Best Hiking Near Montréal (Beginner-Friendly, Scenic & Close to the City)
💡 Insider tip: Mont-Saint-Hilaire fills up by 10am on weekends — arrive before 9am or after 3pm. Off-island, less crowded options: Mont-Saint-Bruno (the easier alternative) or the Eastern Townships\\’ Mont-Orford.
✨ Best for: beginner hikers, families, anyone within 1 hour of Montreal.
Trail maps at SEPAQ →📍 In this article
Looking to escape the city and get into nature? Montréal is surrounded by parks, forests, mountains, and lakes, making it one of the best urban centres in Canada for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick trail inside the city, a half-day hike, or a day trip to the mountains, there are many hikes that are easy to access year-round.
This guide highlights the best scenic hikes near Montréal, sorted by distance, difficulty, and type of landscape.
Hiking Within Montréal (No Car Needed)
| Location | Difficulty | Why It’s Great | Nearest Metro / Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Royal Park | Easy–Moderate | Forest walk + iconic city lookout | Mont-Royal / Peel |
| Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse | Easy | Quiet forest trails, boardwalks | Bus 468 / 170 |
| Parc-nature de Pointe-aux-Prairies | Easy | Views of St. Lawrence River, marshlands | Bus 186 / 189 |
| Parc du Cap-Saint-Jacques | Easy | Beach + nature + ski & snowshoe in winter | Bus 68 |
Who this is best for:
Beginners, families, casual walkers, and anyone looking to stay in the city.
Close to Montréal (15–45 Minutes Away)
| Destination | Travel Time | Top Trail | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park | 25–30 min | Lac des Bouleaux Loop | Easy | Lakes, forest, wildlife |
| Oka National Park | 45 min | Calvaire d’Oka | Easy–Moderate | Sunset viewpoints + historic chapels |
| Parc de la Rivière-du-Nord (Saint-Jérôme) | 45 min | Chute du Diable | Easy | Waterfalls + riverside walk |
| Mont-Saint-Hilaire | 35 min | Pain de Sucre Summit | Easy–Moderate | Steep short climb + rewarding view |
Best for:
Quick getaways, forest scenery, picnic spots, light elevation.
Laurentian Mountains Day Trips (1–2 Hours Away)
If you’re ready to leave the city, the Laurentians offer some of the best hiking in Québec — with lakes, lookouts, small villages, and classic fall colors.
| Area | Top Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlight View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mont-Tremblant National Park | La Corniche | 3.4 km | Easy | Lookout over Lac Monroe |
| Sentier des Cimes Laurentides (Mont-Blanc) | Elevated Forest Tower Walk | 2–5 km | Easy / Accessible | 360° mountain view from a treetop tower |
| Mont Saint-Sauveur | Summit Trail | 3–5 km | Easy–Moderate | Sunset & valley views |
| Val-David / Mont-Plante | Sommet du Val-David | 4–6 km | Moderate | Rocky viewpoints + quiet forest |
Traveler Tip:
For first-time hikers who want big views with low effort, choose:
✅ La Corniche (classic mountain viewpoint)
✅ Sentier des Cimes (flat + panoramic tower)
Seasonal Highlights
| Season | Why It’s Great | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sept–Oct) | Peak colors | Book parking early, weekends are busy |
| Summer | Lakes, swimmers, butterflies | Bring water + bug repellent |
| Spring | Best waterfalls | Trails may be muddy |
| Winter | Snowshoe + cross-country ski | Dress in layers, check trail grooming |
Local + Traveler Feedback (Reddit, AllTrails & TripAdvisor)
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“Mont-Saint-Bruno is the best easy nature getaway without driving far.”
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“La Corniche is the perfect ‘wow view’ for beginners.”
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“Sentier des Cimes is incredible for families and seniors — everyone can enjoy the view.”
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“For fall colors, Mont Saint-Hilaire and Mont-Tremblant are unmatched.”
How to Get There Without a Car
| Destination | Transit Option | Travel Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oka Park | Bus + bike ferry (summer) | Very scenic summer route |
| Saint-Jérôme / Laurentians | Galland Bus from Montréal | Connect to local trail buses |
| Mount Royal | Metro + walk | Closest easy viewpoint hike |
Sources & References
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Sépaq – Mont-Saint-Bruno & Mont-Tremblant: https://www.sepaq.com
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Tourisme Laurentides (Official): https://www.laurentides.com
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Ville de Montréal Parks Network: https://montreal.ca
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AllTrails user ratings & GPS routes
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TripAdvisor hiking reviews, Montréal region
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Reddit r/Quebec, r/MontrealHiking community trail reports
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest hike near Montreal?
Mount Royal Park is the easiest — paved and packed-dirt trails, 5 km of options, accessible by metro and STM bus. Parc des Rapides in Lachine and the Lachine Canal path are flat alternatives. For a beginner natural hike, head to Parc-nature de l’Ile-de-la-Visitation or Cap-Saint-Jacques.
How far is the closest mountain to Montreal?
Mont Saint-Hilaire is 35 minutes by car. Mont Saint-Bruno is 30 minutes. Both have well-marked trails for beginners and intermediates. For taller summits, Mont Tremblant (1h45) and Mont Sutton (1h30) offer 700m+ ascents in the Laurentians and Eastern Townships.
Is there hiking in Mount Royal Park?
Yes — 5 km of marked trails, including the popular 1.5 km Olmsted Path that loops to the Belvedere Kondiaronk viewpoint. Easier paths to the Chalet du Mont-Royal. Free admission, year-round access. Paid parking on weekdays, free on weekends.
Do I need a permit to hike near Montreal?
No permit for Mount Royal, urban parks, or the Lachine Canal. SEPAQ provincial parks (Mont-Saint-Bruno, Mont-Tremblant National Park, Oka, Mont-Orford) charge a $9.90 day-use access fee. Camping reservations open 9 months in advance.
Best fall hike near Montreal?
Mont Saint-Hilaire and Mont Saint-Bruno peak for fall foliage between September 25 and October 15. Mont Royal’s upper trails offer city-skyline views with colour. For an iconic drive plus hike, head to Mont Tremblant area or the Eastern Townships.
