarding has to be hiking to the top of Calvaire d’Oka trail. This offers unrivalled views of Lac des Deux Montagnes and the Adirondacks.

Moose Back Loop

The Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton is another popular spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the best places to go hiking near Montreal, the park offers a range of routes for hikers of all abilities. The Moose Back Loop is one of our favourites because it’s less well known and therefore less crowded than the more famous routes such as the Round Top trail. This is the perfect route for a relaxed hike with incredible panoramic views to enjoy.

Lachine Canal

Situated in the Southwestern section of the Island of Montreal, Lachine Canal is an easy and convenient spot for hiking in Montreal. Perfect for a leisurely hike after work or at the weekend, you can hike as long or a short a distance as you like (without the hills to contend with!). If you’re a fan of watersports, you can also paddle board, kayak or canoe along the canal - This is the perfect way to unwind on a summer’s day!

Mont Brassard Trail

We couldn’t talk about the best places for hiking near Montreal without mentioning the Mont Brassard Trail in Sept Chutes Regional Park. The park is a little further outside of Montreal, approximately 135km out, however it’s well worth the drive. The Mont Brassard Loop takes approximately 3 hours to complete and includes plenty of incredible natural landmarks to view along the way. This includes stunning views of the Black River Valley and the Voile de la Mariée waterfall. 

For more inspiration on where to go hiking near Montreal, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.