Hiking in the Laurentians: 8 trails to discover

Just one hour from Montreal, Parc régional Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts stands out as one of the top hiking destinations in the Laurentians. There’s a reason why the region is made for the outdoors: it offers a wide variety of accessible trails for every type of hiker, from families and casual walkers to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Let’s discover the best hiking trails in the Laurentians based on your skill level, the type of experience you’re looking for, and the season.

How to Choose the Right Hiking Trail?

Before heading out on an adventure, there are a few key factors to consider to make sure you get the most of your experience. After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.

Start by assessing your abilities and those of the people you’re hiking with. Are you looking for a peaceful walk in nature or your next outdoor challenge? Will children be coming along? Depending on your answers, you may prefer a shorter or longer distance, gentle elevation gains or steeper climbs, and anything from a quick outing to a longer hike.

Keep in mind that two trails of the same length can offer very different experiences. A 3 km hike on flat terrain won’t require the same time or effort as covering the same distance on a rugged trail.

Don’t forget the little extras that make all the difference. One trail might lead to a breathtaking lookout, while another could give you the chance to spot local wildlife.

Parc régional Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts : An Outdoor Playground for Everyone

Open year-round, Parc régional Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is one of the Laurentians’ best-kept secrets for hikers of all skill levels. Its trail network was developed in the 1970s with the intention of showcasing the region’s natural beauty from every angle. Across nearly 60 km of trails, you’ll discover a protected natural area, a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, and rich biodiversity. What truly sets the park apart, however, is that most of its trails are one-way, creating a sense of having nature all to yourself – something that’s fairly rare in the region.

Good to know: Trail access is included with chalet and pod reservations, as well as camping stays. Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts residents also enjoy free access upon presentation of their resident card. For non-residents, season passes and day passes are also available at an affordable price.

Which Trail Should You Choose?

For a family outing (stroller-friendly)

Verrière (0.4 km): Perfect for a first outing or a short walk, this trail starts at the second park entrance and leads to Petit lac des Sables, across from the water treatment plant. One side of the building features a stained-glass window, whose colours reflect on the water, creating a magical sight, especially at sunset.
Vanier (5.2 km): One of the park’s most popular trails year-round, Vanier serves as a central route through the network. It loops around Petit lac des Sables and connects to several other trails. Keep an eye out along the way: an owl lives in the area and is often spotted by hikers.

For breathtaking views

Stonehaven (4.2 km): Another popular option for beginners, this trail offers a beautiful view of Lac des Sables and leads to a lookout via the R11-R12 junction. It’s best avoided on rainy days, as the rocky sections can quickly become muddy and slippery.
Paquette (1.3 km): More challenging than Stonehaven, this trail connects Refuge Desjardins to the summit of Mont-Sainte-Agathe, a former ski hill where traces of its past can still be seen. At the lookout, you’ll be rewarded with exceptional panoramic views of the region. It’s an especially beautiful trail to hike during the fall colour season
Grignon (4.8 km): Considered an intermediate alternative to the Vanier trail, Grignon also winds around Petit lac des Sables and leads to Refuge Desjardins. In winter, you might notice what looks like slides in the snow. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the otters that created them to slide down toward the lake, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.
R11 (1.5 km): Our snowshoe trails are also popular year-round, especially because they’re lined with mature deciduous trees that provide natural shelter when it rains. But R11 has something special: a natural amphitheatre created by the Oblate Fathers, who owned the land before it was transformed into a trail network.

For a more challenging hike

Gohier (3.1 km): Starting from Refuge Desjardins, this trail gradually takes you deeper into the Laurentian forest. It also connects with the Paquette trail, allowing you to reach the Mont-Sainte-Agathe lookout.
Cohen (2.3 km): Being the farthest trail from the park’s main entrance, Cohen offers a more remote, rugged experience that’s especially well-suited to adventurous hikers.

Keep the fun going and customize your experience by combining several trails during your hike.

Hiking: A Different Experience Every Season

Depending on the time of the year, your hiking experience can feel completely different. And that’s exactly what makes you want to come back.

In spring, some trails are closed to give nature reserve time to recover during the snowmelt. It’s an important way to help protect biodiversity that makes the park so special.
In summer, the trails are especially enjoyable when paired with the park’s water activities or a well-deserved break at Major Beach.
In fall, the landscape transforms as the trees put on their most vibrant colours. It’s a show you don’t want to miss.
In winter, some trails are converted into cross-country ski and snowshoe routes, making the park just as enjoyable during colder months. And while wildlife can be spotted year-round, winter has something extra special: a moose calls the park home.

To learn how to plan your visit for each season, check out our article on the topic.

Pour s'émerveiller

Stonehaven (4,2 km) : Également très populaire pour son accessibilité aux débutants, il offre une vue magnifique sur le grand Lac des Sables et donne accès à un point d’observation via la jonction R11-R12. Il est toutefois déconseillé par temps pluvieux, car le cap de roche devient rapidement boueux et glissant.
Paquette (1,3 km) : Plus difficile que le Stonehaven, il relie le Refuge Desjardins au sommet du Mont-Sainte-Agathe, un ancien mont de ski alpin, dont on peut encore voir les vestiges. Au belvédère, profitez d’un panorama exceptionnel sur la région. C’est un sentier à privilégier pour admirer les couleurs d’automne.
Grignon (4,8 km) : C’est le niveau intermédiaire du sentier Vanier; il contourne également le Petit lac des Sables, en plus de mener au Refuge Desjardins. En hiver, vous pourriez être surpris de remarquer des « toboggans » dans la neige. Avec un peu de chance, vous pourriez y voir les loutres qui les ont construits pour glisser jusque sur le lac, surtout si vous y êtes très tôt le matin ou en soirée.
R11 (1,5 km) : Nos sentiers de raquettes sont tous très appréciés à l’année, notamment parce qu’ils sont bordés de feuillus matures qui font office de parapluies naturels en cas de pluie. Mais la R11 se démarque : on y retrouve un amphithéâtre naturel, créé par les pères Oblats, à qui appartenaient les terres avant d’être transformées en sentiers.

Pour un défi plus sportif

Gohier (3,1 km) : À partir du Refuge Desjardins, il propose une immersion progressive dans la forêt laurentienne, en plus de mener vers une intersection avec le sentier Paquette, de sorte à rejoindre le belvédère du Mont-Sainte-Agathe.
Cohen (2,3 km) : Étant le sentier le plus éloigné de l’accueil, il propose aussi une expérience plus sauvage et convient aux plus aventuriers.

Prolongez le plaisir et personnalisez votre expérience en combinant plusieurs sentiers lors d’une même randonnée.

Our Tips for a Great Hike

Ready to hit the trails? Here are a few final tips before lacing up your hiking boots.

Head out early to enjoy the peace and avoid the crowds, especially during peak season.
Go at the pace of the youngest hikers in your group.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and clothing suited to the weather.
Turn your hike into an adventure: watch for wildlife, try to identify local plants, make up games, and take time to notice the little things along the way.
Reward your efforts with a break at the beach, a kayaking outing, or a stop at one of the region’s great restaurants.

Adventure is closer than you think. Whether you’re here for the day, camping overnight, or staying in one of our accommodations, the trails are waiting for you!