Life in Québec is marked by a distinct cycle of seasons: sizzling summers and white winters. To make the most of these, there is no doubt about it: it’s best to get out of the house and start participating in some outdoor activities. Here is a quick glance at sports and recreation options in Québec.
Sports and Recreation
In Greater Montréal, public infrastructure makes it easy to get outside at an affordable cost. For example, Montréal has the following:
- 19 large parks where you can jog or bike in the summer and snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter, like Parc La Fontaine and Parc du Mont-Royal
- Over 3,450 km of bike paths in Greater Montréal and its surroundings
- Over 100 outdoor pools and over 40 indoor pools, including the impressive facilities at the Complexe Claude-Robillard and the Parc olympique
- Dozens of municipal arenas and hundreds of outdoor skating and ice rinks in the winter.
Escaping Greater Montréal for the Weekend
Québec is renowned for its wide-open spaces. In the span of a single weekend, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city by whizzing off to the Laurentians or the Eastern Townships, two regions that are known for their forests, lakes and mountains and are only a one-hour drive from Montréal.
What can you expect? Apple picking in the Rougemont Orchard, downhill skiing at Mont-Tremblant, a bike tour on the Wine Route and much more!
The Sépaq Network is a Great Way to see the Wonders of Québec
A great way to discover all of Québec’s wonders is to visit the Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) park network.
This network is the pride of all Quebeckers with its protected areas, wide range of activities, accommodations and high-quality equipment.
Be sure to book a camp site or a nature cottage quickly because it’s going fast!
Did you know?
There is a veritable “park culture” in the metropolis that encourages the Montrealers to invade green spaces every weekend during the summer. Head to the park to hang around, have a picnic and go for a run or a bike ride. There are even children’s parties held in their parks. In short, the park becomes somewhat of a second backyard!
Find out more
- Sports and recreation (Ville de Montréal)
- Recreation, sports and outdoor activities (Ville de Longueuil)
- Calendar of activities (Ville de Laval)
- Accès Montréal Card
- Avantages Laval Card
- Accès Longueuil Card