Temperatures are dropping fast this December,and the snow is going to fall like in the Christmas movies during the holiday season.. It’s going to be cold, but that’s no big deal, because it means the ski season starts early this year!
But skiing is expensive. And in addition to equipment – including boots, skis and quarter-zip – and transportation, (cross-country) ski passes can be a real drain on the wallet.
Fortunately, we know of 6 free cross-country ski trails in the city and not far from Montreal…
1 Montreal’sLa Riveraine
For city dwellers, the La Riveraine cross-country ski trail is perfect – and accessible by metro.
The trail follows the St. Lawrence River through Verdun, LaSalle and Lachine. It’s 21.3 km long. The views are exceptional and the air is as fresh as in the mountains.
Where? Accessible from the riverbanks in Verdun, LaSalle and Lachine.
2 Montreal’s Mount Royal
From December 21, you can rent (not for free, unfortunately) cross-country skis and ski for free on the trails of Mont-Royal.
There are 22km of groomed trails with some of the best views in the city, and even a cross-country ski school for beginners.
Where? Mount Royal, Montreal (accessible by public transport)
3.la Lantiéroise des Laurentides
For lovers of forest trails, sporty cross-country skiing and cross-country climbing, we recommend the Lantier trails.
This little-known municipal network offers 14 km of trails classified as very difficult, with free departures from several access points.
Where: Main access point at Town Hall, 18 Trois Lacs Crescent, Lantier (2h drive from Montreal).
4 The Rawdon trails in Lanaudière
In the hills and forests of Rawdon and the surrounding area,you can cross-country ski, hike or Nordic trek for free, thanks to a group of winter enthusiasts who maintain the network.
Cross-country skiers can stroll along 13 kilometers of trails and enjoy the view.
Where? Main access point to the Rawdon Golf Club, 999 Lakeshore Drive, Rawdon (1h20 drive from Montreal).
5 – Pointe-aux-Prairies Nature Park in Montreal
The Parc nature de la Pointe-aux-Prairies is the best place to bring a Quebec wildlife lover or someone who’s had enough of the city.
As soon as there’s enough snow on the ground, the 12.4 km of cross-country ski trails will open and you’ll be able to stroll around – and maybe even see some white-tailed deer…
Where? 14905 Sherbrooke St. East, at the Chalet de l’Héritage, Montreal (accessible by public transport).
6 Le Boisé Est at Parc Frédéric-Back, Montreal
For those just starting cross-country skiing or looking for a breath of fresh air with the kids, we recommend the Boisé Est in Parc Frédéric-Back – which is just 1.5 km long.
With a view hidden from the city lights, it’s one of the Montreal parks with the best view of the sky.
Where? 2345 rue Jarry Est, Montreal (accessible by public transport).
As soon as there’s enough snow on the ground, we’ll see you on these free cross-country ski trails!