Although southern Quebec isn’t blessed with the tall peaks of western Canada, there are nonetheless many areas where the mountain scenery is still quite spectacular and, fortunately for Montrealers and visitors to the city, there are several great hiking trails not too distant from the city. To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, we put together this guide on the Best Hiking Trails Near Montreal, with a focus on those that we believe best maximize the effort-to-reward ratio. We will also mostly focus on trails that are within a 2-hour drive of the city (with a few exceptions).
Disclosure: This page (Best Hiking Trails Near Montreal) may contain product affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. More details can be found on our disclosure and policies page.
You might be interested in these pages:
Best National Parks Near Montreal
Best Hiking Trails Near Mont Tremblant
Best Hiking Trails in the Eastern Townships
Quebec Hiking Trails that Are Stunning in Winter
Regions Covered in Our Hiking Trail
Our list of the Best Hiking Trails Near Montreal will be divided into 4 sections based on the geographical region in which the trails are located: the Laurentians, the Lanaudière region, the Eastern Townships (Estrie), and Vermont.
We will also highlight how far each trail is from Montreal and its associated hiking difficulty level, in addition to sharing several typical hiking trail metrics such as the trail distance and elevation gain. Most trails presented below also have their own fully detailed hiking guides for which we will provide links to them for those interested in learning more about a particular trail.
Many of the trails presented below are located within a Québec National Park. Although all provincial parks in Quebec have used the term “national park” since 2002, there is no connection to the federal national park system, administered by Parks Canada.
All Quebec National Parks charge the same access fees and you can buy an annual pass that allows unlimited access to all parks.
Daily access fees and Annual passes
Quebec National Parks are managed by the SÉPAQ, a government agency that manages all provincial parks and wildlife preserves in Québec.
There is a limit to the number of visitors that can enter any Québec SÉPAQ National Park on any given day. It is therefore strongly recommended that you purchase your daily right of access online before a visit or that you acquire an annual pass.
The daily pass ($9.85 (2024)) can be purchased here up to 30 days before a visit.
The annual pass can be purchased here either for unlimited access to a single national park ($49.25 (2024)) or for unlimited access to all SÉPAQ national parks ($88.50 (2024)). Even if you have an annual pass, we still recommend arriving early in the morning or mid-to-late afternoon to avoid showing up to a filled parking lot.
If you need to book a rental vehicle for your hiking excursion, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Montreal.
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Laurentians
Overall, the Laurentians are probably our favourite region for hiking near Montreal, particularly the area around Mont-Tremblant, which is filled with a large selection of trails to choose from.
1. La Coulée Trail (Mont-Tremblant National Park) – 2h from Montreal
La Coulée Trail – This trail name is given to a combination of two shorter out and back trails, (the Corniche and La Roche trails) along with the trail section that connects them. Each sub-trail has its own observation deck with stunning views of Lake Monroe’s glacial valley below and the Mont Tremblant highlands in the distance. Most of the hike is under a mixed forest cover of predominantly deciduous trees. This is one of our favorite hikes to do in Mont-Tremblant National Park, particularly in autumn.
Distance: 8.2 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 240 m (cumulative elevation gain: 351 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 886 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 2h30 – 3h
Access Fees: SEPAQ Daily Rate (or free with annual SEPAQ pass)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
For more information on this trail, check out our Guide on the La Coulée, La Roche and La Corniche trails.
2. Montagne Verte Trail – 2h from Montreal
This trail isn’t part of Mont-Tremblant National Park, but it is nearby. While the national park is east of Mont-Tremblant, this trail and the next one below are west of Mont-Tremblant, near the village of Labelle. You will definitely get a great bang for your buck on this trail – you get fantastic panoramic 360-degree views from the top and it’s only 3.1 km long. However, don’t let the short distance fool you, it is still quite a steep trail that requires a good deal of effort to climb up over uneven terrain, even if only over a short distance.
Distance: 3.1 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 170 m (cumulative elevation gain: 180 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 2166 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 1h-1h15
Access Fees: Free
Difficulty Level: Moderate
For more information on this trail, check out our Montagne Verte and Nez-de-l’Indien Hicking Guide.
3. Nez-de-L’Indien Trail – 2h from Montreal
Many actually combine both the Nez-de-l’Indien Trail with the Montagne Verte Trail, since they both share the same trailhead. Instead of turning left to do the loop, keep going straight to reach the Nez-de-L’Indien summit. Doing both adds about 2.5 km to the Nez-de-L’Indien Trail total listed below (for a total of 11 km).
Distance: 8.5 km
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation gain: 205 m (cumulative elevation gain: 496 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 1739 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 3h-3h30.
Access Fees: Free
Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging
For more information on this trail, check out our Montagne Verte and Nez-de-l’Indien Hiking Guide.
4. Mont King and Mont Condor Trail – 1h15 from Montreal
The Mont King and Mont Condor loop trail is a fun trail and one of our favorites, with some adventurous sections (that aren’t too difficult to navigate) while boasting an impressive number of different panoramic viewpoints for a trail of its length. Overall, it’s one of the easier trails presented in this guide (along with the next tail, Mont L’envol).
Distance: 6.1 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 135 m (cumulative elevation gain: 214 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 1223 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 1h40 – 2h10
Access Fees: 10$ (2024)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
For more information on this trail, check out our Mont King and Mont Condor Hiking Guide.
Lanaudière Region
The following section trails are found in the Lanaudière region of Québec, which lies immediately east of the Laurentians. As a result, the scenery isn’t all that different and no less spectacular than that of the Laurentians. Most of the trails presented below are around the town of Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm, with one exception (the Mont Brassard Loop Trail).
5. Mont L’envol trail – 2h from Montreal
Mont L’envol is one of our personal favourite hiking spots in the St-Donat area. Surprisingly, it’s not as busy as the other trails highlighted here, yet the viewpoints are no less rewarding and it’s actually an easier trail too. This trail is technically part of the Mont-Tremblant National Park, but in a different sector (Saint-Donat and Pimbina sector) of the park than those previously mentioned above, and is more easily reached from Saint-Donat-de-Montcalm than from Mont-Tremblant.
Distance: 4.5 km
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 205 m (cumulative elevation gain: 220 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.5, 420 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 1h15-1h45
Access Fees: SEPAQ Daily Rate (or free with annual SEPAQ pass)
Difficulty Level: Easy
For more information on this trail, check out our Mont L’envol Hiking Guide.
6. Mont Kaaikop trail – 1h30 from Montreal
One of the more challenging and technical trails in the area due to its rocky and often muddy trail path, it rewards you with stunning vistas atop the second-highest peak in the Laurentians. There is also a very scenic lake to explore near the trailhead. Although the trail is short, the effort level required can be deceiving as you will gain significant elevation over a short distance, over rocky and uneven terrain.
Distance: 5.8 km
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 318 m (cumulative elevation gain: 355 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.5, 1063 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 2h-2h30
Access Fees: 8,70$ + tx (2024)
Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging
For more information on this trail, check out our Mont Kaaikop Hiking Guide.
7. Montagne Noire trail – 1h30 from Montreal
Apart from the beautiful mountain and an elevated observation tower on its summit, the Montagne Noire is also well-known for a historically macabre reason – it is the site of the worst accident in Canadian military aviation history. The Consolidated Liberator III (also known as Liberator Harry) crashed near the summit in 1943, and today you can visit some of the wreckage that still lies around the trail.
Distance: 13.0 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 456 m (cumulative elevation gain: 549 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.5, 1231 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 3h45-4h15
Access Fees: Free – but prior online registration is required.
Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging
For more information on this trail, check out our Montagne Noire Hiking Guide.
8. Mont Brassard Loop Trail (Septs Chutes Regional Park) – 2h from Montreal
This trail is further east and north than all of the others mentioned to date but still falls within the 2-hour range from Montreal. The trail has several beautiful viewpoints without being too difficult, providing you with a great reward-to-effort ratio. It also passes by a few scenic lakes along the way.
Distance: 6.3 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 230 m (cumulative elevation gain: 321 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 1739 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 1h45-2h15.
Access Fees: 9$ (you can repurchase your ticket here)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Hiking Packing List
All Trails subscription – This comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
External Battery – If you are using your phone to track your progress along the trail or to help with navigation, you certainly don’t want your phone to die on you. That’s especially true in the unlikely event that you might get hurt or need assistance.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in steep trails or muddy/boggy trail conditions.
Vermont
9. Mount Pisgah – 2h15 from Montreal
Located in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, Mount Pisgah is a popular hiking destination that provides hikers with rewarding views of the fjord-like Lake Willoughby (Vermont’s second deepest lake) and the spectacular nearby mountain scenery. You can reach the summit via one of three different trails. There’s also some scenic beaches along the lake to unwind after your hike.
Distance: 6.6 km (4.1 miles)
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 450 m (1475 feet) (cumulative elevation gain: 504 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.7, 1991 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 2h45h-3h15
Access Fees: Free
Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging
For more information on this trail, be sure to check out our Mont Pisgah Hiking Guide.
Eastern Townships
The trails presented below are primarily from three parks within the region: Mont Orford National Park, Parc Naturel Environnement Sutton (PENS), and Mont Mégantic National Park. You can follow any of the above links for additional trails in those regions not covered in this guide.
10. L’Escalier du Nord Trail (Mont Orford National Park) – 1h30 from Montreal
This moderately challenging trail takes you up to the Pic the l’Ours (mountain peak) and is one of the most difficult trails presented in this guide, both because of the elevation gain and the occasional rocky and uneven terrain, which can require a bit of light scrambling. You will be greatly rewarded for your effort, however, as you will cross several panoramic viewpoints along the trail. The scenery is beautiful both in summer and autumn.
Distance: 12.7 km
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation gain: 450m (cumulative elevation gain: 624 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.6, 1293 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 3h30-4h min
Access Fees: SEPAQ daily rate (or free with annual SEPAQ pass)
Difficulty Level: Moderately Challenging
For more information on this trail, check out our guide on the Best Trails Near Mont Orford.
11. Pékan Trail (Mont Orford National Park) – 1h30 from Montreal
This is a beautiful lakeside trail that follows a path that gently goes up and down several times as you loop around the Étang aux Cerises pond (a pond that honestly looks more like a lake, to be honest), with several viewpoints along the way. The first half along the east side of the pond is lovely as you travel through various types of woodland, eventually climbing up to a beautiful promontory (Colline de la Serpentine) a few hundred feet above the pond. You will also get to enjoy great lakeside views during the first few hundred meters of the trail.
Distance: 8.5 km
Route Type: Loop
Elevation gain: 60m (cumulative elevation gain: 215 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.3, 918 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 2h-2h30
Access Fees: SEPAQ daily rate (or free with annual SEPAQ pass)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
For more information on this trail, check out our guide on the Best Trails Near Mont Orford.
12. Round Top Trail (Mont Sutton) – 1h30 from Montreal
Round Top is the trail that most people want to do when they come to Sutton, but in reality, most combine it with the Lac Spruce trail since adding the Lake detour doesn’t add too much time to the trail itinerary. Both the Round Top and combined trail lead to the highest peak of the massif, the Round Top, which culminates at 968 meters, where it offers panoramic views of the St. Lawrence plain, the Monteregiennes and Lake Champlain. It’s a hike that we particularly enjoy doing in winter.
Distance: 6.0 km
Route Type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 396 m (cumulative elevation gain: 404 m)
AllTrails rating: (4.5, 370 ratings (2024))
Duration: Most people complete the trail in about 2h15-2h45
Access Fees: PENS daily rate
Difficulty Level: Moderately challenging
For more information on this trail, and on how you can combine it with the Lac Spruce Trail, you can check out our Round Top Hiking Guide.
Why Hike in Winter?
– There are generally fewer people on the hiking trails, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
– Compacted snow generally makes the trail easier to walk on and removes the difficulties associated with walking over rocks, boulders and tree roots.
– The scenery is very different than in any other season but is no less beautiful.
13. Mont Mégantic Trail – 2h30 from Montreal
For more information on this trail, check out our Mont Mégantic Trail Winter Hiking Guide
Winter Hiking Packing List
Crampons / Ice Cleats – These are a must-have to help you with those steep ascents/descents or navigate icy trail conditions.
External Battery – Cold weather significantly affects cell phone battery drainage. Best to be prepared with an external power source to recharge your phone if needed.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in winter, especially when not wearing any crampons or ice cleats.
Hand warmers – if you are like us and often remove your gloves to take pictures, having little hotties around care be hand life savers in freezing weather.
All Trails subscription – comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
14. Mont Saint-Joseph Trail (Mont Mégantic National Park) – 2h30 from Montreal
Additional Easy Hiking Trails Near Montreal
You might have noticed that most of the trails listed above fall into the moderate or moderately challenging trail difficulty level. If you are primarily interested in some easier trails that don’t have too much elevation gain, we have some great suggestions for you (including links to pages with additional details on the trails).
Grande-Rivière Trail (Boucherville National Park) – 20 minutes from Montreal
A fun short 4 km trail with no elevation gain. This National Park is filled with similar easy trails (though some are shared with cyclists).
Les Lacs Trail (Saint-Bruno National Park) – 35 minutes from Montreal
It’s hard to find a more scenic trail so close to Montreal. This trail takes around Mont Saint-Bruno’s five lakes, many of which have floating platforms from which to admire the scenery. The trail is longer than the previous one, and while it does have some short ups and downs, the overall elevation gain is quite modest.
Sauvagine Trail (Oka National Park) – 45 minutes from Montreal
Though this park has some hilly sections, this trail stays close to sea level for the duration of the trail. You’ll spend half your time in the forest and the other half looping around a large scenic lake.
Lac Mercier Trail (Laurentians) – 2h from Montreal
This is a lovely lakeside trail near Mont-Tremblant. It’s our favorite place to go for a relaxing walk in nature.
Trail Tips for Hiking Trails Near Montreal
-During the peak summer and fall months, the parking lots can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Try to arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to guarantee a spot.
-Mosquitoes and black flies can be a nuisance at certain times during the year. The exact dates vary from year to year, but they are generally most present from mid-May to mid-July. Regardless of when you hike, it’s always a good idea to carry some bug spray with you, just in case.
-Stick to the designated paths to protect the surrounding environment. Moreover, ticks are present in some regions, particularly in the Eastern townships, so straying from the trails carries additional risk.
-Best time for summer hiking: we highly recommend the end of summer and early fall (August, September and October). The weather will be pleasant and the likelihood of being harassed by bugs is significantly reduced. Moreover, July is when most people in Québec take their summer holidays and it’s also the hottest month temperature-wise.
-Best time for winter hiking: the winter season hiking typically runs from late November to late March. Trail conditions vary throughout the season, so be sure to check up-to-date park trail conditions. It is highly recommended to wear crampons/traction cleats under your shoes or boots when hiking any trail with significant elevation gain (see winter packing list above). In the event of large amounts of recent snowfall, you might be better off using snowshoes than hiking with boots and cleats.
Want to Discover More Hiking Trails Around Montreal?
You might be interested in these pages:
Best National Parks for Near Montreal
Best Hiking Trails in the Near Mont Tremblant
Best Hiking Trails in the Eastern Townships
Quebec Hiking Trails that Are Stunning in Winter
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Best Hiking Trails Near Montreal Guide and that it will prove useful for planning your hiking trip.
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