The most beautiful walks in Montréal

Mount Royal 

Follow the classic path that the locals love.

Inaugurated in 1876, Mount Royal Park was conceptualized by Frederick Law Olmsted — the same guy who designed New York’s Central Park. The marvellous urban green space features over 200 hectares of biodiversity and natural beauty. What seems like one big hill is actually three distinct hills. In 2017, the city formally renamed the Outremont peak Tiohtià:ke Otsira’kéhne, Mohawk for "the place of the big fire," reflecting how the hill was used for a fire beacon by local Indigenous peoples.

Named after the above-mentioned landscape architect, the Olmsted Trail is by far the most popular trail in the park. The crushed-gravel pathway offers the width of a two-lane road, making it spacious enough for everyone. The most popular summer activities are walking, jogging, cycling, and roller skiing. In the winter months, you’ll see cross-country skiers and snowshoers. 

The main attraction on the trail is the Kondiaronk Belvedere at the summit of the mountain. This is the perfect place for views over the city, and a requisite selfie. For a longer walk, continue the trail loop that surrounds the Mount Royal Cross, an LED-illuminated, 103-foot-tall steel crucifix that was first erected in 1924.

Time: Theoretically, if you’re fast, you could go up and down the mountain in one hour, using several sets of staircases to expedite the adventure. But we recommend two or three hours, especially if you want to enjoy the view at the summit. 

Where to eat: Visitors wanting a small nibble (think sandwiches and salads) have access to three locations of Café des Amis (in the Beaver Lake Pavilion, in the Smith House and in the Mount Royal Chalet). A variety of drinks and cold dishes are available for take-out. 

Lachine Canal

Wander beside a charming waterway. 

The Lachine Canal is a human-built waterway passing through the southwestern part of the city, running 14.5 kilometres from the Old Port of Montréal passing through the neighbourhood of Lachine (ergo its name) and ending in Lake Saint-Louis. The entirety of the canal offers beautifully landscaped waterfront trails to explore on foot. 

We suggest starting in the Old Port at McGill Street and heading westward to the Atwater Market. If you want to pair your walk with a bike ride (to see even more of the canal), rentals are available at Ma Bicyclette. 

Time: One hour from the Old Port to the market. Turn it into a full afternoon by walking further. Just give yourself time to walk back again. 

Where to eat: The Atwater Market is the perfect spot to enjoy lunch at a bakery, at one of the outdoor restaurants, or to pick up the makings of a riverside picnic. 

Parc Jean-Drapeau

Stroll through a piece of history, while hunting for public art.  

Parc Jean-Drapeau is located on a pair of islands in the St. Lawrence River, directly across from Montréal’s downtown core. Named after a 30-year mayor, it hosted historical events such as Expo 67 and the 1976 Summer Olympics — and continues to welcome international happenings such as the annual Osheaga, Music and Arts Festival and Lasso Montréal.

This green oasis is a haven for walking, with a 25-kilometre network of multi-disciplinary trails that wind through a pictorial landscape dotted with valuable public artworks and vistas of Montréal’s cityscape.

Time: You’ll want at least two hours to explore the park, which is reachable in 20 minutes on the metro (subway) system or via the river shuttle (in the summer months). 

Where to eat: Within the park, Le Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse offers wraps, hamburgers, fries, fresh salad, coffee, beer, wine and much more. Alternatively, stroll over to the Casino de Montréal for a few restaurant options! 

The Old Port (and Old Montréal) 

March and munch your way through the oldest part of the city. 

Centuries old architecture bordered by the beautiful St. Lawrence River, is it any wonder that historic Old Montréal (and its adjacent port) is considered a “must see” when visiting the city? You might get the impression that this area is old school, but Montréal’s original site is also home to some of its most cutting-edge fashion designers, stellar dining, and incredible clubs. 

Complete a circle route by walking adjacent to the river through the Old Port. Along the way, you might want to pause for attractions such as La Grande Roue de Montréal or the Montréal Science Centre. Circle back along Rue Saint-Paul, taking time for detours along the narrow cobblestone alleyways of this historic district. 

Time: Give yourself a minimum of two hours for exploring. 

Where to eat: Options abound. If you want to stick with the theme of “historic,” try L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel (open since 1754). Prefer something more modern? Opt for Maggie Oakes or Jacopo.

Frédéric-Back Park

Discover the reclamation of an industrial quarry.

One of Montréal’s most epic green spaces, Frédéric-Back Park is the city’s largest environmental rehabilitation project in its history, completely transformed from its earlier lifetimes as an industrial quarry and waste facility. Nestled in the Saint-Michel quartier, the park is framed by soaring trees and punctuated by sporting fields. Perhaps even more intriguing than the picturesque flora and fauna are the glow-in-the-dark spheres scattered throughout the park. They may look like landed UFOs, but they’re actually bio-gas wells, an integral part of a massive renewal energy system. 

In terms of a route, the classic option is to walk around the perimeter. But don’t hesitate to take one of the many paths into the centre of the park to explore those aforementioned spheres.

Time: One hour for the perimeter loop. More time for further exploration. 

Where to eat: There are not any food services within the park, but visitors can wander to offsite locations such as Banh Xeo Minh (on Rue Jarry) or Boulangerie Salerno (on Ave Charland). 

Verdun

Explore one of Montréal’s most beloved ‘hoods

Fresh river breezes and a bustling food scene make Verdun a top Montréal neighbourhood to explore, no matter what the season. The quartier is a synthesis of working-class, long-term locals, and a flock of creative newcomers. 

There are two main strolls to discover. First, along the banks of the St. Lawrence River is an ideal location to walk and breath in fresh river air. Start at Verdun Beach (the actual beach) and walk southward, looping back when you are ready. If you plan ahead, this stretch of park space is ideal for picnics. Second, Wellington Street is an ideal location for urban exploring. Closed to traffic for the summer months, you can pause to sip a frosty beverage on a patio, treat yourself to an ice cream cone, or simply “people watch” from one of the many lounging installations.

Time: An hour for each of the two main strolls. 

Where to eat: We have a helpful Verdun neighbourhood guide with plenty of restaurant and bar recommendations! 

Read this next: Plan an eco-friendly stay in Montréal

How to enjoy your stay

To enjoy the best the city has to offer during your stay, please don't think of yourself as a tourist, but as one of us. Whether you're here for a few days, a few weeks or a few years, we're counting on you to enjoy Montréal in a spirit of respect, responsibility and celebration! Here's an article on our “Promise for a sustainable stay” detailing how you can enjoy your stay.