The best running trails around Montréal
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23,830
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Jogging around Montréal offers a diverse range of experiences, blending urban environments with extensive natural features. The region is characterized by significant parks like Mount Royal, scenic waterfront paths along the Lachine Canal and St. Lawrence River, and expansive nature parks with forests and wetlands. Runners can find varied terrains, from gentle, flat loops to moderately challenging routes with elevation gains. These landscapes provide numerous options for exploring the city's unique blend of natural beauty and historic sites.
Best jogging routes around Montréal
- The most popular jogging route is Olmsted Path – Beaver Lake loop from Peel, an 8.5 miles (13.7 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 32 minutes to complete. This route offers varied terrain within Mount Royal Park, including views of Beaver Lake.
- Another top favourite among local runners is Olmsted Path – Summit Loop View loop from Mont-Royal, a moderate 8.4 miles (13.5 km) path. It provides panoramic city views from the summit of Mount Royal.
- Local runners also love the Bank of Montreal Building – British Empire Building loop from Place d’Armes, a 6.8 miles (11.0 km) trail leading through the historic urban core, often completed in about 1 hour 10 minutes.
- Jogging around Montréal is defined by its prominent urban parks, scenic riverfront paths, and diverse island landscapes, offering options for various ability levels.
- The routes in Montréal are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 180 reviews. More than 24,000 runners have used komoot to explore Montréal's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
4.6
(11)
1,604
runners
13.0km
01:24
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(14)
798
runners
9.89km
01:05
180m
180m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(4)
866
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(6)
816
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
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611
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Old Port of Montreal is the historic port on the Saint Lawrence and was first used as a trading post by French fur traders in 1611. In 1976, Montreal's Port operations were moved east to its current location. The Old Port was redeveloped in the early 1990s and is now a recreational and historic area that attracts millions of tourists annually. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Montreal
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The cross was erected on Mount Royal in 1924 and is a Montreal landmark. The 30-meter-high cross is visible for kilometers when illuminated. It commemorates January 6, 1643, when Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, the founder of Montreal, carried a wooden cross to the summit of Mount Royal after the colony survived a flood. Ten stories about the cross on Mount Royal can be read in a newspaper article: https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article560997.html Nevertheless, the cross is also controversial; indigenous groups are demanding its removal as a symbol of colonization. Source: https://hauntedmontreal.com/haunted-montreal-blog-82-the-haunted-cross-on-the-mountain.html (Visit June 13, 2025)
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It is always impressive to see how monetary power is represented in stone.
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Here at the old harbor, the ferries depart for the islands in the St. Lawrence River. Pay attention to the timetables, as the return journey can be long...
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The Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier was created by George William Hill after he won the tender in 1912. After some delay, the monument was erected in 1919. The monument consists of 18 bronze figures, with the figure of Sir George-Étienne Cartier towering above all the others. Below his figure, two standing groups of statues represent the four provinces that joined the Confederation in 1867. https://artpublicmontreal.ca/en/oeuvre/monument-a-sir-george-etienne-cartier/
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The history of Mount Royal Park began when Jacques Cartier named the mountain in 1535, which led to the city of Montreal being named after it. In the mid-19th century, the City of Montreal acquired the land to create a park. The design of the park was entrusted to renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (of New York's Central Park fame) to ensure that the mountain's natural character was preserved for public enjoyment and to create urban green spaces. Mount Royal Park was officially opened on May 24, 1876. https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/history-of-mount-royal Frederick Law Olmsted's book Mount Royal, Montreal (1881) describes in detail the design for Mount Royal Park. (Reprinted: November 21, 2009)
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Notre-Dame Basilica is the Catholic mother church of Montreal and was the first Gothic Revival church in Canada. In 1982, Notre-Dame, then a cathedral, was elevated to the rank of minor basilica by Pope John Paul II and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989. https://www.basiliquenotredame.ca/en/history-and-heritage
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Great, I loved it too, we went as far as Dorval,
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Montréal?
Montréal offers a vast network for runners, with over 500 jogging routes documented on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy, flat paths to more challenging trails with elevation changes.
Are there easy or beginner-friendly jogging routes in Montréal?
Yes, Montréal has many excellent options for beginners or those seeking an easier run. The Ponds of Parc de la Fontaine loop from UQÀM - Complexe des sciences Pierre-Dansereau is a great choice for a shorter, flatter run within a lovely urban park. The Lachine Canal National Historic Site also offers a long, flat, paved pathway, ideal for a peaceful and scenic run without significant elevation.
What are some popular loop running routes in Montréal?
Many of Montréal's best running experiences are circular routes. Popular options include the Olmsted Path – Beaver Lake loop from Peel, which offers varied terrain within Mount Royal Park, and the Olmsted Path – Summit Loop View loop from Mont-Royal for panoramic city views. For an urban experience, the Bank of Montreal Building – British Empire Building loop from Place d’Armes takes you through the historic core.
Are there any jogging routes in Montréal with scenic viewpoints?
Absolutely! Mount Royal Park is renowned for its stunning vistas. The Olmsted Path – Summit Loop View loop from Mont-Royal leads to the summit, known as the "Croix," offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. Parc Jean-Drapeau also provides beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River as you run.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect on Montréal's running trails?
Montréal's running trails offer a diverse blend of urban and natural environments. You can run through the wooded trails and varied terrains of Mount Royal Park, along the historic Lachine Canal, or explore the forests and wetlands of Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park. Parc Jean-Drapeau provides island scenery, while Île de la Visitation Nature Park features trails through historic sites and along the water.
Are there any family-friendly running routes in Montréal?
Yes, several routes are great for families. The one-kilometer loop around Beaver Lake in Mount Royal Park has minimal elevation gain, making it very accessible. The Lachine Canal's flat, paved pathway is also excellent for families, as are the charming, flatter trails at Île de la Visitation Nature Park and the paths within Parc La Fontaine.
What do other runners enjoy most about jogging in Montréal?
The running routes in Montréal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 180 reviews. Runners frequently praise the city's unique blend of urban and natural beauty, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse terrain options, from scenic waterfronts to challenging park trails with rewarding views.
Can I find running routes near historical landmarks or attractions in Montréal?
Definitely. The Bank of Montreal Building – British Empire Building loop from Place d’Armes takes you through Montréal's historic urban core. The Old Port area also offers scenic waterfront routes through historic parts of the city, passing by attractions like the Old Port of Montreal and Saint-Gabriel Lock (Lachine Canal).
Are there longer running routes for endurance training in Montréal?
For longer runs, the Lachine Canal National Historic Site offers a 14.5-kilometer paved pathway, perfect for sustained efforts. Parc Jean-Drapeau features the famous Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a 4-kilometer racetrack that can be looped multiple times, and Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park, a short drive away, boasts a 27-kilometer network of trails around five lakes, suitable for intermediate runners.
Are there any running routes that offer a mix of urban and natural scenery?
Many routes in Montréal perfectly blend urban and natural elements. The Old Port of Montreal – Clock Tower Quay loop from Place Saint-Henri combines city views with waterfront paths. Mount Royal Park itself is a natural oasis within the city, offering wooded trails and open spaces with city backdrops. The Lachine Canal also provides a unique mix of industrial heritage and green spaces.
What are some options for running in larger nature parks near Montréal?
For a more immersive nature experience, Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park, Montréal's largest urban park, offers over 10 kilometers of trails through fields, wetlands, and forests. Just a 30-minute drive, Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park provides a 27-kilometer trail network around picturesque lakes, ideal for intermediate runners seeking varied terrain.
Most popular routes around Montréal
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