In summer, the asphalt boils off the soles of our gougounes and Samba shoes (horror!) in Montreal, and in some streets you feel as if you’re underwater, so much so that the humidex is in the carpet… It’s part of the city’s charm, and we’re not complaining, but sometimes we need a breath of fresh air.
To cool off, if you don’t have air conditioning or a complex fan system designed by a boy-girl-friend who went to ÉTS, there are a few solutions. First, parks (with mosquitoes, nobody’s perfect). Secondly, water games (but going without a child is only half the fun).
And finally, there’s the option of open windows in the car on the expressway, a walk in the woods and a dip in chlorine- and additive-free water straight from the earth. Crystal-clear (or not), with aquashoes if you grew up in the city, and for the bravest we jump in all at once (heroic).
Less than a 2-hour drive from Montreal, we’ve got 4 hikes and swims to recommend to get out of the island’s sweltering summer heat…
1. the Parc d’Environnement Naturel de Sutton
About an hour and a half’s drive from Montreal, the Parc d’Environnement Naturel de Sutton (PENS) is a real hidden gem for nature lovers: hiking trails along the river, natural pools and small waterfalls.
Swimming in the “Chaudières des Sorcières“, a series of natural pools carved out of the rock by the river, is one of the park’s highlights.
Where? 800 Chemin Réal, Sutton
Website? PENS
2 – Rawdon’s Dorwin Falls
An hour’s drive north of Montreal, Rawdon’s Dorwin Falls is a wilderness oasis that smells of pine needles and sun-warmed ferns.
Swimming directly beneath the falls is forbidden for safety reasons, but you can cool off in the less turbulent areas of the river.
Where? 3102 1ère Avenue, route 337, Rawdon
Website? Dorwin Falls of Rawdo
3 Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook
The Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, located in the Eastern Townships, is another excellent hiking destination.
Best known for its impressive suspension bridge, the park also offers several hiking trails along the Coaticook River.
The park is a true haven of peace, where the murmur of water and birdsong accompany you all the way. You can’t go swimming, but you can put your hands in the icy water… and even try your hand at fishing!
Where? 400 rue Saint-Marc, Coaticook
Website? Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook
4 – Parc des Chutes Sainte-Ursule
Approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Montreal, the Parc des Chutes de Sainte-Ursule is another natural beauty built around beautiful waterfalls.
The park offers trails that take you deep into the forest, with spectacular views of the 70-metre falls. Swimming is permitted in some of the park’s quieter areas (but don’t jump straight into the falls, even if you’re very, very hot)!
Where? 2575 rang des Chutes Sainte-Ursule
Website? Parc des Chutes Sainte-Ursule
Enjoy your swim!