Enjoy summer in Montréal's large parks
Countless free activities are offered this summer in Montréal’s 21 large parks and nature parks. You can enjoy the fresh air and nature without leaving the island.
Six beaches where you can cool off
Montréal has six beaches:
- The twos beaches at Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
- The urban beach in Verdun
- Jean-Doré beach at Parc Jean-Drapeau
- The new east-end beach in Pointe-aux-Trembles (no swimming, water games only)
- The beach at Parc-nature du Bois-de-L’Île-Bizard
Every Saturday throughout the summer, head to the beach at Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques for paddle board classes, introductory board yoga sessions, Tai Chi, guided sunset kayak tours and movie nights.
The beach at Parc-nature du Bois-de-L’Île-Bizard is the smallest, and ideal for families with young children.
Check the water quality (in French).
Meditative walks in the forest
Get back in touch with nature and free yourself from stress with soothing walks in the forest at Parc du Mont-Royal and in certain nature parks. Outdoor yoga and Tai Chi are also offered
Three favourite hikes on Mont Royal
Several guided discovery hikes ($ fee) allow you to explore Mont Royal:
- The “Sunset Summit walk” is ideal for cooling off on hot days.
- A hike in honour of Frederick Law Olmsted, the park’s architect-creator, focuses on his vision and his thinking behind the design of this magnificent jewel.
- This fall, don’t miss the guided “The Three Summits of Mount Royal”. This 10 km hike offers breathtaking views of the city.
Discover the program of activities
Cycling, climbing and kite flying at Parc Frederic-Back
From June 24 to 26, take part in Grain de ciel, Montréal’s largest kite event.
Guided walking and cycling tours are offered all summer long. A climbing wall is available for climbing enthusiasts. Bicycles, scooters and kites may be borrowed on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
When you’re at the site, download the new ParcFrederic-Back app to learn about its history and attractions.
Hang out with our educator-naturalists
Want to learn more about amphibians, reptiles, turtles, mushrooms, or marsh fauna and flora? On a guided hike or at an information kiosk, our nature educators will pique your curiosity about the biodiversity present in each of our nature parks.
About fortydiscovery activities are available.
Other activities you don’t want to miss!
- Nature parks : the fishing caravan, astronomy evenings and camping under the stars, birds of prey shows, etc.
- Parc du Mont-Royal: rowboat rides on Lac-aux-Castors, Mölkky (a Finnish throwing game) and roundnet (spikeball).
- Parc des Rapides : surf on the eternal wave, nicknamed the “Vague à Guy” (Guy’s wave).
Increasingly accessible parks
(New) It is possible to reserve free of charge wheelchairs adapted to travel on trails with uneven terrain for the more experienced in the Parcs-nature. Please note that a Hippocampe wheelchair is also available for swimming at the Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques beach.
Free shuttle service
A shuttle service from downtown (Dorchester Square) will take you to the following three nature parks:
- Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques: every Saturday, from June 11 to September 3
- Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse: June 12 and August 7
- Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies: June 18, August 21 and 28.
Reservations are mandatory with Navette Nature
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