Course Québec
Nestled in the heart of the Estrie region, between the Appalachian hills and the rivers that flow through it, Sherbrooke is a true runner’s city. Its rolling terrain, large urban parks, and proximity to nature make it a playground that has something to offer everyone—from beginners looking for a flat, safe loop to trail runners seeking elevation gain. Here, you never have to go far to find a great trail.
Whether you’re just passing through the “Queen of the Eastern Townships” or looking to mix up your usual routes, this guide highlights the best places to run in Sherbrooke and the surrounding area. For each location, you’ll find information on the distance, surface type, required fitness level, and atmosphere. And if you want to follow specific routes, check out our GPS routes and interactive map.
You can’t talk about trail running in Sherbrooke without starting with Mont-Bellevue Park. This vast natural area of over 200 hectares, right in the heart of the city, is the ultimate destination for trail runners. It features a network of dozens of kilometres of trails that climb, descend, and wind through the forest, offering superb views of Sherbrooke once you reach the summit.
It’s the ideal place to get started with urban trail running. In winter, part of the park serves as a ski and fatbike resort, so be sure to check which trails are reserved for running and snowshoeing to share the space safely with other users.
While Mont-Bellevue is the realm of trail running, the Lac des Nations promenade is the place for gentle, accessible road running. This loop around the lake, right in the heart of downtown, is undoubtedly Sherbrooke’s most popular route. Whether in the morning, at noon, or in the evening, you’ll encounter walkers, cyclists, and a crowd of runners of all skill levels.
The path is lit along much of its route, making it convenient for evening runs in the fall and winter. Since the route is almost flat and easy to measure, it’s also an excellent place to work on your pace over a known distance. Many runners do their interval training or recovery runs here.
Extending from Lac des Nations, the Magog River offers a riverside corridor several kilometres long, lined with multi-use trails. By connecting the lakeside promenade to the trails along the river, you can put together runs of 8, 10, or 12 km without ever running in circles. Jacques-Cartier Park, on the riverbank, beautifully complements this network with its green spaces and access to the water.
This area is perfect for a long run on the weekend—the kind where you want to rack up the kilometres without worrying about elevation changes or traffic. The scenery changes constantly, which helps pass the time on longer, more challenging routes.
For those who enjoy running in peace, surrounded by nature, the trails of the Marais Réal-D.-Carbonneau, in the Fleurimont borough, are well worth a visit. This protected wetland is crisscrossed by trails and wooden boardwalks that offer a unique experience, with opportunities to observe birds up close. It’s a peaceful place where you’re more likely to encounter ducks than cars.
Since this is a sensitive natural environment, please stay on the marked trails and maintain a pace that respects the surroundings and other users. It’s a great choice for a leisurely run on a day when you’re looking to unwind.
The main campus of the University of Sherbrooke, backing onto Mont-Bellevue Park, is surrounded by wooded areas and trails that are a delight for students and local residents alike. You can easily connect the campus grounds to the Mont-Bellevue trails to create varied routes, combining fast-paced sections with uphill climbs through the forest.
This is a great starting point if you live or study in the area: you step out your door and you’re already out in nature within a few minutes of running.
When the urge to get out into the great outdoors grows stronger, Mont-Orford National Park, about 30 minutes from Sherbrooke, offers exceptional trail running terrain. Its mountain trails wind through the forest up to summits that reveal breathtaking panoramic views of the Eastern Townships. It’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a more serious trail run.
Access to the national park requires an entrance fee. Be sure to bring water, a windbreaker, and good trail running shoes, as conditions change quickly at higher elevations. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic mountain trail running without leaving the region.
Start with flat, well-maintained surfaces like the Lac des Nations promenade or the Magog River trails. These marked routes let you track your progress without worrying about the terrain. Alternate between running and walking at first, and gradually increase your distance.
Connect the Lac des Nations loop to the Magog River trails and Jacques-Cartier Park to rack up the kilometres while enjoying ever-changing scenery. Bring water whenever your run lasts longer than an hour, especially on hot summer days in the Estrie region.
Sherbrooke gets its fair share of snow. Opt for removable crampons on the icy trails of Mont-Bellevue, and stick to snow-cleared, well-lit routes like Lac des Nations as the days grow shorter. Dress in layers, and don’t forget to protect your extremities in extreme cold.
Looking for some extra motivation? Check out the races in the Estrie region to set a goal and meet the local running community. There’s nothing like a race number on the horizon to turn your runs into a real training program.
From the lively Lac des Nations loop to the wild trails of Mont Orford, via the urban trail at Mont-Bellevue, Sherbrooke offers a variety of routes to suit every preference and skill level. The city proves that you can combine urban life with quick access to nature—a privilege enjoyed every day by its many runners. All you have to do is lace up your shoes and explore. To get off to a good start, check out the region’s detailed running routes and keep an eye on the Québec race calendar to find your next challenge.
Browse the full calendar of running races in Québec on CourseQuébec.
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