Mont Saint-Bruno National Park: Family-Friendly Hiking 25 Min from Montreal (2026 Guide)
Mont Saint-Bruno National Park is the closest SÉPAQ national park to Montreal — just 25 minutes by car from downtown on the South Shore. It’s a small mountain with five lakes, 27 km of trails, and a historic old mill, making it ideal for families, joggers, and anyone wanting a real nature break without driving an hour. Here’s the complete 2026 guide.
Why Mont Saint-Bruno
It’s flat enough for beginners (the summit is only 218 m), well-marked, and the trail network connects five small lakes — Lac Seigneurial, Lac des Bouleaux, Lac à la Tortue, Lac du Moulin, and Lac des Atocas. The historic 17th-century watermill at Lac du Moulin is a beautiful focal point. It’s the most family-friendly SÉPAQ park near Montreal.
How to Get There
- By car: Highway 30 East from Montreal, exit 121 (Boulevard Clairevue). Park entrance is well signed. 25–30 minutes from downtown.
- Public transit: Metro Longueuil + RTL bus 91 toward Boucherville-Sud or rideshare to the entrance.
- Parking: Pay parking at the entrance (~$10 day pass included with SÉPAQ access fee).
Top Trails
- Tour du Lac Seigneurial (3 km): Flat loop around the main lake. Stroller-accessible.
- Le Grand Tour (9 km): Connects all 5 lakes — the classic visit.
- Vieux Moulin (5 km): Out-and-back to the historic mill.
- Sommet (7 km): Loop to the summit with good views.
Activities Beyond Hiking
- Apple picking at Verger du Vieux-Moulin inside the park in September–October.
- Cross-country skiing on 28 km of groomed trails in winter.
- Snowshoeing on dedicated trails in winter.
- Cycling on a few paths inside the park.
- Birdwatching around the lakes — herons, ducks, woodpeckers.
Practical Information
- Entry fee: ~$9.55 adult (2026), free for kids under 17. Annual SÉPAQ pass covers all Quebec national parks.
- Hours: 8 AM–dusk year-round.
- Facilities: Welcome centre, washrooms, picnic tables, equipment rentals (snowshoes, ski).
- Dogs: Allowed on leash on most trails (not on the apple-picking sections).
Best Season to Visit
- September–October: Fall colours, apple picking — the busiest and most rewarding time.
- Late spring: Wildflowers, returning birds, quiet trails.
- Winter: One of the best easy cross-country skiing spots near Montreal.
What to Combine with Your Visit
- Boucherville and Promenades Saint-Bruno mall for a post-hike meal.
- Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville — sister park, 15 min north, paddling + biking.
- South Shore bike paths connecting to Longueuil.
