One of the best one-day cycling adventures near Montreal is the ~50 km circuit through nature, lakes, and rivers on the Île-des-Sœurs / Brossard / Longueuil side of the Saint Lawrence. The route mixes dedicated bike paths along waterways, quiet residential streets, and panoramic skyline views — all on flat, paved terrain that works for […]
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.
Why Mont Orford
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.
How to Get There
Highway 10 East to exit 118 (Magog–Orford), then Route 141 North. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from downtown Montreal.
Top Trails
- Mont Chauve (8 km return): Easier summit, panoramic view, ~3 hours.
- Mont Orford summit (10 km return): Classic, harder, granite summit. 5 hours.
- Pic de l’Ours (4 km loop): Family-friendly with good views.
- Étang-aux-Cerises (5 km flat loop): Wildlife-rich wetland walk.
The Beach at Plage Stukely
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.
Camping
- Frontcountry campsites at Camping Stukely
- oTENTik ready-to-camp tents and Étoile cabins for families without gear
- Backcountry refuges on the Sentiers de l’Estrie that crosses the park
Practical Information
- Entry fee: ~$9.55 adult (2026). Free for kids under 17. SÉPAQ annual pass.
- Hours: 8 AM–dusk; campgrounds 24/7.
- Facilities: Visitor centre, washrooms, beach concession, equipment rentals.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash on designated trails, not on the beach.
Best Time to Visit
- July–August: Beach, paddling, full-service summer.
- Late September–mid October: Spectacular fall colours, busy weekends.
- Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the adjacent Mont Orford ski resort.
What to Combine
- Magog and Lake Memphremagog — pretty lakeside town 15 minutes away.
- Abbaye de Saint-Benoît-du-Lac — Benedictine monastery with famous cheese.
- North Hatley — charming Anglophone village by Lake Massawippi.
- Sherbrooke — regional capital with museums and dining.
More National Parks Near Montreal
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.
The Route
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.
What to See at Fort de Chambly
- Fort de Chambly National Historic Site: Restored 17th-century stone fort on the Richelieu River. Small admission fee.
- Chambly Canal: Historic canal with locks still in use; cycling and picnic spots along the towpath.
- Vieux-Chambly: Pretty old village with cafés and ice cream.
- Bassin de Chambly: Wide lake-like section of the river — sailing and paddling spots.
Practical Information
- Difficulty: Intermediate. 40 km one way means 80 km round-trip — fit cyclists only, or arrange one-way transport back.
- Surface: Mostly paved bike paths, some shared road sections.
- Best season: May to October.
- Train back option: Exo trains accept bikes — check Saint-Lambert or Saint-Hubert stations.
What to Bring
- Helmet, lock, pump and patch kit
- 3+ L of water
- Snacks and lunch (or budget for Chambly)
- Sunscreen, hat, layers
- Lights for sunset return
- Phone holder for navigation
Alternative: One-Way Trip
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.