Field guide
Montreal running routes: Mount Royal, Lachine Canal, and more
Find practical information on running routes in Montreal. This guide covers trail running in Mount Royal Park and paved paths at Lachine Canal.
Montreal offers several locations for running and walking. These include a large park with trails, a long canal path, and a city park with shorter routes.
Mount Royal Park provides trail running opportunities. The Lachine Canal offers a 13.5-kilometre path suitable for long, uninterrupted runs. La Fontaine Park has shorter routes for running and biking.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Royal Park | 8.3 km; 3 km | 6:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) daily. | Not listed |
| Lachine Canal | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| La Fontaine Park | 2.2 km; 3 km | Monday to Sunday, 6:00 am to 12:00 am | Not listed |
Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal Park has an 8.3 km walking trail, Chemin Olmsted, suitable for runs or long walks. Runners must stay on dedicated trails to protect the park's natural habitats. The park also offers a 3 km snowshoe trail in winter.
The park is open from 6:00 am to midnight daily. It has accessible washrooms, drinking fountains, and food services at two pavilions. There are five paid parking lots, with most closing at midnight.
- Park description
- Montréal’s green treasure, renowned for its vast natural areas, spectacular views and significant heritage value.
- Park address
- 2000 Chemin Remembrance, Montréal, QC H3H 1A2
- Chemin Olmsted walking trail length
- 8.3 km
- Snowshoe trail length
- 3 km
- Park opening hours
- 6:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) daily.
- Number of parking lots
- 5 paid parking lots.
- Lac-aux-Castors parking hours
- 6 a.m. to midnight.
- Maison Smith parking hours
- 6 a.m. to midnight.
Source: Parc du Mont-Royal (montreal.ca). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Mount Royal Park hike and run: a practical guide
Lachine Canal
The Lachine Canal National Historic Site features a 13.5-kilometre path running from the Old Port to Lake Saint-Louis. This path is used for hiking, cycling, and in line skating, so runners should be aware of sharing the space. Dog walking is also permitted.
- Type of place
- National Historic Site
- General location
- in the southwest of Montreal
- Administrative address
- 105 McGill Street, 6th Floor, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E7
- Path length
- 13.5-kilometre
- Dog walking allowed
- Yes
- Bikes allowed
- Yes
- Path endpoints
- Old Port and Lake Saint-Louis
- Allowed activities
- Boat tour, Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Dog walking, Fishing, Hiking, In line skating, Interpretive trail, Kayaking, Mooring, Photography, Picnicking, Bird watching
Sources: Lachine Canal National Historic Site (parks.canada.ca), Activities and experiences (parks.canada.ca). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
La Fontaine Park
La Fontaine Park is a location for hiking and biking in the summer. In winter, it offers cross-country ski trails of 2.2 km and 3 km. The park is open from 6:00 am to midnight.
The park has drinking fountains, and portable toilets are installed from May to October. All dogs must be kept on a leash. Parking is available, including accessible and reserved spots.
- Park type
- A great place for hiking and biking in the summer and for skating and sledding in the winter
- Park address
- 3819 Avenue Calixa-Lavallée, Montreal, QC H2L 3A7
- Welcome centre address
- 3933 Avenue du Parc-La Fontaine, Montréal, QC H2L 0C7
- Cross-country ski trail (classic style)
- 2.2 km
- Cross-country ski trail (classic style)
- 3 km
- Park regular hours
- Monday to Sunday, 6:00 am to 12:00 am
- Accessible parking
- Available
- Reserved parking
- Available (permit required)
Sources: Parc La Fontaine welcome centre (montreal.ca), Parc La Fontaine (montreal.ca). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Before you go
- Check park hours before an early morning or late evening run. Mount Royal and La Fontaine parks are open from 6:00 am to midnight.
- Be prepared to share paths with cyclists, in line skaters, and people walking dogs, especially along the Lachine Canal.
- Drinking fountains are available at Mount Royal Park and La Fontaine Park.
- Paid parking is available at Mount Royal Park, with varying closing times for different lots.
- If you are running with a dog, keep it on a leash at La Fontaine Park to avoid fines.
- At Mount Royal Park, always remain on the dedicated trails.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.