Anne-Charlotte PasseraAside from the Mont-Royal in Montreal, there aren’t a whole lot of cool places where you can go for walks with your dog and feel like you are in nature. Luckily there are places less than 1hr away from Montreal where you can go on dog-friendly walks and not feel like you are in the city.
Here is a list of some of the places we have discovered with either one or two dogs. For further away places, check out THIS ARTICLE.
Iles de Boucherville
The Iles de Boucherville Park is run by the SEPAQ and is located 30 minutes away from Montreal. Due to its proximity to Montreal, it is the most accessible park to go for walks with your dog right outside the city.
There is an entrance fee, but if you get the annual pass, you’ll get access to not only this park but all the others in Quebec.
We tested the one trail that dogs are allowed on. It does a complete loop around the main island which is about 7 km. It’s not uncommon to come across deers, foxes, and beavers.
The loop path is even which makes it accessible to strollers. Therefore, the whole family can enjoy this walk.
Another thing worth mentioning is that poop bags are provided at the entrance of the trails. It’s practical in case you forgot to bring some or ran out of them. Yes, they are FREE.
Parc Promenade Bellerive
Located in Tétreauville, to the East of Montreal, lies Park Bellerive. It’s not an impressive park to go on walks with the dog, but it does give you some access by the water to enjoy the view, relax and watch the ship containers go by.
The good things is that it’s FREE and perfect for small dogs.
There is a little beach access which dogs are allowed on at the end of the day.
Les Sentiers de la Presqu’île
Located near Répentigny, about 30 minutes outside of Montreal is Les Sentiers de la Presqu’ile, where dogs are not only allowed but off-leash is accepted. Yeah!
There are 19km of trails worth exploring.
However, during the months of June, July and August, they aren’t super practical due to a heavy concentration of mosquitoes. Yikes!
The entrance fee is 5$ and your dog has to pay as well. Luckily, they do offer an annual membership which could be useful if you plan on going there on a regular basis.
Les Sentiers Pedestres des Iles de Berthier
Located 1h away from Montreal in the town of Berthierville lies a hidden gem.
You’ll find FREE access to about 10km of trails through forests, swamps, and fields. Also, at one point, you’ll be walking along a river with some discreet access to the river banks where your dogs will be able to swim in all impunity.
It’s recommended that dogs stay on a leash but to be honest, some of the trails are super straight where you can see people coming miles away. If your dog listens well and stays close to you, I don’t see why you can’t let him loose a little.
There are no trash cans along the trail, so try to make your dog do his doodie close to the trail entrance as to not have to carry it around for 3 hours. Be warn of mosquitoes in July!
Hudson
Over the Christmas break, we decided to explore a little out of our comfort zone.
Only 45 minutes outside of Montreal lies the town of Hudson located along the Ottawa river.
- At Park Jack Layton, you’ll have access to the frozen river in the Winter. It’s pretty cool to walk on but my husband was afraid our beast would crack the ice. Maybe he meant me.
Dogs are allowed on the beach come summertime but only really in the morning or after 5pm. We can’t wait to go there and try it out in a few months.
- At Les Sentiers Naturels de Hudson, if you follow the (cock ) trail through the forest, you’ll end up on a golf course. It’s the perfect place to play with your dogs in the Winter when no one is around.
The best part is that these activities are FREE and so is parking. After 3 hours of fresh air, your dogs will sleep like a charm.
Laval
Another exciting discovery this year to walk our dogs just outside of Montreal. Located in Laval, close to the 15, is the Bois de L’Équerre.
There are plenty of different trails you can take throughout a forest to keep you busy. The longest one is 4km long and circles around the woods.
If you go in deeper into the woods, you’ll walk along a small body of water, spot some woodpeckers, and maybe stumble upon a hidden ice skating rink.
Unfortunately, dogs have to be on leash at all times but the trails are one way.
It’s FREE to access and to park. However, because of the Pandemic, it has become super popular. If you go there on weekends, park on the Boulevard de L’industriel lot. It’s less crowded and easier to park. Also, the small trail will lead you directly into the park without having to run into everyone coming and going into the park.
Mascouche – Parc du Grand Coteau
Located about 30 minutes away from Montreal lies the Parc du Grand-Coteau in the town of Mascouche. It’s a beautiful parc with a pond and lots of trails that wind up and down through a forest.
Not all trails are accessible to dogs (on leash). However, if you are looking for an outdoorsy walk or hike in a forest but don’t feel like driving all the way to the Laurentians, this is the nicest place you’ll find.
There is also a doggy park nearby and parking is FREE.
Of course, if you don’t have the time to hop in the car and get out of the city, there is always Mount-Royal and its hidden trails. It’s one of the best inner-city options for fun walks with your dog in Montreal. However, for something a little off the beaten path in Montreal, I’ve compiled a list for you right HERE.
[…] Luckily there are places less than 1hr away from Montreal where you can do just that. Discover them HERE. For a little more further away places, here is our little dog-friendly walks guide outside […]