The best running trails around Montréal

Montréal offers a vast network for runners, with over 500 jogging routes documented on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy, flat paths to more challenging trails with elevation changes.

Yes, Montréal has many excellent options for beginners or those seeking an easier run. The Ponds of Parc de la Fontaine loop from UQÀM - Complexe des sciences Pierre-Dansereau is a great choice for a shorter, flatter run within a lovely urban park. The Lachine Canal National Historic Site also offers a long, flat, paved pathway, ideal for a peaceful and scenic run without significant elevation.

Many of Montréal's best running experiences are circular routes. Popular options include the Olmsted Path – Beaver Lake loop from Peel, which offers varied terrain within Mount Royal Park, and the Olmsted Path – Summit Loop View loop from Mont-Royal for panoramic city views. For an urban experience, the Bank of Montreal Building – British Empire Building loop from Place d’Armes takes you through the historic core.

Absolutely! Mount Royal Park is renowned for its stunning vistas. The Olmsted Path – Summit Loop View loop from Mont-Royal leads to the summit, known as the "Croix," offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Parc Jean-Drapeau also provides beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River as you run.

Montréal's running trails offer a diverse blend of urban and natural environments. You can run through the wooded trails and varied terrains of Mount Royal Park, along the historic Lachine Canal, or explore the forests and wetlands of Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park. Parc Jean-Drapeau provides island scenery, while Île de la Visitation Nature Park features trails through historic sites and along the water.

Yes, several routes are great for families. The one-kilometer loop around Beaver Lake in Mount Royal Park has minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible. The Lachine Canal's flat, paved pathway is also excellent for families, as are the charming, flatter trails at Île de la Visitation Nature Park and the paths within Parc La Fontaine.

The running routes in Montréal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 180 reviews. Runners frequently praise the city's unique blend of urban and natural beauty, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse terrain options, from scenic waterfronts to challenging park trails with rewarding views.

Definitely. The Bank of Montreal Building – British Empire Building loop from Place d’Armes takes you through Montréal's historic urban core. The Old Port area also offers scenic waterfront routes through historic parts of the city, passing by attractions like the Old Port of Montreal and Saint-Gabriel Lock (Lachine Canal).

For longer runs, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site offers a 14.5-kilometer paved pathway, perfect for sustained efforts. Parc Jean-Drapeau features the famous Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a 4-kilometer racetrack that can be looped multiple times, and Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park, a short drive away, boasts a 27-kilometer network of trails around five lakes, suitable for intermediate runners.

Many routes in Montréal perfectly blend urban and natural elements. The Old Port of Montreal – Clock Tower Quay loop from Place Saint-Henri combines city views with waterfront paths. Mount Royal Park itself is a natural oasis within the city, offering wooded trails and open spaces with city backdrops. The Lachine Canal also provides a unique mix of industrial heritage and green spaces.

For a more immersive nature experience, Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park, Montréal's largest urban park, offers over 10 kilometers of trails through fields, wetlands, and forests. Just a 30-minute drive, Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park provides a 27-kilometer trail network around picturesque lakes, ideal for intermediate runners seeking varied terrain.