Want to disconnect, breathe in the fresh air and explore nature in all its beauty? Whether you're a fan of leisurely strolls or sporting challenges, the Lanaudière region abounds in varied and enchanting trails. Discover its most beautiful vistas!
Here are the 10 most beautiful hiking trails in Lanaudière, where you'll reach the most beautiful peaks and breathtaking viewpoints.
BELVEDERE TRAIL | CHUTE-À-BULL REGIONAL PARK
A classic that never disappoints. This short hike, perfect for families, takes you along the Boule River to an 18-metre waterfall - particularly spectacular in spring, when the water is bursting with energy. On the way to the lookout, you pass the waterfall, cross a covered bridge and climb through a forest of majestic white pines. Wooden terraces invite you to take a break or enjoy a picnic. And at the summit, a breathtaking view awaits you, worth every step. A great dose of nature, accessible to all. Since 2024, the park entrance has been located at 101, rue Théophile-Gauthier in Saint-Côme.
Level: intermediate
Number of kilometers: 5 km loop
Dogs welcome
Download trail map
MONTAGNE NOIRE | SAINT-DONAT
Probably the most impressive hike in Lanaudière, Montagne Noire in Saint-Donat offers a unique adventure on a section of the Sentier national. At 875 metres, it's the highest peak in the region, and the climb is worth every drop of sweat! Along the way, discover the poignant site of the crash of Liberator Harry, a plane that crashed here in 1943. At the summit, a viewpoint allows you to take in the spectacular scenery all around you. A hike steeped in history and breathtaking panoramas.
Level: difficult
Number of kilometers: 13 km loop
Dogs welcome
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MONT BRASSARD TRAIL | PARC RÉGIONAL DES SEPT-CHUTES, SAINT-ZÉNON
If you want to take in the sights, head to Parc régional des Sept-Chutes for a hike on the Mont Brassard trail. This Lanaudière classic climbs to an altitude of over 600 metres and skirts the cliffs of Lac Rémi. The result: spectacular lookouts, impressive rocky capes and an eye-popping panoramic view of the hills.
Level: intermediate
Number of kilometers: 8.5 km loop
Dogs welcome
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SENTIERS DESJARDINS | PARC RÉGIONAL DES CHUTES-DE-MONTE-À-PEINE-ET-DES-DALLES
Accessible from Sainte-Mélanie, Sainte-Béatrix and Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Parc régional des Chutes-de-Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles offers a vast network of trails. The park's most popular trail, the Desjardins Trail, is 5 km long. It links the three access gates along the Rivière L'Assomption. Created around 1989, it passes through woods, clearings and fields, with access to the riverbank in places. There are three spectacular waterfalls, a covered bridge and several magnificent viewpoints. The trail is punctuated by a number of staircases, notably near the entrances to and lookout point at the Monte-à-Peine Falls. A must-do classic!
Level: easy
Number of kilometers: 5 linear km
Dogs welcome
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MONT-SOURIRE | SAINT-DONAT
The Mont Sourire hike is a Saint-Donat classic, especially if you're looking for an easy family hike. In less than a kilometer, you'll reach a superb viewpoint from which you can admire the municipality's ski resorts, Lac Ouareau, Mont Ouareau and even Montagne Noire in the distance. The trail is short, well-maintained, accessible for little walkers... and dogs are welcome! In short, it's the perfect family hike to enjoy a beautiful view without too much effort.
Level: easy
Number of kilometers: 2 km round trip, or 4.4 km round trip to the refuge
Dogs welcome
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SWAGGIN TRAIL | SAINT-CÔME
This out-and-back trail lets you choose the distance you want to hike. It's part of the Sentier national, a 170 km trail that crosses the Matawinie region from east to west. Here, you follow the Swaggin River through a wilderness punctuated by waterfalls and dense forests. As an added bonus, you'll pass parts of regional parks along the way. It's a total immersion in Lanaudière's most beautiful natural environments.
Level: intermediate
Number of kilometers: 7.4 linear km
Dogs welcome
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SENTIER DE L'ENVOL, MONT-TREMBLANT NATIONAL PARK (PIMBINA-SAINT-DONAT SECTOR)
Mont de l'Envol, near Lac-des-Dix-Milles, is a great option for a short hike that still gets you working! It starts out dry, but the trails are well groomed and the visual rewards are great, especially in autumn when the colors explode. There are two viewpoints, the second of which is truly spectacular. Access is easy, parking is available and entrance fees apply as the site is part of the SÉPAQ network. Good news: leashed dogs are welcome!
Level: easy
Number of kilometers: 4 km loop
Dogs welcome
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SENTIER DES CONTREFORTS, OUAREAU FOREST REGIONAL PARK (FOOTHILLS SECTOR)
In the Forêt Ouareau regional park, the Contreforts trail is a well-kept secret. This intermediate-level loop offers 170 metres of vertical drop and breathtaking views. It's particularly impressive in autumn when the colors explode.
Level: intermediate
Number of kilometers: 6 km (round trip)
Dogs welcome
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CAP DE LA FÉE | SAINT-DONAT
The Cap de la Fée trail in Saint-Donat takes you through an enchanted forest, where the moss-covered ground and coniferous trees such as balsam fir and black spruce create a magical atmosphere. Along the way, you follow a stream punctuated by small waterfalls to the Grand-Duc refuge, just 2 km from the start. The climb to the summit takes you to an altitude of 625 metres, where a breathtaking view awaits you of Lac Archambault below and Mont Garceau on the horizon. A gentle, leisurely but memorable hike!
Level: intermediate
Number of kilometers: 6 km loop
Dogs welcome
Download trail map
MOUNT OUAREAU SUMMIT | NOTRE-DAME-DE-LA-MERCI
This trail takes you from Lac Ouareau to Lac Archambault, via the impressive summit of Mont Ouareau at 692 m altitude. Just 2.5 km from the parking lot, you'll reach the first viewpoint with its breathtaking panoramic views. Another viewpoint, 1 km before the summit, overlooks Lac Ouareau and is well worth a visit in any season. If you've got the energy, continue to the end of this 13.1 km section of the Sentier national for a complete immersion in Lanaudière nature.
Level: intermediate
Number of kilometers: 5 km (round trip)
Dogs welcome
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OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
- Les Grandes-Vallées, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant section L'Assomption | Saint-Côme
- Mont des Conscrits, Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau (secteur Grande-Jetée) | Chertsey
- Sentiers du Lac en cœur | Mandeville
- Chemin des cascades, Parc régional des chutes du Calvaire | Mandeville
- Sentiers du Lac Kaël | Sainte-Émélie-de-l'Énergie
If you're looking for more, this is just a glimpse of what Lanaudière has to offer in the way of hiking. No matter what your level or your sense of adventure, there's sure to be a trail to suit you. To explore all the options, click here.
