Easy hikes with kids: 10 trails near Montreal and Quebec City
A successful first hike with kids means a short trail, a reward at the end (a waterfall, a lake, a lookout) and snack breaks. Here are ten easy trails, from Laval to Quebec City, perfect for building a love of the outdoors.
In short: in Laval, Bois de l'Équerre and its 13 km of trails; on the South Shore, the 1.5 km Petit-Duc trail on Mont Saint-Bruno; near Quebec City, Montmorency Falls, where the cable car saves little ones the stairs.
Greater Montreal
1. Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park
A wooded mountain dotted with lakes. The 1.5 km Petit-Duc trail is perfect for a first hike.
- 330 Rang des Vingt-Cinq Est, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
- Free for ages 17 and under
- See the listing
2. Bois de l'Équerre
Nearly 13 km of forest trails, including 1.65 km accessible to people with reduced mobility (and strollers). Geocaching and kids' activities.
- 49 Rang de l'Équerre, Laval
- See the listing
3. Bois de la Source
A maple grove over 80 years old, streams and about 5 km of trails. More than 67 bird species have been spotted here: bring binoculars.
- 705 18e Avenue, Laval
- See the listing
4. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
Completely flat trails across the islands, where you can spot white-tailed deer.
- 55 Île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville
- See the listing
5. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
Forest and lakeside trails, and an ecological farm to end the walk.
- 20099 Gouin Boulevard West (Pierrefonds), Montreal
- See the listing
With a waterfall at the end
6. Rivière-du-Nord Regional Park
Riverside trails lead to Wilson Falls and the ruins of an old pulp mill.
- 750 Chemin de la Rivière-du-Nord, Saint-Jérôme
- Free for ages 0 to 5
- See the listing
7. Parc des Chutes-Dorwin
Interpretive trails to an impressive waterfall, with lookouts, an observation tower and a playground.
- 3102 1re Avenue, Rawdon
- See the listing
Quebec City area
8. Montmorency Falls Park
A waterfall taller than Niagara. Ride the cable car, cross the suspension bridge, and older kids can take the panoramic staircase.
- 5300 Sainte-Anne Boulevard, Quebec City
- See the listing
9. Jacques-Cartier National Park
Over 100 km of trails in a spectacular valley, 30 minutes from Quebec City: ask at the welcome centre for the shortest ones.
- 103 Chemin du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
- See the listing
In the Outaouais
10. Gatineau Park
The Chelsea visitor centre helps you pick a trail suited to your kids' ages.
- 33 Chemin Scott, Chelsea
- See the listing
Our tips
- Pick a trail shorter than you think, and bring the baby carrier for the way back.
- Snacks, water, bug spray and one more layer than you think you'll need.
- Turn the walk into a game: treasure hunt, pine cones to collect, birds to count.
- National park access is bought online: pay before you leave.
Frequently asked questions
Where can we go for an easy hike with kids near Montreal?
Mont Saint-Bruno (the 1.5 km Petit-Duc trail), Bois de l'Équerre in Laval or Îles-de-Boucherville.
Which hike should we do with kids near Quebec City?
Montmorency Falls, with its cable car and suspension bridge, or a short trail in Jacques-Cartier National Park.
Are there stroller-friendly trails?
Yes, at Bois de l'Équerre in Laval, a 1.65 km section is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Trail conditions may change: confirm with each place before you go.
