The Best Outdoor Activities In Montreal Canada

Want to make the most of a beautiful Montreal morning, or just spend some quality time outside? Culture Trip’s local insiders share their favorite Montreal outdoor activities, from downtown to venturing a little further afield towards the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park or René Lévesque Park.

1. Mount Royal Heritage Site

Natural Feature

AUTUMN COLORS IN MONT-ROYAL PARK AND VIEW OF THE BUSINESS DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA

Decreed in 2005, the Mount Royal Heritage Site (or “the Mountain” to Montrealers) is a vast green space in the middle of the city. The expansive Parc Mont-Royal within the site offers sweeping urban forest and lakeside views, with paths for cycling and hiking. There are also a host of historically important buildings and cultural residential neighborhoods to explore. Climb to the top of the hill to take a look at the huge cross – one of Montreal’s famous sights – or head to the lookout for stunning panoramas across the city. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

2. Spade and Palacio Bike Tour

Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark

Montreal is super bike-friendly, so exploring via two wheels is a perfect way to see more than you otherwise could. Find a bike-hire place for independent travel, or, if you’re looking to see the city from a local perspective, a Spade and Palacio bike tour will take you to treasures often overlooked by the main tourist crowd – all while riding a fetching bright-pink bike. All knowledgeable and friendly Montreal guides are more than happy to share their favorite spots and discuss everything they love about the city. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

3. René Lévesque Park

Park

Favorite local hotspot René Lévesque Park is a 20-minute drive from Downtown Montreal on a small peninsula with gorgeous views over the Saint Lawrence River. Take some time out from busy city life with a ride along the bike path or a walk on one of the park’s several trails. Alternatively, take a look at the arboretum before exploring the extensive sculpture garden attached to the Lachine Museum next door. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault

5. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park

Park

If you want to leave the city limits behind and go into greener, less noisy surroundings, the Îles-de-Boucherville National Park is only 20mi (32km) from Downtown Montreal and offers scenic walking and cycling trails in and around five small islands on the Saint Lawrence River. Add something different to your adventure by opting to explore via canoe or sea kayak instead, or come in winter for exciting skiing and snowshoeing options. No matter how you decide to get around, keep an eye out for the resident white-tailed deer and over 50 species of birds. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.