The 17 best backpacking trails near Montreal (2024)

Parc Jean-Drapeau is a large urban park on Saint Helen's Island, located just across from the Old Port of Montreal. The park has got everything you could possibly want in an urban park, including 25 kilometers of different trails and roads to explore, as well as two museums. Plus, La Ronde theme park is right behind it!

Jean Drapeau is one of the best park in Montreal... especially if you want serene peace and some amazing views of skyline of downtown Montreal, this is the place.Both in the day and night, it looks magical. Watching the sun set behind the skyline on a bright , clear day is one of the best thing you can do. In the evening the whole city looks so illuminated and its the best view of Montreal. It has a lot of fun things to do, sledging, ice skating, and a lot of other summer activities too. The ice skating rink is also one of the best in Montreal. It has these lights that make it look so amazing in night time, i would recommend you visiting here once in Winter e evening and do ice skating. You'll no regret.

Bhargav Y — Google review

A lovely and lively place to be for the city's most exciting events. Just the weekend we were there, there was a eureka festival and an edm festival the day before. The biking in the grand prix circuit was also fun and surreal for my husband who is a fan. It's ideal if you can bike around since the park is huge. Easy access from metros too.

Karunya R — Google review

Great park. So much to see and do. Very close to Montreal! We walked from St. Lambert on the Victoria Bridge to get there this time. Last time we took the Metro from Montreal. A great walk on a sunny day.

Judy P — Google review

the park is fascinating, I have been skating on its rink and it is beautiful, the views and the service are very good! the toilets are very modern and clean, you get there easily on the metro. in summer the swimming pool is highly recommended to enjoy with children!

Melero R — Google review

I had some trouble figuring out how to get here with all the construction. The first parking lot I tried did not have a working parking payment station. It was interesting once we got to the biosphere. A short walk on the promenade got us a great view of old Montreal and St. Lawrence River. More research will be required to make better use of the park next time!!

Kathy D — Google review

Very large Parc! Many activities! Lots of resting places (benches)! Could improve on adding more public washrooms! Metro and Bixi stations! Great for kids and families! See map attached!

Antoine A — Google review

One of the most beautiful park located in the heart of the city. Easily accessible via metro and bus routes. There are several cool activities during the summer as well as in winter for everyone. Huge picnic area with tables. Cityscape also looks great from there and amazing place for the nature walk and photography.

Shikha S — Google review

Great place for cross country ski! The intermediate trail is well maintained and is a very good place to start and practice. The smallest trail is kind of destroyed since people walk all over it, but it's also fun. I can't wait to go back and ski on île Notre-Dame.

Bia G — Google review

Visited the biosphere. The structure itself is cool but the exhibits inside are nothing special. They might be interesting for kids however. The too floor of the biosphere features a cool longue area where you can get a 360° view of the sphere in a quiet and minimalist room with a few couches. Not worth paying $22 in my opinion.

Darren T — Google review

I spent 4 months in Montreal and went frequently there, even did a helicopter tour above. That’s really a gem in the city. I love the fact it is such easy to access with the metro. There are a lot of music events during the summer. Truly the best place to admire the city in my opinion.

Jordi T — Google review

What can I say here.. although we really did not go deep inside, the outer part really peaked my interest. Awesome eye catching structure! Very well made! And kept clean!

Jay A — Google review

Nice area to enjoy a leisure walk. Just not able to visit the biosphere museum as it W's closed on Monday. Also quite some construction within the park too.

Kelvin A — Google review

Definitely a go-to spot if you want to view Montreal from an outside perspective (literally). It gives you a view of the Island and how busy it is from a distance. This is a park for all-seasons, and you get a different vibe whenever you come visit.

Jolson C — Google review

Beautiful islandLots of fun activities to doWanna go for a small hike somewhere near Montreal downtown? This is the placeThe whole area is kept very clean.Biosphere also remains the attractionOr just go sit on the benches around the place and enjoy the viewThere are also boat rides available to go cruising around the islandTrain reaches straight in front of biosphere or if you're taking your own vehicle, the parking is very well managedI did not get to do it, but I'd suggest cycling to this place as it allows you to enjoy the beautiful view

Dikshyant K — Google review

I had the pleasure of visiting the Montreal Biosphère and the beautiful park surrounding it, and it exceeded all my expectations. This iconic geodesic dome, originally built for Expo 67, is a true marvel of architectural design.Inside the Biosphère, you'll find a fascinating exploration of our planet's ecosystems, climate change, and sustainability. The interactive exhibits are not only educational but also engaging for visitors of all ages.But the magic doesn't stop there. The park itself is a lush, green escape from the urban hustle and bustle. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River and the city skyline. The peaceful ambiance and well-maintained pathways make it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a serene place to unwind, the Montreal Biosphère and its surrounding park are a must-visit. It's a testament to the city's commitment to environmental awareness and a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with nature and learn about our planet's precious ecosystems.

PRABIN A — Google review

Great place for family, friends, events, music festivals, and sports events. From Osheaga to Grand Prix festivities and Piknic Electronik, they host them all. The venue is spacious, well-organized, and offers a vibrant atmosphere that enhances any event. The variety of activities and events throughout the year keeps things exciting. With excellent facilities and friendly staff, it's always a pleasure to visit. Whether I'm attending a concert, a festival, or just hanging out, I always leave with great memories. It can get a little crowded during certain events, and I would avoid driving there. Park your car anywhere else and take the subway, you may save hours.

Fouad M — Google review

I love this place, you can take beautiful pictures, it's easy to get there, you can take the bus to go to la ronde, if you want to you can take the ferry to the old port (extra if you don't have an opus card) or just enjoy the view and chill

Valeria G — Google review

It's such a beautiful place. There's so much to see. The flowers are beautiful. There's also this enormous blue chair that's really cool. I simply went there to enjoy the clamness of the afternoon and had no idea a that the Biosphere Museum was near by. I was pleasantly surprised. I absolutely enjoyed going there and intend to go back soon.

Sally R — Google review

Relaxing place when it is not busy. Really beautiful views, lakeside and nice well maintained walkways. It is a place always worth for stress release walk or run.

Jois J — Google review

Huge park. lots of activities to do. parking is paid. $12/2hr and $20/day. it would take one full day to visit everything. go on a weekend as most of fun activity happens. check the website before going.one of the pictures is timing for the bistrothere is big metro station if you don't want to drive. bus stops as well. easy transit access and more frequency.hiking trails, biosphere museum, la Ronde (fair), casino, garden, bar and patio, kayaking and water activities. lots of things available. please check the website to see if the activities you want to try is available on the particular day of your visit.

Kazumi M — Google review

Very good parkIn the middle of the island close to the Formule 1 circuitAs most places in Canada full of wildlifeIt's so nice to see beautiful squirrel 🐿️ around and listening to the birdsEasy arrival by the yellow metro line

JOSE T — Google review

The 17 best backpacking trails near Montreal (2024)
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