The Province of Quebec is stunning and features some great outdoors for all nature lovers. If you happen to be in or around the beautiful city of Montreal, you will find some wonderful attractions: cocktail bars, terraces and festivals. But sometimes even seasoned city dwellers feel the need to get out of the urban cacophony. For these times, the forests and mountains of Quebec provide a great way to keep in shape. And guess what, you don’t need to drive for 24 hours to get there. These great places for hiking are very close to Montreal. You won’t need to drive for more than three hours for any of these hikes, and for a few, you won’t need to drive at all. Let’s get started.

Best Hiking Places Near Montreal

1. Mont-Tremblant

We will kick off our list with the best places for hiking near Montreal with this gorgeous ski resort. Mont-Tremblant is known around the world for its stunning ski slopes, but locals know there is more to the mountain than just ski slopes. Choose from 11 trails for all skill levels. You could go on beginner hikes or else try a more strenuous climb. Some trails allow pets. Surrounded by the magical scenery of the Laurentian mountains which offer a wide range of activities, Mont-Tremblant is magnificent all year round, but the best season to go there may be fall, when the summit offers a breathtaking view, panning of orange, red and yellow leaves.

Driving time: 2.5 hours

2. Mont Saint-Bruno National Park

This is another great place to go hiking near Montreal. You don’t have to drive long from Montreal to experience the Canadian wilderness in all its glory. Less than 30 minutes by car from downtown Montreal, this national park offers 27 km of trails for hikes around five lakes. The longest trail takes two hours. Pets are welcome in this park which is especially beautiful when the leaves change color in the fall. It is a great place for families; all the trails are at the beginner level with the exception of the Monteregian hike.

Driving time: 30 minutes

3. Mont-Saint-Hilaire

The next hiking trail near Montreal is located just outside the city. The Réserve faunique du Mont-Saint-Hilaire is another great place for those who like more scenic than arduous hikes. The trails are relatively easy to approach and open all year round. This picturesque mountain hosts several trails that lead to the four peaks with beautiful panoramas of the region.

Driving time: 1 hour

4. Mont Rougemont

This wonderful hiking place is less than an hour and a half from Montreal in the splendid Montérégie. Mont-Rougemont hosts a small private trail that rewards its visitors with a breathtaking viewpoint at the top. The trail here can be hard to follow, because it is not maintained by the government, but the panorama from above is well worth it. Ensure that you finish your hike in the daytime with sufficient light.

Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

5. Mont Orford National Park

Another gem in the Eastern Townships, Mont-Orford is the dream location for lovers of outdoor activities, with hiking, climbing, skiing and mountain biking near Montreal. Everything is available for those who buy a day pass or a season pass. There are plenty of flora and fauna in the park, including deer, herons and plenty of maples. The Mont-Orford trail network covers more than 80 km, with roads for all levels: those looking for a real challenge can try the trails or backpacking hikes are allowed.

Driving time: 2 hours

6. Sutton Natural Environment Park

This hiking trail near Montreal is just stunning. The Eastern Townships are filled with beautiful scenery and this rustic place with its two lakes, two ponds and kilometers of trails is no exception. The trails range from 2.4 km to 14 km surrounded by rugged natural beauty including stunning views, a waterfall and lots and lots of maple trees. This place will make you marvel at the scenic beauty of Quebec.

Driving time: 2 hours

7. L’Escapade (Mont Rigaud)

This place which is very popular for skiing is a must-see hiking spot near Montreal in both winter and summer. In addition to these facilities for skiing, there is a leisure park called l’Escapade which offers 27 kilometers of trails for hiking. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, bring your cross-country skis or snowshoes in winter or your bike in summer and enjoy the many outdoor activities.

Driving time: 1.5 hours

8. Mont-Saint-Grégoire

Another place for hiking near Montreal, this mountain in southern Quebec is perfect for those who don’t want to be without the comforts of the city. Its path is quick and easy to approach. The scenery here is different from the other places on our list, because instead of being surrounded by mountains, Mont-Saint-Grégoire sits in the middle of an agricultural plain. You would therefore have an impressive vista of the Montreal region. On a clear day, you will even see the city center in the distance.

Driving time: 1 hour and 20 minutes

9. Oka National Park

Oka’s maple trees and wetlands are dramatically brought to the fore on five hiking trails, which range from 25 minutes to 4.5 hours (12.5 km). The hike to the summit offers two hours of intense cardio (but panoramic views), which can be followed by a visit to one of Montreal’s best beaches to cool off after. If you want to do some sport on an all-day hike, this is the place for you.

Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes

10. Sept-Chutes Regional Park

If you have a whole day free to go hiking near Montreal, take a two-hour drive to see the breathtaking panoramas of Parc des Sept-Chutes. The 12 km of trails in the park are surrounded by magnificent landscapes, but the resistance piece is probably the Mont-Brassard trail which leads to a lake which is quite incredible.

Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes

11. Coaticook Gorge Park

Just over two hours by car from Montreal, near the Vermont border, this beautiful wilderness park hosts three hiking trails, plus a wide variety of summer and winter activities – including a light show in the night forest, Foresta Lumina. If you’re just going for a hike, take the Gorge Trail, which takes you over the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

Driving time: 2 hours 20 minutes

12. Yamaska ​​National Park

The dense forests and wetlands of the Yamaska ​​are less than two hours from Montreal. This natural park is a true paradise for lovers of summer activities. A great place for hiking near Montreal, its trails vary in length, but all are fairly easy and suitable for all ages and levels of experience. It’s perfect for those times when you want to see nature without straining yourself too much, and is great for families with young kids.

Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes

13. Mount Royal

We will conclude our list of the best places to go hiking near Montreal with the place closest to the city. You don’t have a car? Do not worry. This Montreal attraction provides almost everything you need for hiking: dense forest, slopes, and beautiful views of the city. While the gravel trails offer walking rather than hikes, there are plenty of little wooded paths if you feel like a bit of a sweat. This natural oasis is beautiful in any season, and the trails are well maintained in the winter, so you wouldn’t need any specialized equipment.

Driving time: No need to drive till here.

So those were the best places to go hiking near Montreal. Now that you’ve read about these gorgeous hiking locales, what are you waiting for? Dust off your hiking boots, pack some food, and get busy hiking.