The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Parc National De La Yamaska
4.7
(21)
641
hikers
11
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Parc National De La Yamaska traverse a charming forest valley, characteristic of the Appalachian lowlands, featuring gentle hills and mature maple forests. A central feature is the man-made Choinière Reservoir, which offers panoramic views and diverse shoreline habitats. The park's terrain is shaped by slate and sandstone bedrock, with acidic, stony sandy loam soil supporting its extensive woodlands. These features combine to create varied and accessible hiking environments for families.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Parc National De La Yamaska
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is View from Parc des Montagnards loop from Réserve naturelle du Canton-de-Shefford, an easy 2.5 miles (4.0 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete. This route offers a pleasant walk with moderate elevation gain suitable for families.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Lake Boivin loop from Irving, a moderate 6.2 miles (10.1 km) path. This trail provides scenic views along the lake with minimal elevation changes, making it enjoyable for active families.
- Local hikers also love the Yamaska Trail – Parc Boivin loop from Réservoir Lemieux, a 5.8 miles (9.4 km) trail leading through varied forest and open areas, often completed in about 2 hours 25 minutes.
- Hiking in Parc National De La Yamaska is defined by mature maple forests, gentle hills, and the expansive Choinière Reservoir. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate loops.
- The routes in Parc National De La Yamaska are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 27 reviews. More than 600 hikers have used komoot to explore Parc National De La Yamaska's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.3
(3)
82
hikers
4.17km
01:06
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
9.75km
02:46
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
hikers
8.08km
02:04
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
11.1km
03:07
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
9.42km
02:24
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
You can follow this well-maintained crushed gravel trail along the north shore of the campground with views to the water and good trail access.
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You can reserve a National Park Pass ahead of time to guarantee access to the trails and campground, since the number of visitors per day is capped.
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You can explore this easy wooded hiking and snowshoeing trail around the campground. The path is dirt doubletrack and fairly flat the whole way.
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Built in 1967 after a severe drought, the reservoir serves as a backup water supply for the city of Granby. La Granbyenne trail passes between the reservoir and the nearby North Yamaska River, creating a beautiful waterside stretch with open views across the water as you continue around Lac Boivin.
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This boardwalk viewpoint along Lac Boivin offers open views across the lake and surrounding wetlands. A few benches make it a nice place to sit and take in the scenery, with good chances of spotting birds and other wildlife on the water. The platform is fully exposed to the sun, so sun protection is recommended especially on warmer days.
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Lake Boivin sits at the heart of the Lake Boivin Nature Interpretation Centre and forms part of an important wetland ecosystem in Granby. Fed by the North Yamaska River, the lake’s shallow waters and marshy shoreline attract a wide variety of birds and wildlife. Trails and boardwalks around the lake offer peaceful views across the water and reeds, making this one of the best spots in the park for birdwatching and quiet nature walks. Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, and turtles along the shoreline.
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There's so much to do at Lac Boivin. On the eastern shore you have the lakeside town of Granby, complete with restaurants, cafes and galleries. A swim in the lake after a day riding or hiking is a must. On the northern shore you'll find the impressive 'Centre d'interprétation de la nature du lac Boivin', an official Important Bird Area (IBA), including a marsh which is a refuge and resting place for many birds. It's accessible all year round, enabling visitors to discover a wide variety of flora and fauna. And on the eastern shore you'll find the start of the Parc National de la Yamaska. It's a natural wonderland, but also a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The cycling, hiking, swimming and boating are second to none.
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I love the Granby trail, the people are nice, the patrollers are kind and there is a lot of activity in the surrounding area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Parc National De La Yamaska?
Parc National De La Yamaska offers a good selection of family-friendly hiking trails. Our guide features 11 routes suitable for families, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate adventures.
What kind of terrain can we expect on family hikes in Parc National De La Yamaska?
The park features a charming forest valley typical of the Appalachian lowlands, with gentle hills and varied vegetation. Trails often wind through rich maple forests and along the tranquil shores of the Choinière Reservoir. Most trails have minimal elevation gain, making them accessible for various fitness levels, including families with children.
Are there any easy, shorter loop trails suitable for families with young children?
Yes, there are several easy options perfect for families. For a shorter, accessible loop, consider the View from Parc des Montagnards loop from Réserve naturelle du Canton-de-Shefford, which is just under 4 km. The park also mentions trails like La Rivière and Le Cerf, both around 2.5 km and easy to complete.
What are the best times of year to visit Parc National De La Yamaska for family hiking?
Parc National De La Yamaska is beautiful throughout the seasons. Spring offers vibrant new growth and birdwatching opportunities, while summer provides lush greenery and the chance to combine hiking with water activities on the Choinière Reservoir. Autumn is particularly stunning with the changing colors of the maple forests. Even winter offers snowshoeing and Nordic skiing on transformed trails.
What kind of wildlife can we expect to see while hiking with kids?
The park is a fantastic spot for wildlife observation. Keep an eye out for deer and beavers. The Choinière Reservoir is a concentrated area for aquatic birds, with over 240 species recorded in the park. You might also spot a variety of dragonflies near wetlands and riparian habitats. The Northern Dusky Salamander is the park's emblem, highlighting its unique species.
Are there any trails that offer scenic views of the Choinière Reservoir?
Absolutely! The Choinière Reservoir is a central feature of the park, and many trails offer panoramic views of this vast body of water. The park's gentle topography provides numerous scenic viewpoints, especially along trails that hug the shoreline.
Can we find longer, moderate family hikes in the park?
Yes, if your family is up for a longer adventure, there are several moderate trails. The Lake Boivin loop from Irving is a moderate 10 km route, offering a good challenge. Another option is the Yamaska Trail – Parc Boivin loop from Réservoir Lemieux, which is just over 9 km.
What do other hikers say about family-friendly trails in Parc National De La Yamaska?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Parc National De La Yamaska, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27 reviews. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the beautiful scenery, and the accessibility for families, especially around the Choinière Reservoir.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the family hiking routes?
While specific landmarks aren't detailed for every route, the main point of interest is the expansive Choinière Reservoir itself, offering beautiful water views and opportunities for birdwatching. The diverse maple forests and the overall natural beauty of the Appalachian lowlands also serve as key attractions throughout the park.
Is there parking available near the trailheads for family hikes?
Yes, Parc National De La Yamaska is well-equipped for visitors. Parking facilities are generally available at the main entrances and near popular trailheads, making it convenient for families to access the hiking routes. It's always a good idea to check the park's official website for specific parking locations and any potential fees.
What other activities can families enjoy in Parc National De La Yamaska besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the park offers a wide range of family-friendly activities. You can enjoy cycling on dedicated paths, various water sports on the Choinière Reservoir such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, and swimming. Camping facilities are also available for those wishing to extend their stay in nature.
Most popular routes in Parc National De La Yamaska
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