Montérégie’s parks and green spaces are just perfect for reconnecting with nature. There’s no better way to shake off the lockdown blues than an escape into the woods. Dust off your hiking boots and discover these 15 spots to get your groove back! GO!
1 – Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville, Boucherville
Trails: 21km network
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: This renowned park is made up of 5 small islands. Just a few minutes away from Montréal, the park also has a campground with ready-to-camp and standard sites. Magnificent views on the banks of the St. Lawrence await!
What’s new: This summer, there will be new discovery stations throughout the park. You’ll be able to take in immersive experiences on the islands’ fauna, flora and history thanks to interpretive panels.
Before you go: You’ll need to pay your entry fee on the Sépaq site ahead of time.
Bus des îles: It’s back! On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays until September 7, 2020, and every day between July 20 and August 2, 2020, visitors and locals can take the Bus des îles from the Longueuil station straight to the entrance of Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville. Read more here.
2 – Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
Trails: 27 km network circling lac Seigneurial, lac des Bouleaux, lac des Atocas, lac du Moulin and lac de la Tortue
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Attractions: 5 lakes, an apple orchard, a tea room, and a historic mill. The park is also known for hundreds of species of wildflowers, trees, birds and animals. It’s a peaceful oasis in the great outdoors!
Before you go: You’ll need to pay your entry fee on the Sépaq site ahead of time. Dogs are allowed on the following trails under certain conditions: Le Seigneurial, Le Petit-Duc, Le Grand Duc.
3 – Parc régional des Grèves, Sorel-Tracy
Trails: 12 km network with a 1.4 km boardwalk connecting the two parts of the park (Contrecoeur and Sorel-Tracy)
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Attractions: This hidden gem is an impressive park with a rich ecosystem: century-old pines, a bog, 80 species of birds, 250 types of wildflowers and over 300 types of mushrooms. You’ll be sure to get an eyeful!
Before you go: The trails are free. The Contrecoeur entrance and parking lot are closed. You can access the trails through the Sorel-Tracy entrance at 3100, chemin du Golf. You need a permit to pick mushrooms. You will need to pay a fee and quantities are limited.
4 – RécréoParc, Sainte-Catherine
Trails: 9 km network
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: These trails offer a great view of the city and the St. Lawrence. It’s just perfect for a nature walk. Don’t forget to cool off at the beach after your hike. And if you want to take a break from the daily grind, urban camping is open with 4 original ready-to-camp sites and many tent platforms.
5 – Réserve nationale de faune du lac Saint-François, Dundee
Trails: 10 km network
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: This reserve’s incredible biodiversity is internationally recognized by UNESCO and one of Québec’s most significant. Do you have budding explorers at home?
Before you go: The trails are free and dogs are allowed on a leash. Only trails and outhouses are accessible at the moment.
6 – Sentiers de L’escapade, Rigaud
Trails: 20 km
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Attractions: With both short and long hikes, these 5 trails on mont Rigaud showcase the best nature has to offer. Bring a picnic and make it a date!
Before you go: The trails are free.
7 – CIME Haut-Richelieu, Mont-Saint-Grégoire
Trails: 2.4 km
Difficulty: Easy to intermediate
Attractions: CIME, an organization dedicated to environmental conservation, has created trails to bring hikers to the top of mont Saint-Grégoire. Enjoy a 360-degree view at the summit! If weather permits, you can even see Montréal, Mount Royal, a number of Montérégie peaks (like Rougemont and mont Saint-Hilaire), Vermont’s mountains and the Adirondacks. Don’t forget to bring your phone so you can capture the view!
Before you go: The trails can be steep. Appropriate footwear is strongly recommended.
8 – Parc régional St-Bernard, Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle
Trails: 18 km
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: In addition to its many hiking trails, St-Bernard’s regional park has a disc golf course and forest orienteering (the first and only permanent forest orienteering course in Québec!). It’s a must!
9 – Sentier du Marais, Sainte-Anne-de-Sorel
Trails: 2.6 km
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: This trail takes you right into the heart of the biggest converted marshland in eastern North America. Be sure to visit the 10-metre-high wooden observation tower to get a view of baie Lavallière.
Before you go: The trails are free. Dogs are allowed on leash.
10 – Cidrerie Michel Jodoin, Rougemont
Trails: 3.6 km
Difficulty: Intermediate/difficult
Attractions: This popular cider mill’s trail is open year-round. Considered an intermediate trail, it’s great for seasoned hikers looking for a challenge. With the view of the orchards at the summit, it’s easy to forget about your aching calves. You can reward yourself afterwards by stocking up at the brand-new boutique. Get ready to enjoy some just-perfect summer drinks!
Before you go: Dogs are allowed Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Entrance costs $3. There’s a picnic area for visitors (bring your own lunch). You can also get cider on tap from the boutique.
11 – Parc Les Salines, Saint-Hyacinthe
Trails: 16 km
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Les Salines features flat trails that are easy to access, making it a perfect destination for a family hike. And when you’re done, you can treat your little ones to some fun in the water near the welcome centre.
Before you go: The trails are free. The park’s trails are open for hiking in one direction only. You can hike alone or with family members living at the same address. The welcome centre is closed, but a bathroom and water fountain are available outside. The playground is open.
12 – île Saint-Bernard, Châteauguay
Trails: 8 km
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Get ready to immerse yourself in the forest at the Marguerite d’Youville wildlife reserve on île Saint-Bernard. Nature lovers will relish the site’s many trails and wooden boardwalks. For a more interactive experience, take out a free audioguide or GPS unit for geocaching for your hike to learn more about the area and its history.
13 – Parc régional des Îles-de-Saint-Timothée, Saint-Timothée
Trails: 2.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: Get a workout on the multi-use trail before soaking in some rays on the beach’s golden sand. It’s an essential attraction in the area!
14 – Parc régional de Beauharnois-Salaberry, Beauharnois
Trails: 70 km
Difficulty: Easy
Attractions: 70 km of entirely paved trails along the banks of the Beauharnois Canal. There are many rest, observation and interpretive sites along the trail to enhance your experience.
Before you go: Park entrance is free. Dogs are allowed on leash.
15 – Réserve naturelle Gault, Mont-Saint-Hilaire
Trails: 25 km
Difficulty: Easy to difficult
Attractions: There are many trails to choose from on mont Saint-Hilaire. For panoramic views, take the Pain de Sucre trail to hit the main summit. Looking for a spot to enjoy your snack? There’s a picnic area on lac Hertel.
