Liam TrudeauThe best scenic walks in Montreal for your knees, your IG, and your soul
Look, I get it. Montreal weather is… let’s say unpredictable. One minute you’re basking in sunshine, the next you’re dodging hail the size of poutine curds.
But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? Besides, even Mother Nature can’t dampen the beauty of this city – especially when you explore it on foot.
So grab your toque (just in case), lace up your boots, and let’s discover the best places for scenic walks that’ll make you forget all about that pesky windchill. We’ve even broken them down into categories, from parks to canals and historic walks.
Parks
Parc Jean-Drapeau
Media from parcjeandrapeau
Location: Montreal, Quebec H3C 1A9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-6120
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Highlights: 25 km of trails, public art, historical sites from Expo 67, and a view of the St. Lawrence River
Why walk here? Well, where else can you saunter past whimsical sculptures, meander through vibrant gardens, and stumble upon remnants of Expo 67? It’s a history lesson wrapped in a nature walk, with a sprinkle of art and a generous dash of river views for good measure.
This park isn’t just about leisurely strolls (though it does those exceptionally well). If you’re feeling adventurous you can hike up Mont Boullé for panoramic city vistas that’ll make your Instagram followers swoon.
Parc Maisonneuve
Media credit to parcjeandrapeau
Location: 4601 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Highlights: Adjacent to Botanical Garden, vast green spaces, and ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.
Parc Maisonneuve is the Lady Gaga of Montreal’s parks – it’s not afraid to be different. This sprawling green space is a chameleon that blends serene forests with a bustling botanical garden and even a quirky insectarium.
This park’s diverse offerings create a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re exploring hidden trails, admiring sculptures, or marvelling at exotic insects, this place is sure to leave you feeling inspired and refreshed.
Mount Royal Park
Media credit to l_atelier_de_pierre_et_plume
Location: 1260 Chem. Remembrance, Montréal, QC H3H 1A2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Highlights: Views of the city, multiple hiking trails, Beaver Lake, and a historic chalet
Mount Royal Park is basically the heart and soul of Montreal. This urban oasis is a walker’s paradise, with winding paths that curve through lush forests, around sparkling Beaver Lake, and past historical monuments.
You can take a leisurely stroll around the lake, hand-in-hand with your sweetheart, or maybe challenge yourself with a hike to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the city skyline.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure book for your feet but with way more fresh air and way fewer paper cuts.
Frédéric-Back Park
Media credit to parcfredericback
Location: 2345 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H1Z 4N1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-376-8648
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Highlights: Unique landscape with environmental art, walking and biking trails, and views of the city
Frédéric-Back is a phoenix that rose from the ashes. It was a former landfill and quarry, but is now a glorious green space. Talk about a glow-up!
The park’s 5.5 kilometres of walking trails wind through diverse landscapes, offering stunning views of the city skyline, the Saint Lawrence River, and even some quirky art installations.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic sunset stroll, a heart-pumping hike, or a peaceful escape from the urban hustle, this park is sure to charm your socks off and leave you breathless.
Canals
Lachine Canal
Media credit to pornpentui
Location: Runs from the Old Port of Montreal to Lake Saint-Louis
Highlights: 14.5 km of landscaped waterfront trails, perfect for walking and cycling
Lachine Canal is a saucy blend of the past and the present! It’s a 14.5 km linear park winding alongside a historic canal, where 19th-century industrial vibes meet lush greenery and modern urban flair.
Here, you can stroll along the water’s edge, marvel at the old locks and stone buildings, or simply soak up the sunshine and watch the boats drift by.
Canal de l’Aqueduc
Media credit to pornpentui
Location: Starts at Rue Laurendeau and ends at Rue Saint-Patrick
Highlights: Walking paths alongside the canal, away from the main tourist areas
Stretching a glorious 8 kilometres, this historic waterway has been quenching Montreal’s thirst since 1853 (and trust me, it’s still looking fabulous).
Once you meander along this path, you’ll be serenaded by the sweet symphony of birdsong, surrounded by lush wetlands that’ll make you feel like you’ve escaped the city entirely.
And if that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, just feast your eyes on the award-winning water intake building – it’s like a supermodel gracing the landscape with its modern design excellence.
Rivière des Prairies Path
Media credit to alexferla14
Location: Along Rivière des Prairies in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough
Highlights: Scenic paths along the river, with parks and green spaces along the way
This isn’t your ordinary stroll, darling – it’s a nature lover’s paradise that stretches alongside the sparkling river and leads you straight into the heart of the magnificent Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies.
We’re talking 261 hectares of pure bliss, teeming with rare birds, adorable critters, and even the occasional deer! As you saunter along the beautifully maintained path, you’ll be spoiled with picnic spots, refreshing fountains, and even bike repair stations (just in case your trusty steed needs a little TLC).
Historic and cultural walks
Old Montreal
Media credit to swphoto34
Location: Bordered by Rue Saint-Antoine, Rue Berri, Rue de la Commune, and Rue McGill
Highlights: Historic buildings, boutique shops, and the Old Port
Old Montreal is a full-on immersion into history, culture, and architecture that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a European fairytale. Think charming 17th-century buildings whispering tales of the past, with the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica as the star of the show.
You might even get lost in the maze of alleyways since each one reveals a hidden gem. And when your feet need a break (and your stomach starts rumbling), Rue Saint-Paul has your back with mouthwatering pastries, gourmet eats, and cafes that’ll transport you straight to Paris.
The Underground City (RÉSO)
Media credit to lex_fitzi
Location: Spans over 33 km of tunnels and pathways throughout downtown Montreal
Highlights: Indoor walkways connecting shopping centres, hotels, and metro stations
As Montreal’s subterranean playground, RÉSO is a choose-your-own-adventure through a maze of shops, eats, and cultural gems – all without having to face the dreaded Montreal weather.
You can start your underground escapade at Complexe Desjardins (a shopper’s paradise), then lose yourself (literally) in a network of tunnels that’ll lead you past the Palais des Congrès with its trippy Lipstick Forest and even a piece of the Berlin Wall (talk about a conversation starter!).
If you’re feeling cultured, just pop into the Place des Arts for a show, or if you’re feeling sporty, join the annual 5K run. Montreal’s underground scene is so hot, even the tunnels have a pulse.
Mile End
Media credit to emm_agnolia
Location: Bordered by Avenue du Mont-Royal, Avenue Van Horne, Boulevard Saint-Laurent, and Rue Hutchison
Highlights: Indie boutiques, coffee shops, and cultural venues
Mile End is all bout art, culture, and honestly, carb-loading goodness. Make sure to start your morning with a legendary Montreal-style bagel from St-Viateur or Fairmount (don’t even try to pick a favourite, just get one from each).
Then, wander through a kaleidoscope of colourful murals that’ll make your Instagram feed pop, and let the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lure you into one of the countless charming cafes. This is a neighbourhood that thrives on creativity, darling, so don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a hidden art gallery.
But if you’re a bookworm, Drawn & Quarterly is a must-visit – it’s a graphic novel paradise that’ll make your inner nerd squeal with delight.
The Plateau
Media credit to clemfalzon
Location: Bounded by Avenue des Pins, Rue Sherbrooke, Rue Saint-Denis, and Rue Saint-Laurent
Highlights: Street art, trendy cafes, and boutiques
At the Plateau, you’ll stumble upon hidden boutiques overflowing with unique finds, and street art that’ll make you stop and stare (and maybe snap a selfie or two).
The energy here is contagious, with street musicians serenading you at every turn and the aroma of freshly baked croissants tempting you into every charming café.
Plus, there’s no shortage of art galleries, music venues, and even performers at Casa del Popolo.
