Hiking
Saint-Donat
Mont-Sourire
Mont-Sourire offers a short hike leading to a lookout point with views of Lake Ouareau and the Saint-Donat mountains. The trail, rated as easy, is particularly suitable for families, beginner hikers, or those looking for a short outing that quickly offers panoramic views. For a longer hike, you can continue along the trail network toward the La Chouette shelter and other peaks in the area.
Distance: 2 km round trip
Difficulty: easy
Trail type: round trip
Elevation gain: approximately 80 m
Access: free
Dogs allowed
Chertsey and Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
Murmures Trail
The Sentier des Murmures connects the Pont-Suspendu and Grande-Jetée areas, following the Ouareau River for 5.5 km. With its gentle elevation gain, this hiking trail focuses more on distance and the natural character of the terrain than on climbing. The trail winds through a forest dotted with tall pine trees and follows a wilder stretch of the river. You can hike it one way or turn back for a round-trip hike of about 11 km.
Distance: 5.5 km one way / about 11 km round trip
Type: linear
Difficulty: easy
Elevation gain: 10 m
Dogs allowed
Sainte-Béatrix and Saint-Jean-de-Matha
Desjardins Trail
The Desjardins Trail is the main route through the Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles Regional Park. Stretching up to 5 km, it runs along the L’Assomption River and provides access to waterfalls, bridges, and several side trails. The terrain varies by section, with rougher sections near Sainte-Mélanie. It’s a great choice if you want to explore the park’s main sights while adjusting the length of your hike to suit your needs.
Distance: 4.9 km one way
Type: linear
Difficulty: beginner
Elevation gain: 126 m
Dogs allowed
Saint-Donat
L'Envol Trail | Mont-Tremblant National Park, Pimbina Sector
The L’Envol Trail offers a short mountain hike in the Pimbina-Saint-Donat sector of Mont-Tremblant National Park. After a steady climb through a maple and yellow birch forest, the trail leads to a lookout overlooking the Pimbina Valley, Lajoie and Provost Lakes, and the hills of Saint-Donat. Despite its short distance, the climb makes this an intermediate-level hike.
Distance: 4 km round trip
Difficulty: intermediate
Elevation gain: 266 m
Type: round trip
Dogs allowed from May 1 to October 31
Saint-Côme
De La Chute Trail
De La Chute Trail follows the Boule River through the forest of Chute-à-Bull Regional Park. Waterfalls and cascades dot this short hike leading to the impressive 18-meter-high waterfall, where stairs and viewing platforms allow you to observe the river from different angles. The trail is well-suited for a few-hour outing, especially with the family, while offering natural terrain that includes a few more challenging sections.
Distance: 2.5 km round trip
Type: round trip
Difficulty: easy to intermediate
Elevation gain: 80 m
Dogs allowed
Saint-Côme and Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
Des Contreforts Trail | Ouareau Forest Regional Park
The Contreforts Trail is a 27.3-km section of the National Trail that winds through mountainous terrain between Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci and Saint-Côme. Ridges, cliffs, lakes, and scenic overlooks follow one after another along this advanced-level trail. You don’t have to hike the entire trail to enjoy it. You can start at either end, hike a few kilometers depending on your time and energy level, and then retrace your steps.
Total distance: 27.3 km
Type: linear
Difficulty: advanced
Elevation gain: varies depending on the section hiked
Dogs allowed
Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
Mont Ouareau
Mont-Ouareau offers a fairly short intermediate hike, though the climb requires considerable effort. From Route 125, the National Trail ascends through the forest to the heights of the massif, where several overlooks offer views of Lake Ouareau, Lakes Bouillon and des Îles, and the Saint-Donat mountains. A short loop at the summit allows you to explore the various lookout points before heading back down the same trail.
Distance: 5.3 km
Type: round trip
Difficulty: intermediate
Elevation gain: 360 m
Dogs allowed
Saint-Donat
Cap de la Fée Trail
The Cap-de-la-Fée Trail forms a loop through the forest that combines streams, waterfalls, a shelter, and an ascent to a summit overlooking Saint-Donat. The first part of the trail leads to Lake Coutu and the Grand-Duc shelter before a steeper climb toward the cape. At the summit, the view opens up to Lake Archambault and the surrounding mountains. An intermediate hike well-suited for those seeking a varied route rather than a simple climb.
Distance: 7 km
Type: loop
Difficulty: intermediate
Elevation gain: 287 m
Dogs allowed
Admission: free
Saint-Zénon
Mont-Brassard Trail
The Mont Brassard loop offers a challenging hike through the landscapes of the Sept-Chutes Regional Park. The trail begins near the Noire River and the Voile de la Mariée before reaching Lake Guy, then the rocky ridges of Mont Brassard. Several overlooks offer views of Lake Rémi, the valley, and the hills of Saint-Zénon. With its rugged terrain, the trail is suitable for hikers ready to put in a good effort.
Distance: 5.7 km
Type: loop
Difficulty: intermediate
Elevation gain: 410 m
Dogs allowed
Saint-Donat
Montagne Noire Trail
The Montagne Noire Trail leads to a place steeped in history and one of Saint-Donat’s most spectacular panoramic views. Along the way, you’ll pass the site of the “Liberator Harry” crash, where remnants and interpretive signs commemorate the tragedy of 1943. The hike then continues to the summit, where an 11-meter-high observation deck offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. A challenging hike, but one rich in discoveries.
Distance: 12.6 km round trip
Type: round trip
Difficulty: difficult
Elevation gain: up to 600 m
Dogs allowed
The Lanaudière code of ethics
