Dog-friendly winter hikes in Quebec are a unique way to enjoy snowy landscapes with your four-legged companion. Whether you’re planning a short walk or a longer snowshoe adventure, there are plenty of trails that welcome dogs and make every outing memorable. Here’s a curated list of the best places near Montreal where your dog can stretch its legs, explore nature, and share unforgettable moments with you.
Montreal Area
In Montreal, all large parks allow leashed-dogs. Mount Royal is one of the best destinations to enjoy a nice walk in the woods, as well as a beautiful scenery of the city from its belvedere. Olmstead is very busy on weekends, making it a fun and social walk for your dog. If you really want to get away from it all, just choose the narrower trails that criss-cross the mountain.
L’Île-Bizard, an island northwest of Montreal, offers a network of 6.8 kilometers of trails that goes around a quiet forest. It is also possible to snowshoe in the park on an 11-kilometer trail.
The Laurentides and Lanaudiere Region
In Le Gardeur, just 30 minutes from Montreal, les “Sentiers de la Presqu’île” lets your pup roams leash-free in a network of 11 kilometers of trails for a small fee.
Mont Ouareau near Saint-Donat is a nice hike up of 240 meters that rewards you and your pup with a wonderful view from its 685m summit of the Lanaudiere region.
If you want a walk on large paths, you may want to go to Emilie’s Cabins near Rawdon where you get to choose between 20 kilometers of trails of various difficulties and lengths.
Dufresne Regional Park is well known among dog owners who love the outdoors. In winter, close to 28 kilometers can be snowshowed along with Fido on quiet single-tracks trails.
For a small fee, Montfortaine in Wentworth-North lets you walk on 21.2 kilometers of groomed trails. The selection of four trails between 2.4 km and 8.9 km makes it easy to plan the length of an outing. It is also possible to snowshoe off-trails in the sector.
In Montérégie
Hudson nature trails are groomed, perfect for a nice winter walk. Along the 11 kilometers of trails, there is an observation tower that offers a beautiful view of the Ottawa River and the lake of Deux-Montagnes. Access is completely free!
Saint-Timothee’s Regional Park lets you walk between the Saint-Lawrence River and Saint-Charles River on 14 kilometers of easy trails. Acess is free during the winter.
In Eastern Township
Diable vert is the place to go if you want to feel welcomed with your dog while enjoying the outdoors. Dogs can even go in the cabins…and are obviously, allowed outside, if you want to try winter camping. There are more than 15 kilometers of trails perfect for snowshoeing or “mud walking”.
Mont Bellevue in Sherbrooke is a well-known sector to enjoy the outdoors conveniently without spending too much time driving. The ski resort offers 7 kilometers of groomed trails for winter walks and 12 kilometers of snowshoeing trails.
Ottawa / Gatineau
While dogs are only allowed on the groomed walking trails during winter time in Gatineau Park, that restriction still lets room for a great outing in a beautiful scenery on the 11.5 kilometers of available trails. If you want a view of the whole Outaouais valley, make sure you pick Lauriault Trail.
If you want to go for a quiet walk in the woods, consider the Montagnes noires near Ripon in the Valleys of the Petite-Nation. There is over a dozen kilometers of trails of various difficulties. Go up the mountain if you want to enjoy beautiful sceneries of the Valley and the Laurentides.
Bilberry Creek Ravine Trails is a peaceful network of wooded paths located in Orléans, on the eastern side of Ottawa. The trails follow a small creek, crossing bridges and gentle slopes, creating the feeling of a wild forest right in the city. It’s a great spot for hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a quiet walk with your dog.
Preparing Your Dog for Hiking
Before heading out on an adventure, it’s important to properly prepare your companion so the outing is both enjoyable and safe. A few simple steps can help protect their paws and ensure comfort and motivation throughout the hike.
- Check the condition of your dog’s paw pads before and after the outing.
- Bring water and tasty treats to keep them motivated.
- Consider boots or a protective balm if conditions are tough.
For detailed advice on protecting your dog’s paws in winter, check out our article How to Protect Your Dog’s Paws in Winter.
The Oven-Baked Tradition Bonus
On your outings, don’t forget to bring Oven-Baked Tradition treats, rich in flavor. They’re perfect for rewarding your dog after a climb or motivating them to keep going.
Made with quality ingredients, they offer a texture and taste that even the pickiest dogs love. Whether it’s for a well-deserved break or to encourage your companion to continue, they quickly become an essential part of your outdoor activities.
Canada’s regions are full of dog-friendly trails, offering breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. With a bit of preparation, the right gear, and motivating treats, your winter hikes will become moments of shared joy with your dog.
Is your dog sensitive to the cold or prefers staying indoors? We’ve got tips for them too! Read our article How to enjoy winter with a dog who doesn’t like the cold?
