For aviation and space enthusiasts in Montreal, two excellent museums are within a 2-hour drive: the Cosmodôme in Laval (Quebec’s premier space science centre) and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa (one of the largest aviation museums in the world). Plus a few hidden local options worth knowing about. Here’s the complete 2026 […]
Mont Orford National Park in the Eastern Townships is a perfect day-trip or weekend escape from Montreal — combining a real mountain (792 m), an inland lake with a sandy beach, hiking trails of every difficulty, and one of Quebec’s classic ski resorts. Here’s the complete 2026 guide.
Few parks within 90 minutes of Montreal pack this much variety: serious summit hiking (mont Orford and mont Chauve), a real swimming beach at Lac Stukely, family camping, kayaking, cycling, and great fall colours. The visitor centre, restaurants, and infrastructure are excellent.
Highway 10 East to exit 118 (Magog–Orford), then Route 141 North. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from downtown Montreal.
A real sandy beach on Lac Stukely with supervised swimming in summer (late June–mid August). Bring a picnic, sun shelters welcome. Canoe and SUP rentals at the beach.
The bike ride from Montreal to Fort de Chambly is one of the best half-day cycling adventures from the city — about 40 km one way along the Saint Lawrence and Richelieu River, mostly on dedicated bike paths. The destination is a 17th-century fort and a charming canalside village. Here’s the complete 2026 guide.
Start at the Old Port. Cross via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge bike lane to Île Sainte-Hélène, then continue south through Parc Jean-Drapeau and via the Île Charron tunnel toward the South Shore. Follow the Route Verte markers south through Longueuil, Boucherville, and into the Richelieu Valley, ending at Fort de Chambly. Approximately 40 km one way.
For a more relaxed day, ride one way (40 km) and take the train back, or arrange a friend with a car to pick you up. The full out-and-back is a serious 80 km ride.
Montreal is a top-tier cycling city, with over 800 km of bike paths connecting the island, the South Shore, the canals, and the Saint Lawrence Seaway. This guide covers the best 87 km loop combining the Lachine Canal, the Saint Lawrence, and the canals in the Sud-Ouest — one of the most scenic continuous rides in Canada, plus shorter day-ride options.
Start at the Old Port and ride west along the Lachine Canal Path to Lachine (15 km). Cross to the south shore via the Estacade or Pont Champlain bike lane, follow the Saint Lawrence Seaway path to Brossard and back east, cross via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge to the Old Port. ~5 hours at relaxed pace with stops.
Is the Lachine Canal Path family-friendly?
Yes — flat, paved, traffic-free.
Can I bring my bike on the metro?
Yes, outside peak hours and only in the first car.
Are BIXI bikes good for long rides?
For up to 20–30 km, yes. For the full 87 km loop, rent a road or hybrid bike.
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.
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.