Best places to run in Québec

Montréal and surroundings

Montréal is a true paradise for runners, offering a variety of spots suited to every level and every preference. Among the most iconic places, Mont-Royal stands out with its 9 km of trails and roughly 230 metres of elevation gain. The mountain is an excellent choice if you want to combine a physical workout with immersion in nature. Open year-round, it offers panoramic views of the city and varied routes that suit novices and experienced runners alike.

The Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal is another favourite destination for Montréal runners. Its 14 km paved path is perfectly flat, making it an excellent choice for long runs or interval workouts. All along the canal, you can enjoy a peaceful urban landscape dotted with green parks and views of the water. It's ideal for runners who prefer pavement to trails. On weekends, the canal becomes a lively artery with cyclists and walkers, adding a social dimension to your run.

Parc Jean-Drapeau

Parc Jean-Drapeau, located on Île Sainte-Hélène, offers a unique setting with its many trails and festive atmosphere, especially in summer. The park is also a favourite venue for sporting events and organized races, such as the Marathon de Montréal. In winter, the trails are well maintained, so you can keep up your training despite the snow. The routes lit up in the evening offer a magical running experience under the city lights.

• Mont-Royal: ideal for urban trail running with good elevation gain, offering panoramic views of Montréal.
• Lachine Canal: perfect for long runs on flat terrain, with urban scenery and green spaces.
• Parc Jean-Drapeau: offers a unique atmosphere with well-maintained trails and regular sporting events.

Québec city and surroundings

Québec City is a place where history and nature meet, offering exceptional places to run. The Plains of Abraham, for example, stretch over 98 hectares and offer a breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River. These vast green spaces are perfect for relaxing runs or more intense workouts. The trails are well maintained and suited to all levels, and the sporting events held on the Plains draw runners from all over.

Jacques-Cartier National Park

Jacques-Cartier National Park is another gem for trail running enthusiasts. With technical trails and elevation gain of up to 670 metres, it offers a challenge for runners in search of adventure. The scenery is breathtaking, with dense forests and crystal-clear rivers. Trails like the Sentier des Loups offer spectacular viewpoints, especially during fall colour season.

Vieux-Québec

If you prefer running in an urban setting, Vieux-Québec offers a unique historic backdrop. The cobblestone streets and old buildings add a cultural dimension to your runs. Although the terrain can be a little uneven, the atmosphere is unmatched. Early-morning runs in Vieux-Québec let you discover the city before the tourists arrive, offering an almost intimate experience with history.

• Plains of Abraham: vast green space with a view of the river, perfect for relaxing runs.
• Jacques-Cartier National Park: ideal for technical trails with significant elevation gain.
• Vieux-Québec: for a run in the heart of history with cobblestone streets and old buildings.

Laurentides

The Laurentides are a top region for nature lovers and outdoor runners. The P'tit Train du Nord is a 234 km cycling and running trail that stretches from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier. This long route is ideal for long runs or endurance training, with varied scenery ranging from forests to picturesque little villages. The inns and refuelling stops along the route make it a practical option for multi-day runs.

Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant is another must-visit destination in the Laurentides. The resort is known for its renowned trail running routes, which attract runners of all levels. Mont-Tremblant National Park offers varied routes, from technical mountain trails to more accessible paths along the lakes. Organized races in the area, like the Demi-Marathon de Mont-Tremblant, add a competitive touch to your training.

Sainte-Adèle and Saint-Sauveur

If you're looking for extra challenges, the trails around Sainte-Adèle and Saint-Sauveur offer rugged terrain with superb views. These routes are perfect for runners who want to build endurance while enjoying spectacular scenery. Trails such as the Corridor Aérobique offer interesting elevation gain and stretches through dense forest.

• P'tit Train du Nord: excellent for long distances, with varied scenery and refuelling stops.
• Mont-Tremblant: offers trails for all levels, with regular competitions.
• Sainte-Adèle and Saint-Sauveur: for more technical, rugged routes with spectacular views.

Charlevoix

The Charlevoix region is a paradise for runners seeking grand landscapes and athletic challenges. The Harricana trails, home to the Ultra-Trail Harricana races, offer exceptional terrain for trail running. With varied routes and significant elevation gain, these trails are perfect if you're looking to test your limits. The races held here attract elite athletes, turning the region into a true trail running hub.

Grands-Jardins National Park

Grands-Jardins National Park is another top destination. With its mountainous landscapes and diverse wildlife, it offers trails that will delight nature and running lovers. Runners can expect technical terrain with steep climbs and demanding descents. Summits like Mont du Lac des Cygnes offer incredible panoramas, especially at sunrise.

Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park

For a quieter experience, Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park offers trails along the river, with spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs. It's an ideal place for a run in nature, far from the urban hustle. Trails like the Acropole des Draveurs are famous for their beauty and physical challenge, drawing runners from everywhere.

• Harricana trails: perfect for runners seeking a challenge, with varied routes and international competitions.
• Grands-Jardins National Park: offers mountainous landscapes and diverse wildlife, with summits offering incredible panoramas.
• Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park: for quieter runs with spectacular views of the cliffs.

Estrie / Eastern Townships

Estrie, or the Eastern Townships, is a region rich in scenic trails, ideal for runners looking to combine sport and nature. Mont-Orford National Park offers varied trails suited to runners of all levels. The scenery is magnificent, with views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Races held in the park, like the Défi Xtrail, offer a chance to test yourself against other runners in a beautiful setting.

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is another popular option. Known for its suspension bridge and spectacular scenery, it offers trails that wind through forests and along rivers. It's an excellent spot for a memorable run. The trails are well marked and offer varied elevation gain, suited to different skill levels.

Sherbrooke

If you prefer a more urban setting, the city of Sherbrooke offers several parks and bike paths that let you run while exploring the city. The shores of Lac des Nations, for example, offer a pleasant route that's accessible to everyone. Sporting events held in the city, like the Marathon de Sherbrooke, add a competitive dimension for interested runners.

• Mont-Orford National Park: ideal for runs with mountain and lake scenery, with regular competitions.
• Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook: offers spectacular trails with a suspension bridge and varied elevation gain.
• Sherbrooke: offers urban routes along the shores of Lac des Nations with regular sporting events.

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean is a region that wins you over with its vast natural expanses and endless possibilities for outdoor running. Monts-Valin National Park is a must for trail running enthusiasts. With its snow-capped summits and technical trails, it offers a unique experience for seasoned runners. Trails like Pic Dubuc are known for their difficulty and beauty, offering a real challenge even for experienced runners.

Pointe-Taillon National Park

Pointe-Taillon National Park, located on the shores of Lac Saint-Jean, offers flatter, more accessible trails. It's an ideal place for long, peaceful runs, with breathtaking views of the lake and abundant wildlife to observe along the way. The park's beaches offer perfect rest stops to relax after a long run.

Saguenay

For a more urban experience, the city of Saguenay offers well-maintained bike paths and parks, perfect for a run in town. The banks of the Saguenay River are particularly pleasant, with trails that let you enjoy natural beauty while staying close to amenities. Organized sporting events, like the Marathon du Fjord, add a competitive dimension to running in the city.

• Monts-Valin National Park: for seasoned runners looking for technical trails with snow-capped summits.
• Pointe-Taillon National Park: ideal for more peaceful runs with a view of the lake and beaches to rest on.
• Saguenay: offers urban routes along the Saguenay River with regular sporting events.

Other regions (Mauricie, Gaspésie, Bas-Saint-Laurent)

Mauricie is a region rich in natural landscapes, ideal for runners. La Mauricie National Park is a favourite spot with its many hiking and running trails. The routes are varied, ranging from flat trails to more rugged mountain paths. Organized races like the Marathon des Érables attract participants from across the province.

Gaspésie

In Gaspésie, Gaspésie National Park is a must for trail running enthusiasts. With its imposing mountains and dense forests, it offers challenges for experienced runners. The scenery is breathtaking, with views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. Trails like Mont Jacques-Cartier are famous for their difficulty and beauty.

Bas-Saint-Laurent

Bas-Saint-Laurent also offers interesting places to run. Bic National Park, for example, offers coastal trails with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. It's an ideal place for a run in nature, far from the hustle of big cities. The coastal trails let you discover the local wildlife, including the seals that often bask on the rocks.

• La Mauricie National Park: for varied routes in the heart of nature with regular competitions.
• Gaspésie National Park: offers challenges with imposing mountains and trails famous for their difficulty.
• Bic National Park: ideal for coastal runs with a view of the river and local wildlife watching.