7 Best routes and places to run in Montreal Updated 2022
A couple of years ago, we did an analysis on some of the best routes and places to run in Montreal.
And came up with 7 different options that make it easier to get a great workout without having to spend a lot of money.
The city of Montreal has been ranked one of the best cities in the world to live in. It’s a place where you’ll find a variety of activities to suit your every need and interest.
This is why Montreal attracts so many tourists. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check out the places below to see if they are worth your time.
These are the best locations for running in Montreal. I chose them with a focus on the runners who are more interested in long runs or marathon training.
7 Montreal running trails you can get to without a car
Mont-Royal Park
“There’s no doubting that the top location is this magnificent green oasis that’s a vital part of Montreal!” comments trail runner Mathieu B.
On the mountain, there are several routes to select from. For those who don’t know about these two trails, here they are:
The ancient ski route that starts behind the Cepsum and makes its way up to the Belvedere Outremont is another option to consider exploring.
This hill is well-known to the most dedicated runners, and it is an excellent place to train for races. When you’re finished, the view from the belvedere will be your reward for your efforts.
Transport: To get to the Sentier de l’Escarpement from the Mont-Royal metro station, take bus 11 northbound. To get to the ancient ski route from the Édouard-Montpetit metro station, take bus 51 or 119 to the end of the line.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the art installation celebrating the 40th anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Bed-In in Montreal, which can be found on Serpentin Road near Peel Avenue if you’re passing by.
Give Peace a Chance is etched in stone in 40 different languages on the wall.
Îles-de-Boucherville Park
With 21km of paths to explore in a calm and varied setting, this national park composed of five small islands in the midst of the Saint-Lawrence River offers a quiet and varied environment to explore.
With the freshness supplied by the adjacent river, the terrain is great for putting in some substantial miles while being cool and comfortable on your journey.
Due to the fact that this is a national park, there is a $8.50 entrance fee per adult.
Transport: In addition to taking a river taxi from the Promenade Bellerive, you may take use of the Bus des îles, a free boat service that runs on Saturdays, Sundays.
And summer holidays between Terminus Longueuil and the park entrance (check the ferry schedule before you go).
Don’t miss: Stay alert for many kinds of wildlife in this relatively natural habitat, including white-tailed deer, which may be seen in abundance.
Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park
In a lesser-known location, this park sits on the Des Prairies River’s bank. Trail running by the lake and through a forest may be done for 9km on the trail system.
The coolness provided by the shade of the trees and the air blowing in from the river make it the ideal place for hot summer afternoons.
Transport: From the metro station Henri-Bourassa, take bus 69 est to rue de Lille.
Don’t miss: The hydroelectric dam falls and the 1726 remains of the site des moulin may all be found here, as well as a variety of lovely vantage points.
Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
The Des Prairies River and the Des Deux-Montagnes Lake may be seen from this park, which is open year-round.
In spite of its distance from the city’s central business district (CBD), this trail offers a wilderness experience and allows runners to travel several kilometers without repeating the same terrain.
In spite of the fact that the routes are largely level, their surfaces can be anything from sand to thick rock dust to rock roots.
Transport: Get out at Gouin Boulevard and take bus 68 ouest.
Don’t miss: An ecological farm, a beach, and a basic shop where you can buy what the farm produces as well as other biological goods are all located in the area.
Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park
This park is located in the heart of Montérégie and features 27 kilometers of paths that go through beautiful forests and lakes.
There are areas of the course that are particularly well-suited to new runners (not too long and no hard climbs). Le Seigneurial, a 7-mile circular trail, is a good place to start for novices.
Look no farther than this list of challenging trails. Make time for the 8.8-mile circular route known as Le Montérégien. Adults are charged $8.50 to enter this Sépaq park.
Transport: Take bus 192 to Promenades Saint-Bruno from Terminus Longueil (the Longueil metro station).
Don’t miss: An orchard with an old mill.
Mont Saint-Hilaire
This is the place to go if you’re seeking to climb some hills! You may see hundreds of geese flocking to Hertel Lake on Mount Saint-four Hilaire’s summits: Rocky, Dieppe, Pain de sucre and Burned Hill.
Narrow paths let you to practice your footwork on tricky courses in this park.
Transport: Take the SH 814 train to Mont-Saint-Hilaire, then get the bus 21 to the junction of Fortier and Ernest-Choquette streets. Walk to the park’s entrance in around 10 minutes.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking 360-degree views from the Dieppe peak.
The western section of the Circuit TransTerrebonne
The suburbs may seem like a barren wasteland to trail runners, but you’d be mistaken in this case! The TransTerrebonne circuit is the perfect place to get away from the city’s commotion.
It’s possible to get completely off the usual path on the main track, which is made of rock dust. Despite the lack of height change, this part of the circuit offers a variety of landscapes.
Transport: There are several ways to enter the circuit, but the De la Pommeraie Park in Terrebonne is a good option for the western part.
If you take bus 28 to Terrebonne, disembark at the junction of Du Souvenir Road and Gagnon Hill, and then take bus 5, exit at the intersection of Terrebonne Hill, and De la Pommeraie Avenue;
Run up De la Pommeraie Avenue (approximately 10 minutes) to the park.
Don’t miss: Runners that stray off the beaten path will encounter lush vegetation, as well as pools of water and muck (yay!).
Dog-Friendly Trails Near Montreal, Quebec
Bois de Belle-Riviere
Address: 9009 Rte Arthur Sauvé, Mirabel, QC J7N 2T8, Canada
Mirabel’s Bois de Belle-Riviere is regarded as one of Quebec’s most beautiful parks, and it’s located in Mirabel. You and your dog will be able to relax in the shady portions of this grassy dog park.
There is also a large network of trails where your dog must be on a leash.
Oka National Park
Address: 54 Chem. des Collines, Oka, QC J0N 1E0, Canada
The little historical hamlet of Oka, located on the north bank of the Ottawa River, is about an hour’s drive from the city of Montreal through lush countryside.
In general, larger breeds are better suited for Le Sommet than smaller ones unless your dog is really enthusiastic.
Frontenac National Park
Address: 599 Chem. des Roy, Sainte-Praxède, QC G0M 1H1, Canada
Montreal is around 250 miles away from Frontenac National Park in the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
There are 40 kilometers of trails here, ranging in difficulty from simple to moderate; however, not all of them are dog friendly, so be sure to pay attention to trail signage.
Le Sous-Bois route winds its way through the Riviere aux-Bluets delta, so put your dog on a leash and take him for a stroll.
Parc Doncaster
Address: 4672 Chem. de la Doncaster, Sainte-Adèle, QC J8B 1R8, Canada
This park is located approximately an hour outside of Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains.
Waterfalls may be seen throughout the park because to the Doncaster River, which flows through it. Scattered interpretive signage may be seen all throughout the facility.
Parc Jean-Drapeau
This park is located on Ile Sainte-Helene, a small island in the St. Lawrence River about five minutes from downtown Montreal.
Dogs are welcome to roam around the ponds, walkways, flower beds, and vistas of water in the park. Visitors to Jean-Dore Beach should be aware that pets are not permitted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many best places to run in Montreal, and you have to find the perfect one for your personal goals. It is not a question of whether it will be easier or harder to run in Montreal, It is about finding the best for you.
