A
lot of Montreal's green space is made up of the small parks, fields
and grassed areas which surround the bike paths, particularly along
the islands southern shores. This is in addition to, those green
buffer areas which accompany the canal and aqueduct through the
city.
Montreal
and Laval Nature Parks
Parc
du la Riviere des Mille Iles - Regional
Canoeing,
Kayaking, Hiking, Cross Country Skiing The parks main access points
are in Laval but it can be accessed from several areas on the
Laurentian shore including the Centre de la Nature de Boisbriand.
The park is made up of green space on both shores and on the dozens
of islands along the channel. While very much an urban area, the
marshes, islands and narrow channels provide excellent areas to
explore in a sea kayak. You'll also find picnic tables on some
of the shoreslines and islands, where you can stop to eat if you've
packed a lunch. The park has rabaska canoe tours or you can rent
your own kayak or canoe. In August the park is the site of the
Descent de la Riviere Mille Isle, which sees over a thousand participants
paddling the river. In the winter the park is open to cross country
skiers (6km of classic, plus 7km of multi-use trails) and snowshoers
when the river freezes over. From Montreal take highway 15 (or
the 13 to the 640 to the 15) and take the last exit in Laval.
Head east on Ste. Rose and watch for the signs. Entrance fee
Le Parc de
la Rivière des Mille-Îles
345 Ste Rose Blvd West,
Ste-Rose, Laval, QC
H7L 1M7
Cap-St-Jacques
- Nature Park
One of Montreal's
beautiful nature parks, the park is located at the northwestern
tip of the island in Pierrefonds/Senneville. You'll find excellent
cycling and hiking along wide hard pack trails, along with a nice
paddling route along the parks shore, a popular beach, a sugar
shack and the eco-farm... More
Bois-de-Liesse
- Nature Park
The park
is located on the Montreal's north shore in the West Island. It
stretches from the back river almost to the Trans-Canada Highway,
and from Sunnybrook in the west, on passed Highway 13 to Avenue
du Rousseau, in the east. The park has 12km of hiking trails,
along with 8km of bike paths... More
Bois-de-l'lle-Bizard
- Nature Park
Ile Bizard
is an island located at the western tip of Laval and to the northwest
of Montreal, above the West Island. The park is situated in the
eastern half of the Ile Bizard, between Montee de l'Eglise and
the Chemin du Bord-du-Lac. There are over 27km of cross country
ski trails, 9.6km of which are accessible for hiking and biking
in the summer... More
I'lle-de-la-Visitation
- Nature Park
The park
is a pleasant break from the urban landscape, located in Montreal's'
east central region, along the Riviere des Prairie,You'll find
a mix of forest and fields, which border the park's central bay.
The bay provides excellent wildlife viewing, watch for black crowned
herons, osprey and a variety of ducks, which can often be observed
close-up. You can find canoeing, sea kayaking, biking, hiking,
all within the parks boundaries. There are 9km of hiking trails
and 2.5km of bike trails, which are made up of hard pack and crushed
stone. In the winter there are 8km of cross country ski trails.You
can reach the park from Montreal's cycling network, a section
of which travels right passed the southern boundary. The park
is located off Gouin Blvd east, between Papineau and Saint Micheal.
Take Henri Bourassa to Rue de Lille, then turn north to Gouin.
At Gouin turn east and drive for a short distance to the parks
gate. There are a number of buses which will get you to the park,
consult our Resources section for the
Montreal's Urban Transit Link. Maps are available at the park
office. There is a fee for parking.
2425 Gouin
Blvd East
Montreal
514-280-PARC
or 514-280-6733
Point-aux-Prairies
- Nature Park
There are
20km of cross country ski trails along with a designated snowshoe
trail of 3km. The are 3km of hiking trails and 13.km of bike trails
accessible in the summer. The park is rather unique, in that it
stretches from, the northern shore to the southern shore of the
island, through corridors which connect the three main sectors.
The two parking areas in the north that can be reached from Gouin
just off Saint Jean Baptiste. You'll also find parking areas in
the other areas, with the visitor information center located in
the middle sector. To reach the park follow the Trans-Canada into
Montreal's east end, then exit at Henri Bourassa and head west.
Take a right (north) at the second major intersection, St-Jean-Baptiste
Blvd. At Gouin head east (right) which will take you two the parks
northern entrance. There are a number of buses which will get
you to the park, consult our Resources
section for the Montreal's Urban Transit Link. Maps are available
at the park office. There is a fee for parking.
12300 Gouin
Blvd
Montreal
514-280-PARC
or 514-280-6733
* Bois Durvernay
- 30km of Cross Country Ski trails, Birding 2830 Saint Elzear
Blvd East (Vimont) Laval 450-661-1766
* Bois Papineau - 7km of Cross Country
Trails, Snowshoeing, Birding 3235 Saint Martin Blvd East (Duvernay)
Laval
* Parc des Prairies - 5km of Cross
Country Trails Blvd des Prairies (Laval des Rapides) Laval 450-662-4902
Montreal
& Laval Urban and Metropolitan Parks
Mont-Royal
(The Mountain)
Hiking 30km,
Snowshoeing, XC Skiing 20km groomed, Snowshoeing, Cycling This
is Montreal's landmark and the cities outdoor center piece. An
urban park, it's never the less a large and beautiful green space
in the center of the city. The park forms the crown of Mont Royal,
the cities central peak (if you will). It's heavily wooded, has
lots of trails and excellent viewpoints. It's a great place for
a stroll on a warm summers day or a quick cross country ski before
leaving for work in the winter. Designed by the same architect
that designed Central Park in New York, this is truly a people's
park. Anytime of year you'll find groups and individuals involved
in an array of outdoor and leisure activities. You can cycle to
the top of the mountain without worrying about traffic, by following
the shaded, winding, Olmsted Road (hard pack), accessible from
Avenue du Parc near the monument. If you prefer the street, Voie
Camillien Houde travels over the mountain from Mount Royal in
the east to Cote de Neige in the west. You can access the hiking/walking
trail system from Beaver Lake, which lies along the parks main
road or you can find access from the Olmsted Road, Cote des Neige
or Pine Avenue. Cross country skiers and snowshoers have trails
waiting and equipment rentals are available. There is a small
snowboard and downhill ski slope at Beaver Lake, which is perfect
for the little grommets. In the winter other popular activities
are tubing, sledding and tobogganing. Unfortunately mountain biking
is not permitted in the park. The park is of interest to birders
as there are many common nesting species. A restaurant and snack
bar can be found at Beaver Lake but in the Summer you just might
want to pack a picnic. You'll also find the exciting Tam-Tam
drum celebrations, which take place beside the monument on Avenue
du Parc, every Sunday in the warmer months.
The parks
north side is taken up by two large and imposing cemeteries. You'll
find many prominent Montrealer's that have found there final resting
place here. This includes Maurice Richard, one of the world's
greatest hockey players. Lord Shaughnessy, which oversaw the running
of the Canadian Pacific Railways while it grew into one or the
world's major multi-nationals. You'll also find the the monument
for Camillian Houde, a mayor of the city and an early environmentalist.
The Notre-Dam-des-Neige
and the Cimetiere Mont-Royal
websites will provide you with more information. There are
a number of buses which will get you to the park, consult our
Resources section for the Montreal's
Urban Transit Link. If you wish to drive, you'll find parking
in the Beaver Lake area. There is a fee for parking.
Parc
Jean Drapeau
The park is
Located on the the islands of Ile Ste-Helene and Ile Notre-Dame,
in the St. Lawrence River, south of the city. Ile Ste-Helene has
a long and interesting history, in contrast Ile Notre Dame is
a man made island, constructed for the 1967 World's Fair. While
it's largely an urban park, parts of the park are forested and
quiet natural spaces can be found in the surrounding marshes and
shorelines... More
Agrignon
Park
Hiking 10km,
Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing 10km, Cycling A large green
space with a lake and some nicely forested areas. The park is
located in the Lasalle, Pole des Rapids region, just west of the
downtown core. In the winter you can also toboggan and skate on
the parks outdoor rink. You can reach the park by bike along the
Aqueduct bike path. To reach the park by car from the downtown
area, follow Notre Dame Street west to Boul. Agrinon, then head
south (left) to the park. The park is also directly accessible
from the Agrinon Metro (subway) station on the Green Line. Consult
our Resources section for the link to
Montreal's Urban Transit Authority and detailed information on
access.
3400
des Tinitaires Blvd
LaSalle
514-872-3816
Lafontaine
Park
This is a
large urban park, which sees a lot of activity, particularly in
the summer months. Arguably, this is the most beautiful of Montreal's
truly urban parks and very much steeped in Montreal history and
culture. There are venues for most of the traditional sports,
such as baseball, tennis and hockey. There are also many walking
and cycling paths through the park. In the summer you'll find
open air theatre, which is free to the public.The park is in walking
distance of the Sherbrooke Metro (subway) Station on the Orange
Line. Or you can pick up a bus, here or at the Papineau or Prefontiane
Metro stations. Consult our Resources
section for the link to Montreal's Urban Transit Authority and
detailed information on access to the park. To reach the park
by car head east from the downtown core along Sherbrooke St.,
the park is a few blocks after St. Hubert St.
3819 Calixa-Lavallee - Walking 10km
514-872-2644
Maisonneuve
Park
Hiking 5km,
Snowshoeing, XC Skiing 18km, Cycling A large and very urban green
space, next door to the Olympic Stadium. The park has facilities
for the more traditional sports, as well as a section of the Montreal
cycling network running through it. In a addition to it's neighbor,
the Olympic Stadium, you'll also find the Olympic Village, the
Biodome and the Botanical Gardens on its doorstep. The nearest
Metro (subway) stations are Viau and Rosemont. Consult our Resources
section for the link to Montreal's Urban Transit Authority and
detailed information on access to the park. To reach the park
by car from the downtown core, travel east along Sherbrooke Street,
the park is located just passed Pie IX Boulevard.
4601
Sherbrooke St E
514-872-6555
Des
Rapides Park
White Water
Kayaking, Hiking, Cycling A small but fascinating natural area
along the south shore of Lasalle. The park is an important birding
area and lies just across from the Ile aux Herons Migratory Bird
Sanctuary. The bird sanctuary is best know for it's heronries,
with nesting Great Blue and Black Crowned Night Herons. In addition,
depending on the time of year, you might see the American Wigeons
and Goldeneyes. Redwing
Blackbirds, Mergansers and Mallards are the most abundant species
on the islands. The park lies along the Berges bike path, which
travels the length of Lasalle's south shore and connects into
the larger Montreal network. The famous Lachine Rapids run alongside
the parks southern boundary, providing White water kayakers (intermediate
- expert) with an excellent area for paddling. Rafting Montreal
is located just to the west of the park and also takes advantage
of the rapids. These rapids have a large historical significance
and are one of the key reasons the Lachine Canal was constructed.
From downtown Montreal take the Ville Marie Expressway, to the
20 west, then take the exit for the Mercier Bridge (Route 138)
Take the first exit into LaSalle and cross back east of the highway
to LaFleur, where you head west (right), to the T intersection
with Boul. LaSalle. Head south (left) for for a few kilometres,
the park is on your right a short distance passed Boul. Bishop
Power.
Lachine
Canal
Cycling, Hiking/Walking,
Sea Kayaking While not a designate park at all, the long green
strip of land that follows the canal and bike path is one of the
most popular outdoor destinations in the city. Effectively a linear
park, it stretches from the downtown core in the east, to Lake
Saint Louis in the west, connecting at either end to other bike
paths in the 300km Montreal cycling network. You can rent bikes
at both ends (or in the Old Port which is only a short distance
from the Canal). After a long period of neglect, the canal has
been refurbished and the locks restored, to once again allow small
small boat traffic to travel end to end. You can rent kayaks (or
bring your own) for a pleasant paddle along the canals waters
(but don't do any eskimo rolls). Bring a picnic or pick one up
at the Atwater Market, which lies just off the bike path. You
might also consider dropping by the outdoor terrace at Magnans,
a Montreal landmark, famous for it's huge succulent ribs, roast
beef and steaks. You'll find parking at each end of the canal
as well as several other points along route, including spots adjacent
to Pont LaFleur and Pont du Cote-St-Paul. The Lachine
Canal along with the nearby Fur
Trade at Lachine site are part of Canada's system of National
Historic Sites. Consult our Resources
section for the link to Montreal's Urban Transit Authority and
detailed information on access to the park.
Other Parks
Bois Durvernay - 30km of cross country ski trails, birding, 2830
Saint Elzear Blvd East (Vimont) Laval 450-661-1766
Bois
Papineau - 7km of cross country trails, snowshoeing, birding,
3235 Saint Martin Blvd East (Duvernay) Laval
Parc des Prairies - 5km of cross country trails, Blvd des Prairies
(Laval des Rapides), Laval 450-662-4902
Parks
in the Surrounding Regions
Bois
de Belle Rivière - Regional
The park has
a number of hiking trails, which are used in the winter for cross
country skiing. There are huts you can rent for overnight stays.
There are also two sugar shacks to visit in the spring... More
Laurentians
Domaine
Vert - Regional
The park is
in a lovely natural area with an extensive but easy trail system.
The ease of access and the wide variety of activities available
make it a popular local destination... More
Laurentians
Doncaster
- Regional
A beautiful
nature park a short distance from Ste. Adele. The park follows
the Doncaster River as it makes its way to the Riviere du Nord.
The parks trials connect to the P'tit Train du Nord, presenting
you with 200km more to explore... More
Laurentians
Frontenac
- Provincial
Lac Saint-François
is the parks centre piece and much of the parks activities take
place on it's waters or along its shores. The park has front country
camping as well as 30 canoe campsites, hiking, cycling and a beach.
In the winter both sectors are open for backcountry skiing and
snowshoeing... More Eastern
Townships
Ile
de Boucherville Park
(Provincial) - Located on islands in the St. Lawrence river just
south of Montreal's east end. The park has hiking paths, cycling
paths ( 20k in total ) which double as cross country skiing and
snowshoeing trails in the winter. You can also use part of the
trail system for winter hiking. In the summer you'll find a very
nice paddling circuit for sea kayaks or canoes... More
Monteregie
Mont
Megantic - Provincial
Located in
the Eastern Townships about 2.5 hours from Montreal, the park
encompasses several 1000m peaks. Backpacking, hiking, mountain
biking, wilderness camping, backcounty and cross country skiing
make up the parks' activities list. Mont
Megantic is crowed by the Astrolab
observatory which should give you some idea of the excellent opportunity
for star gazing in the park...Mont
Megantic Eastern
Townships
Mont Orford Park
- Provincial
The park is
a popular destination for Montrealers in both the summer and winter.
The park offers hiking trails, an extended backpacking trail,
cycling, lake paddling, cross country skiing front country camping
and wilderness camping. You'll find one of the townships best
downhill centers in the park as well... More
Eastern Townships
Mont
St-Bruno Park
(Provincial)
The park is
located about 20km south of Montreal on the south shore. Several
small lakes perched on the mountain are surrounded by forest and
fields. Hiking trails swing around the lakes and provide several
nice lookouts along the way. During the winter, 30km of trails
are groomed for cross country skiing... More
Monteregie
Mont-Tremblant
Park
- Provincial
Located in
a beautiful setting in the Central Laurentians/Lanaudiere regions,
this is Quebec's most popular park. You'll find a wealth of outdoor
activities including cycling, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking,
white water paddling, front country camping, wilderness camping,
cross country and backcountry skiing... More
Laurentians Lanaudiere
Oka
Park
- Provincial
Located on
the shores of the Lake of Two Mountains in the Lower Laurentians,
the park has hiking, mountain biking, front country camping, cross
country skiing, snow shoeing and excellent birding. The park is
a home to perhaps the best beach in the Montreal area. A bike
path passes through the park and connects into the extensive Montreal
cycling network... More Laurentians
Riviere-du-Nord
- Regional
A beautiful
regional park just off highway 15 outside of Saint-Jerome. The
park lies along the P'tit Train du Nord (the Laurentian's rail
trail) on the shores of the Riviere-du-Nord. The Chutes Wilson
are a great spectacle, particularly in the spring when the waters
can be ferocious..More
Laurentians
Yamaska Park - Provincial
You'll find
hiking trails, canoe rentals and a very nice beach. The park lies
along a bike path, which directly connects into the broader Eastern
Townships network which has hundreds of kilometres of paths. In
the winter there are trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing...
More Eastern
Townships
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