The first warm winds of spring transform Quebec landscapes, the earth warms up, the first blades of grass grow and an outdoor getaway becomes a celebration of nature awakening.
We love strolling around Montreal in ballet flats and slender ankle boots (which we’ll strap against the gravel that remains in the city streets), but we’re itching to put on our worst sneakers and sink them into the mud of the first spring hikes.
And to satisfy that urge, less than two hours from Montreal, there’s King Mountain. Not only do we wake up our bodies, but we end the hike with a picnic overlooking a heart-shaped lake.
Spring is better in the country
Mont King is in Val-David, and is a relatively easy 8.24-kilometre hike.
It’s a bit long, but well worth it! It takes about two to two and a half hours to complete the loop, but every step brings you closer to the view! And, in the meantime, we can spot in the first buds and shoots some of the flowers that are in our Guide des Premières Floraisons.
At the summit, at an altitude of 473 metres, we’re rewarded with a striking panorama of the surrounding soft-green forests, and a heart-shaped lake fed by Lac Amigo. A real postcard!
Practical info
How do I get there? By car, it’s just under a two-hour drive from Montreal.
You can also get there by bus for less than $45 in all, taking a bus from Montreal to Val-David and a cab (a 5-minute ride) to Mont King.
How much? $12.50 per adult and free for children. And you need to book in advance, at least 24 hours before you arrive.
And for those who prefer to stroll in the countryside, but in town, we’ve planned a road-trip to this village…