Less than an hour drive from Montreal, you’ll find L’Escapade in the city of Rigaud. L’Escapade is what’s known as a linear park, meaning it is significantly longer than it is wider. This makes for 27 km of incredible trails that don’t just take you in circles.

There are clearly marked trails for all levels, with some serious climbs and descents for the adventurous skier, as well as stunning views and separate paths for snowshoers to keep the ski trails from getting chewed up.

Cost: free

Bois-de-Liesse, at less than 30 minutes outside the city, is a nature lover’s delight. The heavily forested park with lush stream makes for a truly peaceful environment where even the air smells sweeter.

Enjoy 11.5 km of beautiful trails and cap the day off with a little apres ski at one of the two chalets with crackling fires.

The park also offers cross country ski courses for children and adults.

Cost: park access is free, but parking is $7 for 2 hours or $9 for the day

No list would be complete without Mount Royal park. Right in the heart of the city, you can access the park by car, public transportation or on foot.

Mount Royal’s ski trails are full of twists and turns, and ups and downs, so it’s ideal for the more seasoned cross country skier. If you aren’t that confident, or are new to the sport, the park offers ski lessons to help you develop your skills and conquer our beloved mountain.

Don’t have skis? You can rent equipment from the park rental center.

Cost: park access is free, but parking is… well, it’s city parking, so driver beware!

Many people don’t know this, but the Botanical Gardens opens its trails to the public for cross country skiing every winter.

They only have about 3 km of trails on the grounds (which wind through the beautiful arboretum), but the trails connect with those of Maisonneuve park for about 10 total km of trails.

The trails are mostly flat, making it ideal for beginners and families, and it is truly a unique way to experience one of Montreal’s most stunning attractions.

Cost: park access is free, but parking is $12 for the day

Though less than an hour drive outside the city, you should note that Bois de l’Île Bizard is simply not accessible by public transportation, so a car or cab is a must.

This densely wooded park is a bit of a hidden gem that has been described as truly breathtaking and also… creepy. Going from open wetland trails to dark, eerily quiet woods is quite an experience and, if you can make the trip, not one to be missed. Just make sure you don’t get caught there after dark ;-)

Cost: park access is free, but parking is $6 for 2 hours or $9 for the day