Montrealers are lucky, because the city is literally overrun with nature (have you seen the green alleyways lately?) and because in autumn, Mount Royal can be seen from almost anywhere, turning from green to red..
But to see the colors – the real colors – we recommend getting out of Montreal and into the forests of the Montreal region for a weekend stroll …
We have 5 forests to visit that are accessible by public transport (or a very short drive from downtown):
1.Île Saint-Bernard – Refuge Faunique Marguerite d’Youville
The Refuge Faunique de l’Île Saint-Bernard is very close to downtown Montreal, but the paths suspended above the marshes give the impression of a walk in a parallel world. The trees, mainly maples and oaks, rain down their red leaves.
The serene atmosphere – it’s a sanctuary for local wildlife – makes this forest a must for autumn nature lovers. Download the trail map here!
How far is it from Montreal? 30-40 minutes by car, 1h30-45 by public transit (take the green line to Angrignon metro, then bus 31 to Centre Régional de Châteaugay and bus 25 to Edmour/Vinet Ouest).
Where? 480 Boulevard d’Youville, Châteaugay
When? Pavillon de l’Île is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Café de l’Île is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much? daily trail access: $9 for adults, $6.7 for children (available only at the Pavillon de l’Île)
Dogs allowed? no
2. Morgan Arboretum
The Morgan Arboretum, a forestry education center belonging to McGill University, is a forest preserved and cherished by trees’ best friends: scientists.
In addition to enjoying the forest, you can also learn more about trees and the Quebec forest.
For a map of the trails, click here!How far is it from Montreal? 40-50 minutes from downtown Montreal by car, 1h30-1h45 by public transit (line 11 of the exo train or by bus to Gare Sainte-Anne de Bellevue).
Where? Pines Cottage, 150 chemin des Pins, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
When? The Arboretum is open every day of the year except Christmas and New Year’s Day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the ticket booth is open until 4 p.m.).
How much? Daily admission: $9 for adults, $6 for children
Dogs allowed? no
3 Mont-Saint-Bruno National Park – Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve
The Boisé-Tailhandier Nature Reserve is located on the eastern slopes of Mont-Saint-Bruno – one of the most beautiful national parks in the country – and is a treasure trove of ecological conservation and trees that, left to their own devices, are thousands of years old and incredibly impressive.
How far is it from Montreal? 30 minutes from downtown Montreal by car, 1h45-2h by public transport (with the exo 13 train to Gare-Basile-le-Grand).
Where? Tailhandier, St-Bruno-de-Montarville (Réserve Naturelle du Boisé-Tailhandier)
When? Accessible at all times
How much? Part of the nature reserve encroaches on the Parc National du Mont St-Bruno, and the recommendation from hikers seems to be to take your daily access to the Park to be able to explore the reserve and the park. Access is $10.10 for adults and free for children – the ticket office is here!
Dogs allowed? yes
4.de l’Équerre wood
The Bois de l’Équerre is one of Montrealers’ favorite forests for going for a long walk with the dogs and playing in the fallen leaves with the kids.
The terrain is soft, the golden leaves rain down, and when the weather’s fine, it’s the perfect break from a long autumn day.
How far is it from Montreal? 40 minutes by car from downtown, 1h20-1h30 by public transit (orange line to Montmorency and bus 65 to Des Oiseaux/de l’Équette).
Where? 49 Rang de l’Équerre, Laval (parking: 4204, Boulevard Industriel, Laval)
When? Open every day of the year
Summer (April 15 to September 30): 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Winter (October1 to April 14): 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
How much? Free access (and free parking)
Dogs allowed? yes
5.pointe-aux-prairies nature park
The Parc-Nature has trails for all seasons and all walks, with 261 hectares of forest where you can see white-tailed deer and lots of birds…
How far is it from Montreal? 40-45 minutes by car from downtown and 2 hours by public transit (take the green line to Radisson, then bus 449 to Perras/No. 10955 and bus 183 to Gouin/No. 12050).
Where? 14905 Sherbrooke Street East, Montreal (Chalet de l’Héritage)
When? Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
How much? Free access (paid parking)
Dogs allowed? yes
Enjoy the ride!