Where to go cross-country skiing in Montréal
This article was updated on November 20, 2023.
Winter in Montréal is a snowy playground—and few activities enable you to move through stunning frosty landscapes more gracefully than skiing. Whether you want a cardio-based workout or a leisurely glide, here are where locals go for cross-country skiing in Montréal.
The city’s central park—known locally as “the mountain”—is the perfect place to ski. The cross-country ski trails are groomed daily. Skiers can depart from Maison Smith, Beaver Lake, or at the base of the hill near the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument, if you come equipped with your own skis. Along the way, you’ll have access to both wooded and wide-open landscapes. Here’s a map of the routes.
Rentals: Yes
In this popular Plateau neighbourhood park, the magic of Montréal winter is palpable. Two cross-country ski trails crisscross the western side of the park and have a total length of 5.2 km. Here’s a map of the routes.
Rentals: Yes (at the Parc La Fontaine chalet)
The cross-country ski trails (12 km) of this much-loved 63-hectare park offer routes that are sometimes wooded, sometimes clear with very little difference in elevation. Also, a 2.7 km circuit is reserved for skating.
Rentals: No
From limestone quarry to landfill to environmental gem, Parc Fréderic-Back is a sprawling urban oasis on a 192-hectare site. The multi-purpose perimeter track (5.5 km) is used by cross-country skiers, snowshoers and fatbikers in winter. Other cross-country ski trails (3.5 km) span the Boisé Est and Plaine areas.
Rentals: Yes (at Tohu)
Nearly 8 km of trails are available and mechanically maintained by park staff, who make it their duty to ensure the best possible snow conditions for skiers. The various trails of the park enable athletes—whether beginners or well-seasoned—to benefit from a tailor-made experience. Here’s a map of the routes.
Rentals: Yes
The Jarry Park cross-country ski trail offers a handsome view of Mount Royal. Because it is short in length, and offers very little difference in height, it is ideal for beginners. When conditions allow, it is also possible to go snowshoeing.
Rentals: No
Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation
The cross-country ski trails (7.6 km) in the Île-de-la-Visitation nature park are short distances and offer breathtaking views of the frozen river without large elevation changes.
Rentals: No
Whatever your level, there is a cross-country ski trail (10 km) for you at the Bois-de-Liesse nature park. There is also a track dedicated to skating. Snowshoeing or hiking enthusiasts have access to more than 10 km of trails. Official website (with ski map).
Rentals: Yes
Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
Spanning 330 hectares, this massive park is Montréal’s largest, welcoming outdoor enthusiasts to explore a variety of winter activities. The cross-country ski trails offer both short- and long-distance routes. Departures are from the reception chalet. Here’s a map of the routes.
Rentals: Yes (reservation only)
For up-to-date winter conditions at various parks across the city, visit the Ville de Montréal’s website!
Daniel Baylis
Daniel Baylis is a writer, poet, and musician. Several years ago he moved to Montréal to chase silly bohemian dreams. And he’s still at it.
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