Parks and Play

A natural park with rocky cliffs and views over the Laurentians, rising to about 485 m, one of the highest summits in the region, with a playground, picnic areas, a lookout tower over a wetland and a dog run. Hiking trails are open daily from 6 a.m. until dusk, and in winter there are snowshoe trails, groomed walking paths and a small sliding hill. Access to the hiking and snowshoe trails and the parking lots is free (equipment rentals are paid; the Les Ruisseaux trail is closed for now).

A green riverside park along the Saint-Charles River in Limoilou, managed by Parks Canada at the spot where Jacques Cartier wintered in 1535 to 1536. It is a pleasant place for a stroll or a picnic, with a bike path passing nearby. The grounds are open year round and Parks Canada lists daily visitor entry as free (the interpretation centre opens in summer only).

A 99 hectare mature forest of maples, walnuts and conifers on an old marine terrace, with 6 km of hiking trails, several along the Rivière du Berger, and about 140 bird species recorded. There is a playground with a natural slide, picnic spots and groomed trails for winter walking (no cycling). Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; access is free at all times.

A nearly 30 hectare park on the eastern part of the former Québec zoo, with gardens, winding paths, ponds, a wooded area along the Rivière du Berger and the remains of old mills. There is a playground and picnic spots, and in winter the wooded trails are groomed for walking and snowshoeing. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from November to March and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. from April to October; access and parking are free at all times.

One of the city's largest green spaces (146 hectares), a mostly deciduous forest cut through by the Saint-Charles River, with a playground, skate area, picnic spots, fishing and a roller and bike trail. In winter you can walk the groomed trails, cross country ski on 8 km of trails and snowshoe. Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; park access and parking are free at all times (only the separate Arbraska treetop course is paid).

A 27 hectare historic estate in Limoilou with trails through wild and landscaped areas and an arboretum of about 15,000 trees, shrubs and perennials. There is a playground, picnic spots and nature watching in summer, and groomed cross country ski trails (11 km), snowshoe trails and a skating trail in winter. Open year round from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; access and parking are free (only equipment rentals cost extra).

One of the great urban parks of the world, set on the cliffs above the St. Lawrence where the 1759 battle took place, with huge lawns, wooded paths, gardens, monuments and cannons. It is a lovely place to walk, picnic and relax right next to Old Québec. The park is open year round and free to enter; in winter the trails, sliding area and rink are also free (only equipment rentals cost extra).

A large open festival park beside the Canadian War Museum and the Ottawa River, with stunning views of Parliament and great sunsets over the water. It connects to downtown Ottawa and Gatineau by bike paths, including the Ottawa River Pathway, and is next to O-Train Pimisi Station. Free to enjoy year round; parking nearby is paid, so transit or biking is the easy free option.

A small riverside park along Kichi Zībī Mīkan, about four kilometres west of Parliament Hill, with picnic areas, rapids on the Ottawa River and beautiful sunsets. Washrooms are open year round, and in winter the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail passes through for walkers, skiers and snowshoers. The park is free to visit; parking has a two hour limit.

A huge collection of trees and shrubs on rolling lawns between Prince of Wales Drive and the Rideau Canal, part of the Central Experimental Farm, a working farm right in the city. Next door, the Ornamental Gardens are full of lilacs, roses and perennial beds in season. Admission is free and the grounds are open every day, year round.

A group of islands on the Ottawa River in Orléans with sandy beaches, a play structure, picnic tables and natural shoreline that is lovely to explore. In summer there are lifeguards and a canteen, and beach wheelchairs can be borrowed for free. The park is free to visit; parking is paid in summer (7 am to 6 pm), so consider cycling in or visiting off season.

A large nature park in Gatineau's Hull sector with a playground, picnic areas, volleyball courts and a network of paths for walking and biking, plus a beach in summer. The Voyageurs Pathway leads from here to the Màwandòseg Bridge and its lookout. The park is free and open year round, and its paths are used for skiing and snowshoeing in winter; parking is paid during the swimming season.