Lachine Canal
Saint-Henri · Lachine Canal, Saint-Henri
A flat 22 km stretch along a National Historic Site that Time Magazine called one of the most beautiful urban circuits in the world. Paved, car-free, and ideal for long runs at a steady pace.
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Best Running Paths in Montreal
The best running routes in Montreal. Trail loops on Mount Royal, stair workouts, the Lachine Canal, the river paths, and long flat stretches along the water for distance days.
Five picks
Maisonneuve Park
Rosemont · 4601 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Rosemont
A 3 km loop through one of Montreal's biggest green spaces next to the Botanical Garden. Flat and easy, good for recovery days. In winter the trails become cross-country ski tracks.
Grand Staircase of Mount Royal
Plateau · Chemin le Serpentin, Plateau
The fastest way up the mountain and the most popular leg workout in the city. The famous staircase takes you straight to the Kondiaronk Belvedere. Short but steep. Locals treat it as interval training.
Summit Circle Look Out
Westmount · 36 Rue Summit Circle, Westmount
A quieter lookout at the top of Westmount's highest point, with a panoramic view of the downtown skyline and the river. The loop around the woods is a local favourite for tempo runs away from the Mount Royal crowds.
Mount Royal Park
Plateau · 1260 Chemin Remembrance, Plateau
The full 200-hectare urban forest designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Trails, paved paths, and the main road make every distance possible. The Kondiaronk Belvedere at the top delivers the classic downtown view.
Local pick
Parc Jarry
Villeray · 205 Rue Gary-Carter, Villeray
A huge neighbourhood park in the north end with long flat loops, a tennis stadium, and a pond. Much quieter than the mountain or the canal, and beloved by locals who want traffic-free kilometres close to home.
Montreal is a great running city once you know where to go. The mountain has elevation and forest trails, the canal has 22 flat kilometres along the water, and the big parks offer loops away from traffic. Most routes are accessible by metro and well-maintained year-round, though some mountain trails close when the stairs ice over in winter. These five cover everything from sprint-friendly stair repeats to long slow distance along a National Historic Site.