The best reward of a hike? THE VIEW! When you reach the top of a mountain, it's so satisfying to look out over the landscape and breathe in the fresh air. But it doesn't have to be a multi-hour hike with intense climbs to achieve this.
In Lanaudière, many viewpoints are easily accessible in less than an hour. Perfect trails for the whole family! Here are our six suggestions for effortless hikes to spectacular vistas.
1. Mont-Sourire
The Mont-Sourire hike is well known in Saint-Donat. A one-kilometre hike takes you to a superb viewpoint of the local mountains. It's an ideal hike for families, as children will have easy access to the summit. What's more, dogs are allowed on the trail, so it really is the perfect family hike! From the summit, you can see the municipality's ski resorts in the distance, as well as Lac Ouareau, Mont Ouareau and Montagne Noire.
2. Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-dalles
The Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles waterfalls are accessible via three gateways: Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Sainte-Mélanie and Sainte-Béatrix. They're a popular place to soak your feet in summer, and what can I say about the incredible views in autumn? Dogs are allowed, to the delight of canine friends! A dozen kilometers of hiking are possible, following the breathtaking view of the Rivière L'Assomption, which runs for 5 km through the park. Three bridges allow you to cross the river and enjoy a unique view of the waterfalls and cascades.
3. Chute-à-Bull
History and the great outdoors: that's what you can discover at Parc de la Chute-à-Bull in Saint-Côme. Over a six-kilometre stretch, you can reach a lookout point and even a historic covered bridge. Don't miss the opportunity to rest your feet in the water at the top of the 18-metre waterfall. The view is breathtaking! This park is ideal for the whole family and, once again, for dogs too! Shelters are available to extend your stay.
4. Belvédère de la Croix
The Belvédère de la Croix is one of the relatively easy-to-access trails in Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci's Forêt Ouareau regional park. It takes you quickly to a lookout point offering spectacular views over the village. We're talking here about a height difference of just 70 metres, so really recommended with children. Here too, our pets are welcome to climb the summit with us.
5. L’Envol TRAIL, Parc du Mont-Tremblant, secteur Pimbina
The Pimbina sector of Mont-Tremblant Park, located in Saint-Donat, offers a spectacular view of the valley from the lookout point of the Envol trail. Over a distance of 4 kilometers, you can cross a maple grove with yellow birch, typical of the region. This is also an interpretation trail, where you can learn more about this mountain forest.
6. Mont des Conscrits, Parc régional de la forêt Ouareau
In the Grande-Jetée sector of Chertsey, Mont des Conscrits is a must for Lanaudière hikers. At 3.5 km in length, this intermediate trail offers a breathtaking view, via 2 lookouts, of the valley and mountains surrounding the Ouareau River.
Need more challenge to get to the top? Check out the list of all trails in Lanaudière right here. Tons of kilometers to cover!
