Montreal, the southwest province of Quebec, Canada, is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. With cascading waterfalls, expansive valleys, and shimmering lakes and rivers, the outskirts of Montreal are simply stunning. What better way to experience what the Canadian natural wilderness has to offer than to take one of Montreal’s many gorgeous hikes?
Easy, Moderate, And Hard Hikes
Whether hikers are new to hiking or have been hiking for years and years, there are plenty of great hiking trails for all ages and experience levels in Montreal. From the Mount Royal Park Loop, a trail best suited for beginners and families looking for a casual place to walk with others, to the Sept-Chutes Loop, a challenging hike with jaw-dropping views of towering waterfalls, this list will help any hiker find the perfect Montreal trail to explore!
Mount Royal Park Loop
One of the more popular trails in Montreal, the Mount Royal Park Loop features a glittering lake and is relatively easy. All kinds of hikers will be able to use this trail comfortably, and dogs are also allowed (on a lease). After its debut in 1876, Mont-Royal Park was one of the first areas to be officially protected and offers gorgeous views!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 8.4 km
- Location: 1260 Remembrance Road, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1A2 Canada
- Things to see: Wildflowers, Lake, Forest
Ile Ste Helene
Slightly more difficult than Mount Royal Park’s trail, the Ile Ste Helene trail is straightforward, simple, and smooth. Without too much of a challenge, visitors can still see a river, birds like storks, geese, and robins, and thick forests of trees. Mostly seen as a walking trail, the Ile Ste Helene could be good for larger families with kids or for those who don’t hike very often and are not interested in too many inclines and unsteady ground.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 12.2 km
- Location: Ville-Marie, Montréal, QC H3C 6A3, Canada
- Things to see:Â River, Forest, Birds
Sutton Ridge Loop
With not much foot traffic, visitors can spread out and get some great meditative alone time as they hike the Sutton Ridge Loop. A bit more difficult than the Ils Ste Helen trail, visitors should prepare for rope climbs and steep stairs as well as more level portions with good places to catch a breather. Veteran hikers will love the bigger challenge this hike will present!
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 12.9 km
- Location: Parc d'environnement naturel de Sutton, 900 Chem. Réal, Sutton, QC J0E 2K0, Canada
- Things to see:Â Creeks, Forests, Wildflowers, Summit Views
Sept-Chutes (Seven Waterfalls) Loop
The Sept-Chutes Loop is an outstandingly beautiful trail that’s much less crowded than other trails. One of the more difficult hikes in Montreal, and the hardest hike on this list, the work certainly pays off with astounding views of seven different waterfalls as well as serene lakes and sweeping scenes of the valleys below. Prepare for lots of rocks and unsteady climbing on this trail, but the views from up above and all around make the journey totally worth it.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Length: 6.5 miles
- Location: 4031 chemin Brassard Sud, Saint-Zénon, Québec J0K 3N0, Canada
- What to see:Â Waterfalls, Lakes, Forests, Valleys
Note: This park does require admission. Here is the price breakdown for Sept-Chutes Regional Park:
- Adult: $7.00
- Child (6 - 17 years old): $3.75
- Family: $16.50
- Group rate (20+ people): $5.00
- Group rate for schools: $3.00
- Annual pass (gives access to Forêt Ouareau, Sept-Chutes, Chute-à -Bull, Lac Taureau): $75.00
What to Bring
Water
Humans need water. Especially on hikes where hikers are sweating and working hard in the sun, water should be the top priority for everyone.
Proper Hiking Clothes
- Warm weather: Thin, sweat-wicking tank tops and shirts paired with protective pants will help keep hikers cool when the climate is hot.
- Cold weather: Layers are key when it comes to hiking in the cold. Sticking to natural fibers like wool, cotton, and down is a good rule of thumb in selecting jackets, sweaters, socks, and pants.
Durable backpack
Hikers want to make sure their bag is reliable enough to weather the elements. A cheap, flimsy bag could really slow someone down, so it’s a great idea to invest in something solid!
Sunscreen
As some hikes can expose a hiker to long periods of direct sunlight, sunscreen should definitely be brought, worn, and reapplied often.
Bug spray
Bugs and hiking go together like biscuits and gravy, so prepare ahead of time with some good quality bug spray.
Hat
As with sunscreen, a good hat is needed to shield hikers’ eyes, face, and neck from the harmful rays of the sun.
Emergency Blanket And First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is something everyone should bring with them as they hike. Hikers never know when they might need one, and it’s always a good idea to pack an emergency blanket as well. Just in case!
In conclusion, Montreal offers outstanding views of Canada’s wilderness, and some of the best ways to experience this beauty is a hike on one of the city’s many different trails! Hikes will take travelers up through the winding mountains, past gorgeous waterfalls, near rushing rivers, and up to the dizzying summits, offering some of the best chances to see and appreciate the beauty of Canada.