Paseos y miradores

A 65 hectare forest in Châteauguay with 2 to 5 km of walking trails, plus 15 km of marked cross country ski trails, 4 km of snowshoe trails and a sledding hill in winter. The visitor chalet is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access is free at all times; dogs and bikes are not allowed.

A 4 km town run hiking trail through the Réserve naturelle du Piémont at the foot of Mont Saint-Hilaire, with entrances on rue Ozias-Leduc, rue des Plateaux, rue des Fées and chemin Rouillard. A washroom is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. near the rue des Plateaux entrance. No pets or bikes. This is a free town trail, separate from the paid Gault Nature Reserve.

A walking and snowshoe trail in Delson with rest areas and interpretation panels about nature and local history. Open year round; free.

A woodland and wetland trail with interpretation panels on local wildlife, plants and habitats, in the part of Boisé du Tremblay owned by Nature-Action Québec. The trail is free and open all year from sunrise to sunset; the main access is on chemin d'Alençon. Note that the city owned section is closed to the public, so stay on the marked trail.

A protected riverside nature park where the rivière aux Pins meets the St. Lawrence, with easy walking trails, a separate path for cyclists and great birdwatching (about 240 species recorded). The adjoining Arboretum Stephen-Langevin adds small marked trails through the woods, where deer and red foxes are often seen. Both are free and open every day from sunrise to sunset, all year. Dogs must stay leashed on the paved path.

A natural area in Candiac with wooden boardwalk trails through woods and wetland, nice for birdwatching and a quiet walk. Free, open year round. Dogs are not allowed.

A riverside walking trail along the Rivière de la Tortue in Candiac, with public docks along the water. A calm spot for a walk or a picnic close to the St. Lawrence. Free, open year round.

A self guided walk through Old Longueuil with 21 historical plaques, from city hall to the Charles-Le Moyne monument, explaining the buildings and sites that shaped the city since New France. Follow it any time with the city's free Explorez Longueuil app (Apple and Google Play), which also adds stories from historical figures and public art commentary. Completely free.

A riverside park on the St. Lawrence with a 3 km walking trail, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas and a playground. A good spot for bird watching, with a skating rink in winter. Leashed dogs welcome. Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., all year. Free, with free parking.

An 18th and 19th century seigneury on the Rivière des Mille Îles, with restored mills and old stone buildings, walking paths, a garden, a lookout and picnic areas. A skating rink in winter, and the Christmas market here in December. The grounds and parking are free all year; guided tours and boat tours are paid.

A 96 hectare nature park in Saint-Hubert with a 1 km lake circled by a paved path, woods, peat bogs and a hill with views of Montreal and the Montérégie hills. 8 km of trails for walking, cycling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Open 365 days a year. Free, with free parking at the welcome pavilion; café and rentals are paid.

The largest protected wildlife area in Greater Montreal, with about 8 km of trails along the shore of the Rivière des Mille Îles and on its islands (some islands only by boat). Great for birds and calm river views; snowshoeing and skating in winter. Entry and parking are free; boat, kayak and paddleboard rentals and guided activities are paid. Check the park's website for current hours.