We’re outside a lot. Whether it’s going to a park (obviously), or walking through one of Montreal’s great nature parks, or packing up the bikes and finding some trails.
My older son safely learned to ride his bike at Bois-de-Liesse, and we regularly unwind after school at one of the forest trails near our house.
Some of the parks on the list are great for jogging with a stroller, some are great spots to travel along while exploring playgrounds (or ice cream shops) along the way, while others are more rugged and meander through the woods on bumpy trails. Hopefully you find something that you like!
And as usual, these are all places we’ve actually visited, so as we find more, this list will probably change!
1. Parc naturel de la Tourbière-du-Bordelais in Saint-Lazare
An interesting nature walk along boardwalks and bogs. With information panels along the way, this makes a pretty cool outdoor classroom.
“Boys, we’re getting fresh air AND learning!”
Cost: FREE
2. Marcel-Laurin Park & Bassin de la Brunante in Saint-Laurent
This unexpected woodland on the edge of Saint-Laurent’s residential and industrial sectors has 2,1 km of walking trails where you might spot a red fox, rabbits, woodchucks, toads or garter snakes. You can also relax beside the Bassin de la Brunante with its picturesque waterfall.
Cost: FREE
3. The Morgan Arboretum in Ste. Anne de Bellevue
The Morgan Arboretum in Ste. Anne de Bellevue is a 245 hectare forested reserve PERFECT for leisurely strolls or skiing in the winter. Most of the trails are stroller-friendly, though we’ve always just walked. The Arboretum is open daily throughout the year from 9 am to sunset and hosts different events and activities. Bicycles are NOT allowed on the trails.
Cost: Adult – $6
Children (4-14 yrs) – $3 (free if less than 4 yrs)
Student – $4
Senior (65 years +) – $4
Family – $15
4. Nun’s Island waterfront in Verdun
Maynard-Ferguson Park & L’Orée-du-Fleuve Park
Nun’s Island (part of the borough of Verdun) has a crazy long paved bicycle/running/walking path around most of the island which connects to playgrounds and splash pads along the way. Play, walk a bit, run through the water, play some more…The parks above are just two of many that you can access steps away from the trail.
Cost: FREE
5.Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques in Pierrefonds
This nature park has just about everything. 16kms of walking/hiking trails, 8kms of biking trails, a beach, huge lawns for picnics, a working farm where you can see animals and buy organic produce, and some really beautiful water views. Plan to spend the day.
Cost: Parking is $7 for 2 hours or $9 for the day. Access to the beach area is extra.
6. Mount Royal Park in Montreal
It’s touristy for a reason. Because it’s SO PURTY!
You can enjoy a guided tour of the mountain, or simply wander around on your own like we did. Spend the day with a BBQ or picnic, visiting the lookout, wandering the trails, watching the Tam Tams on Sundays, or check the Mount Royal website to see events going on throughout the summer. See HERE for all the upcoming events.
Side note: Before my wedding many, many years ago, I used to hike up the mountain every day during my work lunch break to make sure I would fit into my wedding dress. It worked!
Cost: FREE but you’ll need to pay for parking. Guided tours may have a cost though some are free.
7. Angrignon Park in Le Sud-Ouest
With two playgrounds, a large lake and tons of room to roam, this park is a great spot for a stroll/jog/walk and an ice cream! There are 10kms of walking trails and 2kms of biking trails.
Cost: Parking is 3$/h or 9$/day; (or there’s a free, brand-new parking lot on the de la Vérendrye blvd side)
8. Parc-nature du Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard in Île-Bizard
My two big boys often bring their bikes here and travel the 12.7 kilometres of shared biking/walking trails. I like to come to wander along the boardwalk to see herons, toads and ducks. You can also visit the small beach or take kayak lessons.
Cost: Parking is $7 for 2 hours or $9 for the day.
9. Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse in Saint-Laurent/DDO/Ahuntsic
We’ve been here with a stroller, with bikes, with a wagon, and with a baby carrier. You can stick to the hard-packed trails or walk through the woods. There are 12.6kms of walking trails and 6.9kms of biking tails.
Cost: Parking is $7 for 2 hours or $9 for the day (or park for free along rue Douglas-B.-Floreani)
10. Terra Cotta Natural Park in Pointe-Claire
In the middle of Pointe-Claire is one of my favourite spots for a walk. With cedar chip trails and stairs, it’s not very stroller-friendly, but it is quiet and a great place for a walk/jog or a stroll with baby in a carrier. Bicycles are NOT allowed.
Cost: FREE
11. Along the waterfront in Verdun.
With parks like Quai-de-la-Tortue Park, Monseigneur-J.A.-Richard Park, and Arthur Therrien Park along the way; you can walk/jog/bike on the asphalt trail while stopping to play!
Cost: FREE
12.Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation in Ahuntsic-Cartierville
With 8.8 kms of walking trails and 3.6 kms of biking trails, this was one of our favourites spots from last year. It’s almost all stroller-accessible and the views are beautiful.
Cost: Parking is $7 for 2 hours or $9 for the day.
13. Le refuge faunique Marguerite-D’Youville in Châteauguay
Try to visit this giant wildlife refuge with 8km of walking trails on the weekend, when you can take the passenger/bike ferry from the Lachine marina right to the entrance of the trails.