The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée
4.6
(21)
327
hikers
17
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée traverse a significant 280-hectare forest ecosystem, featuring diverse habitats such as marshes, forest swamps, and mature maple stands. The terrain includes natural trails winding through varied landscapes, including rocky outcrops and two notable hemlock stands. This area provides accessible paths suitable for different fitness levels, with minimal elevation changes.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Avenue des Bois Gravel Path loop…
Last updated: October 26, 2026
7
hikers
3.65km
00:55
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
6
hikers
15.7km
04:02
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
3
hikers
12.1km
03:05
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
2
hikers
7.62km
01:56
20m
20m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
7
hikers
2.64km
00:40
10m
10m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Tips from the Community
Parc Saint-Édouard serves as a community and recreation hub. Its open year-round, with a modern four-season playground module, a baseball field, a basketball court, and three lit acrylic tennis courts. In winter, it's still a popular recreation spot with an outdoor winter skating rink. There is a service chalet, free parking, washrooms, and a “BoxUp” locker system that offers free sports equipment loans to visitors.
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Parc Stéphanie is a quaint neighborhood park that spans almost one hectare. It's a clean and well-maintained greenspace with a children's playground with swings and slides, dedicated cycling lanes, and open grassy field.
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Bois de la Source has a network of trails meandering the dense woodland area managed by the CANOPÉE network. This deciduous urban forest acts as an exceptional “island of freshness,” offering roughly 5.3 kilometres of trails that are perfect for year-round activities like walking, birdwatching, and winter snowshoeing.
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Here the Rouge trail leads into a covered forest area that almost makes you forget how close you are to the water. There are a couple connectors to the Bleu trail west of here that loop back out of the forest.
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Here you get a nice view of where Rivière des Praries meets the lake and Laval Sur-Le-Lac to the north in the distance. There is a rocky beach on the shoreline where you can take a break and enjoy the water.
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Although it looks natural today, this lake was excavated during the creation of Parc du Centenaire, with the removed earth used to build the park's surrounding hills. Three small islands sit at its centre, while the shoreline has become an important habitat for birds and other wildlife.
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Parc du Centenaire is one of Dollard-des-Ormeaux's largest green spaces, with a network of paved and natural trails winding through woodland, wetlands, and open parkland. The park is also home to the Civic Centre, sports facilities, a dog park, and several ponds that attract birds and other wildlife throughout the year.
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With benches overlooking the lake and surrounding woodland, this viewpoint is a peaceful place to pause before continuing around the loop.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée?
Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée offers 10 family-friendly hiking routes, with a good mix of easy and moderate options to suit various ages and fitness levels.
What kind of terrain can we expect on the family trails?
The trails in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée wind through a diverse forest ecosystem, including marshes, forest swamps, mature maple stands, and even rocky outcrops. You'll find natural paths that are generally easily accessible, offering varied scenery for an engaging family hike.
Are the trails in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée suitable for strollers?
While many trails are natural paths, some sections might be challenging for standard strollers due to varied terrain, including roots or uneven surfaces. For a smoother experience, consider trails like the Avenue des Bois Gravel Path loop from Deux-Montagnes, which offers a more consistent surface.
Can we bring our dog on the family-friendly hikes?
Yes, Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée is generally dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the natural environment for everyone.
What are some easy, shorter routes perfect for families with young children?
For families with young children, the De la Fabrique Park loop from Sainte-Rose is an excellent choice. It's about 3.5 km long and can typically be completed in just over an hour, making it ideal for shorter attention spans.
What natural features or wildlife can we expect to see?
Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée is rich in biodiversity. You might spot various birds, including raptors, and terrestrial mammals like deer, foxes, or even beavers. The area also features impressive centenary trees and two hemlock stands, one recognized as an exceptional forest ecosystem. Look out for interpretive panels along the trails to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
What is the best time of year to visit Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée with family?
The boisé is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors and comfortable temperatures. During winter, from December 1st to March 31st, the trails are officially open for winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, providing a unique experience.
Are there any longer loop trails suitable for families wanting a bigger adventure?
For families looking for a longer outing, the Avenue des Bois Gravel Path loop from Île-Bigras offers a moderate 12 km route that takes around 3 hours to complete, providing a more extended exploration of the area.
Where can we park when visiting Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée for a hike?
Parking availability varies depending on your chosen starting point. Many trailheads, such as those for the Avenue des Bois Gravel Path loop from Laval-Ouest, have designated parking areas nearby. It's advisable to check the specific route details for parking information.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails here?
The trails in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful forest setting, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to connect with nature close to the city.
Are there any public transport options to access the trails?
Yes, Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée is accessible via public transport. Specific bus routes serve different entry points to the boisé. For detailed information on routes and schedules, it's best to consult the local public transport authority's website.
What should we pack for a family hike in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée?
Always bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate footwear. Depending on the season, consider insect repellent, sunscreen, and layers of clothing. A small first-aid kit is also recommended. Don't forget binoculars for birdwatching!
Most popular routes in Le Boisé Sainte-Dorothée
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