Discover parks and green spaces around the metropolitan area

Are you tired of seeing concrete and hearing the sound of car horns? Luckily, there are some perfect little escapes around the Montreal area. Forget the urban jungle for a moment and venture into a real jungle. Well not quite, but almost. With nature parks and green spaces as far as the eye can see, you’ll probably be surprised at how much nature there is within reach. From the unexpected surprises at the Centre de la nature, to the tranquility of the Grèves Regional Park, each park offers a breath of fresh air far away from the hectic hustle and bustle of the city.

Nature’s hidden gems: must-visit parks and green spaces

The region surrounding Montreal is full of natural treasures.

• The Centre de la nature Mont Saint-Hilaire is a popular hiking site, offering spectacular views from the summit.
• At the Grèves Regional Park, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the forests and the St. Lawrence River banks.
• The P'tit train du Nord in St-Jérôme has picturesque trails that are perfect for bike rides and cross-country skiing.
• Île des Moulins in Terrebonne and Parc du Grand-Coteau in Mascouche are both cultural and natural gems.
• The Récréoparc in Sainte-Catherine offers the perfect combination of leisure activities and relaxation along the waterfront.

Must-do activities at parks around Montreal

These parks are not just home to natural beauty, they also offer a wide range of activities. Whether it's sledding, skating, hiking, biking, or simply seeing the flora and fauna, there’s always something to do. These green spaces offer activities for all ages, guaranteeing days filled with adventure and discovery.

Psst: to fully enjoy these experiences, don't forget to get properly equipped and to check the weather conditions ahead of time.

How to get to parks around Montreal easily with Public transit

Thanks to exo public transit, getting to these beautiful parks is both easy and environmentally friendly. Plan your trips online to find the best routes to your natural destination.

Whether you're looking for a day of relaxation or adventure, the Chrono app can help guide you there so that you can make the most of your time in nature.

Relaxation and entertainment: festivals and events in the South Shore and North Shore parks

The region's parks are also home to cultural celebrations and entertainment.

Events like the Repentigny Oktoberfest at Île Lebel Park, les Rendez-Vous Polaires at the Sainte-Catherine RécréoParc, and the Octenbulle Festival at Grand-Coteau Park in Mascouche, all offer unique experiences.

These festivals bring together natural beauty, exciting entertainment, interesting culture, and great music to create memorable experiences for all visitors.

Plan your visit: everything you need to know about the parks

Centre de la Nature Mont Saint-Hilaire

• Activities: hiking, skiing, fauna and flora observation, discovering local producers, etc.
• Festivals & events: Biodiversity Festival.
• Price: paid access.
• Official website: Centre de la nature du Mont-Saint-Hilaire

Grèves Regional Park in Sorel-Tracy

• Activities: skiing, skating, hiking, biking, kayaking, etc.
• Festivals & events: various seasonal events.
• Price: varies depending on activities.
• Official website: Parc régional des Grèves

Le P'tit train du Nord in St-Jérôme

• Activities: biking, cross-country skiing, hiking.
• Festivals & events: sporting and cultural events all year long including the Marathon du P'tit Train du Nord.
• Price: free access for most activities.
• Official website: le P'tit train du Nord

L'Île des Moulins in Terrebonne

• Activities: guided tours, educational workshops, exhibitions, shows.
• Festivals & events: historical and cultural festivals.
• Price: varies depending on the activity or event.
• Official website: Île des Moulins

Parc du Grand-Coteau in Mascouche

• Activities: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, training, children's play area.
• Festivals & events: Festival Octenbulle and other seasonal events.
• Price: free access to green spaces, rates vary for events.
• Official website: Parc du Grand-Coteau

Récréoparc de Sainte-Catherine

• Activities: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, beach, swimming, kayaking, camping.
• Festivals & events: Les Rendez-Vous Polaires and other events during summer.
• Price: varies depending on activities.
• Official website: Récréoparc

So, are you ready for a little green escape? The parks and green spaces around the Montreal area await with their leafy arms wide open! And don't forget, opting to take exo public transit is like giving the planet a high-five! It's eco-friendly, convenient, and saves you from desperately searching for a parking space. Download the Chrono app, choose your favorite nature park, and let the adventures begin!