Nordic walking is a great way to enjoy winter with a minimum of equipment and it's fun for the whole family! All you need for winter walking is a good pair of hiking boots and appropriate clothing. Don't forget to arm yourself with crampons, depending on the conditions, and off you go for a successful day in the great outdoors!
Here are some suggestions for places where you can enjoy winter hiking without snowshoes. We've chosen locations in both urban and rural settings. The choice is yours!
IN NATURE
Sentier vers la chute-aux-rats | parc du Mont-Tremblant
Accessible to the whole family, this trail begins at the Pimbina Welcome Station in Saint-Donat. Simply follow the trail along Lac Lajoie to Chute-aux-Rats. A 10 km trail of guaranteed fun and beauty! Dogs on a leash allowed.
Sentiers d'interprétation of scirbi
This network of trails is located on the Berthier Islands in Berthierville. There are three nature trails with a total length of 9.7 km. The walk will allow you to observe several species of birds. There are footbridges, observation towers and information panels to enhance your walk. Accessible and family friendly, dogs are allowed on a leash. Open all year, from dawn to dusk.
Havre Familial-Centre de plein air | Sainte-Béatrix
Havre Familial is a holiday center. However, it's possible to go there for an outdoor day and you'll have access to a variety of activities in an exceptional natural setting. A number of well-developed trails are accessible on foot. There's even a Herbertism Trail where you can run through various obstacle courses in the forest. The Wisdom Trail (1.4 km) is ideal for young children. It runs along a stream and is guaranteed to keep the little ones entertained. A longer hike (5-8 km) to Lac Beaupré will satisfy the most adventurous.
Les parcs régionaux de la Matawinie
Lanaudière has several regional parks within easy reach. They offer breathtaking views and nature. In general, the most popular trails can be explored without snowshoes if they are well marked. Of course, you don't want to be out there in your boots the day after a storm! A variety of trails with varying degrees of difficulty offer a wide range of experiences.
Sentier des étangs | Saint-Donat
In the heart of the village of Saint-Donat, take a 2 km nature walk along the pond trail. A bird-friendly environment, your walk will be accompanied by the songs of some 184 species of birds. Bonus: breathtaking views of Monts La Réserve and Garceau. Dogs on a leash are welcome.
In town
Parc de l'Île-Lebel | Repentigny
An enchanting spot in the heart of Repentigny, the Parc de L'Île-Lebel offers a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River. The almost 3 km of trails are partly wooded and partly along the water's edge. You'll enjoy bird watching and views of the South Shore and neighboring islands. A change of scenery is guaranteed! Take advantage of other on-site activities such as ice skating and sledding. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Sentier champêtre | notre-dame-des-prairies
Summer and winter alike, this 3.6 km wooded trail is accessible to the whole family. You can bike, hike and cross-country ski in an enchanting setting.
Parc riverain Base-de-roc | Joliette
It's a beautiful place along the banks of the Rivière L'Assomption. Many species of birds can be found here and you'll be able to observe them as you stroll along. A footbridge has been built on the ruins of an old hydroelectric dam. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Parc du Grand-Coteau – Piste et sentiers Émilie-Mondor | Mascouche
The Émilie-Mondor trails are open all year round, with 23 km of hiking trails and 19 km of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails! The trails are in the forest and you can hear the birds singing as you walk. The trailhead is located near the small pavilion in the Parc du Grand-Coteau. Dogs are welcome on the Émilie-Mondor trails in Parc du Grand-Coteau.
Les sentiers de la Presqu'ile | Repentigny
You'll find a preserved forest in the heart of Repentigny! The Presqu'Île trails are easily accessible and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Parc Louis-Querbes | Joliette
For a shorter walk, Parc Louis-Querbes is the place to be. A 1 km trail takes you along the Rivière L'Assomption and through a small forest. Watch out for a few white-tailed deer. Located behind the cathedral of Joliette, the park also has a recreational vocation, with play modules for children.
