Montreal Snowshoeing Season: December to March
The practice of snowshoeing is ancient, with a 6,000-year-old history of facilitating tribal movement through snowed-in woods. But yesteryear's necessity is today's sport. And as with nearly every other winter sport in the city, Montreal's snowshoeing -- or raquette -- season is, for obvious reasons, contingent on the presence of snow. Always make sure to check conditions before heading out to your trail of choice, either online or by calling the parks below. Click on the park name for contact information and public transit directions.
The practice of snowshoeing is ancient, with a 6,000-year-old history of facilitating tribal movement through snowed-in woods. But yesteryear's necessity is today's sport. And as with nearly every other winter sport in the city, Montreal's snowshoeing -- or raquette -- season is, for obvious reasons, contingent on the presence of snow. Always make sure to check conditions before heading out to your trail of choice, either online or by calling the parks below. Click on the park name for contact information and public transit directions.
1. Parc du Mont Royal
Montreal's best known park is a winter wonderland with trails suitable for all ages. Centrally located; easy to get to with public transit.Trails: 3 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: $8.50 for one hour, $14 for three hours
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
2. Parc-nature Cap St. Jacques
Montreal's largest park offers a great view of the park's major attractions and easy access to its animal farm, a family favorite.Trails: 5.5 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: $6 for one hour, $9 for two hours, $11 for three hours, $18 for the day; ages 55 and up $5 for one hour, $7 for two hours, $9 for three hours, $15 for the day; kids ages 12 and under $4 for one hour, $6 for two hours, $7 for three hours, $10 for the day
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
3. Parc-nature Bois de l'Île Bizard
Possibly the eeriest and most enchanting of Montreal's large parks, it's unfortunately also the most difficult one to reach by public transit.Trails: 10 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: $6 for one hour, $9 for two hours, $11 for three hours, $18 for the day; ages 55 and up $5 for one hour, $7 for two hours, $9 for three hours, $15 for the day; kids ages 12 and under $4 for one hour, $6 for two hours, $7 for three hours, $10 for the day
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
4. Parc-nature Bois-de-Liesse
A beautiful nature park in northwest Montreal, Parc-nature Bois-de-Liesse offers trails with some of the most visually appealing woods scenery in Montreal. Both Pitfield and Des Champs reception chalets invite visitors to heat up by their fireplaces.Trails:4 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: $6 for one hour, $9 for two hours, $11 for three hours, $18 for the day; ages 55 and up $5 for one hour, $7 for two hours, $9 for three hours, $15 for the day; kids ages 12 and under $4 for one hour, $6 for two hours, $7 for three hours, $10 for the day
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
5. Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation
A riverside park on Montreal's north shore, Parc-nature de l'Île-de-la-Visitation offers the most extensive snowshoeing trail network in Montreal and is the only large nature park in Montreal where you can unwind at the end of the day with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, on site.Trails: 8 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: no
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
6. Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies
A borderline bird sanctuary, Parc-nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies is the most likely park in Montreal to spot deer.Snowshoe rentals: $6 for one hour, $11 for three hours; ages 55 and up $5 for one hour, $9 for three hours; kids ages 12 and under $4 for one hour, $7 for three hours
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
7. Parc Maisonneuve
A sizeable urban park adjacent to the Montreal Botanical Gardens and across the street from the Olympic Stadium and the Biodome.Trails: 5 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: no
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
8. St. Michel Environmental Complex
Sharing space with circus city La TOHU, the St. Michel Environmental Complex's complete transformation from landfill to 192 acres of park is slated for 2020. A large portion has already been turned into green space, used for a variety of team sports and family-friendly activities.Trails: 5 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: no
Bathrooms: yes
Food/vending machines: yes
9. Parc du Ruisseau-de Montigny
Characterized by a stream and waterfalls running through the park, Parc du Ruisseau-de Montigny is Montreal's newest addition to its network of large parks.Trails: 3 km of trails
Snowshoe rentals: no
Bathrooms: no
Food/vending machines: no
