Things to do on the South Shore with kids: 10 outdoor outings
Montreal's South Shore isn't just shopping malls: within 45 minutes of downtown, you'll find islands, mountains, orchards and farms. Here are ten outdoor outings for every season.
In short: for a first hike, Mont Saint-Bruno; for biking and canoeing, Îles-de-Boucherville; for skating in a historic setting, the Chambly Canal; for animals, the alpacas and Parc Safari.
Parks and mountains
1. Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
An archipelago in the St. Lawrence, right across from Montreal: biking on flat trails, canoeing and pedal boats in the channels, and white-tailed deer to spot. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding in winter.
- 55 Île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville
- Free for ages 17 and under
- See the listing
2. Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park
A wooded mountain dotted with lakes, 30 minutes from Montreal. The 1.5 km Petit-Duc trail is perfect for a first hike with kids.
- 330 Rang des Vingt-Cinq Est, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
- Arrive early on weekends
- See the listing
3. Ski Saint-Bruno
The ski hill closest to Montreal, right next to the national park. Ideal for learning.
- 550 Rang des Vingt-Cinq Est, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
- Free parking
- See the listing
Skating in winter
4. Chambly Canal skating rink
A 400-metre rink on the historic canal, maintained and supervised by the town, depending on ice conditions.
- Between the Avenue de Bourgogne bridge and Lock 4, Chambly
- See the listing
5. Eric-Sharp Arena
Free public skating every week, from September to mid-April. A good option when outdoor ice isn't ready yet.
- 600 Avenue Oak, Saint-Lambert
- Free admission
- See the listing
Animals
6. Alpagas du Domaine Poissant
Walk an alpaca at your own pace on a wooded trail at the foot of Mont Saint-Hilaire. Book online, year-round.
- 1235 Chemin de la Montagne, Mont-Saint-Hilaire
- See the listing
7. Alpaga Pachi
An alpaca farm a few minutes from Montreal, with special events announced on its website.
- 5 Montée Fyfe, Saint-Constant
- See the listing
8. Parc Safari
The drive-through among the animals, then the walking tour: big-cat tunnels, the five-continents farm and a water park in summer.
- 242 Rang Roxham, Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle
- Open Wednesday to Sunday, year-round
- See the listing
Orchards and gardens
9. Les Vergers Petit et Fils
At the foot of Mont Saint-Hilaire, pick apples, pears and blueberries from mid-August to late October. The crêperie is open year-round.
- 1020 Chemin de la Montagne, Mont-Saint-Hilaire
- See the listing
10. Jardin Daniel A. Séguin
A large demonstration garden where you stroll among themed gardens, flowers and birds.
- 3211 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe
- Mid-June to late October
- See the listing
Our tips
- Chemin de la Montagne in Mont-Saint-Hilaire has both the Poissant alpacas and Vergers Petit et Fils: a lovely fall day.
- National park access is bought online: pay before you leave.
- Rainy day? See our South Shore rainy-day ideas.
Frequently asked questions
Where can we go for an easy hike with kids on the South Shore?
At Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park, on the 1.5 km Petit-Duc trail, or on the flat trails of Îles-de-Boucherville.
Where can we skate outdoors on the South Shore?
On the 400-metre Chambly Canal rink, when the ice allows.
Where can we see animals on the South Shore?
At Parc Safari, and at the alpaca farms in Mont-Saint-Hilaire and Saint-Constant.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices, hours and seasons may change: confirm with each place before you go.
