An affordable activity for families, solo nature enthusiasts or even couples looking for a dose of outdoor romance, Montreal forest treks have become somewhat of an annual tradition in the city's network of large parks.
Usually held in the evening, participants are guided by foot, by snowshoe or via cross-country skis through virgin snow and paths selected by a naturalist who shares insight on surrounding flora and fauna.* Some treks are complemented by après-ski with storytelling and/or live music and warm beverages. Just one caveat for out-of-town guests: some guided treks are in French only, so do make sure to inquire about language when making reservations if comprehension is a concern. For an idea of what a Montreal snow trek is like, read my review of the experience.
- Mount Royal Park Day Treks
Families are invited to join a tour guide to explore Mount Royal by snowshoe and find animal tracks and identify birds by their tweets. Kids must be 8 years old or older. Reservations required. Parking extra.
When: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., from March 2 to March 10, 2013
Cost: regular admission $15, $10 children
More INFO - Mount Royal Park Evening Treks
A best bet for tourists, catch some of the best views of Montreal atop Mount Royal by snow shoe. Admission includes snowshoe rentals and complementary hot chocolate. Must be age 12 or older to participate. Reservations required. Parking extra.
When: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., every Saturday from December 29, 2012 to March 9, 2013
Cost: $17 regular admission; $28 admission on December 29 edition (includes sparkling wine instead of hot chocolate) and $24 on February 16 edition (includes mulled wine and chocolate truffle instead of hot chocolate)
More INFO - Bois de l'Île Bizard Evening Forest Treks
Love love LOVE this park. It's eerie, it's creepy and it's gorgeous, the perfect setting for a winter's eve of snow shoe exploration, though the park is a bit out of the way. Admission includes forehead lamps, warm beverages and storytelling. Reservations required. Parking, snowshoe rentals and cross-country ski rentals extra.
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., January 26, 2013
Cost: $7 regular admission; $21 family rate (2 adults + 3 kids ages 6 to 17)
More INFO - Bois-de-Liesse Evening Forest Treks
Another natural beauty, cross-country skiers have been known to spot red foxes in the area. Bois-de-Liesse ends its treks with hot chocolate by its welcome lodges' fireplaces, often with live music and storytelling. Admission includes forehead lamps and warm beverages. Reservations required. Parking, snowshoe rentals and cross-country ski rentals extra.
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., January 12 and February 9, 2013
Cost: $7 regular admission; $21 family rate (2 adults + 3 kids ages 6 to 17)
More INFO
*Naturalists are available on select evenings only.
