or pick your starting city — the number is how many trails we list.
Beginners
François Dumaine
Published April 1, 2026 · Updated April 3, 2026
The trails in this guide at a glance
| Trail | Duration | Distance | Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parc du Mont-Royal Montréal | not listed | 8.3 km | yes |
| Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno Montérégie | park page, not a trail | not listed | |
| Chutes Jean-Larose Québec City Region | not listed | 4.0 km | not listed |
| Mont Yamaska Montérégie | not listed | not listed | not listed |
Figures read from the LGPO trail pages on November 14, 2026. “Not listed” is shown as is.
You know what? I started hiking over 15 years ago on a beautiful autumn Saturday morning, without really knowing what I was getting into. With my old sneakers on my feet and a water bottle in my hands, I thought that starting to hike was as simple as walking down the street. Well, I quickly became disillusioned! But that first outing also opened my eyes to the incredible richness of Quebec's outdoors.
If you're reading these lines, it's because you too feel this call of nature. Maybe you want to disconnect from daily life, find some peace, or simply discover what Quebec has most beautiful to offer. In this guide, I'm going to share with you everything I wish I had known before my first hike: how to choose your equipment, plan your outing, avoid beginner mistakes, and above all, how to fall in love with this passion that will transform your weekends.
Let me tell you something: you don't need to empty your bank account to start hiking. I've seen too many people give up before even trying because they thought they needed the equipment of a professional mountaineer.
For your first outings, here's what you really need:
Once you've caught the bug (and trust me, it will happen), here's what to invest in first:
| Equipment | Beginner Budget | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking shoes | $100-200 | Comfort and safety on all terrains |
| 20-30L backpack | $50-100 | Weight distribution, hydration |
| Technical clothing | $80-150 | Moisture and temperature management |
| Hiking poles | $40-80 | Stability and knee protection |
I've written a complete guide on the best hiking shoes for beginners if you want to delve deeper into the subject.
This is THE question everyone asks me: "François, where do I start?" And my answer is always the same: start small, dream big.
Your first hike should check these boxes:
Montreal Region:
In Quebec, each season has its particularities:
Spring (April-May): Watch out for mud and swollen waterways. Check out my guide to prepare your first spring hike.
Summer (June-August): Perfect for starting, but think about mosquitoes and hydration.
Fall (September-October): The magical season! Beautiful colors and ideal temperature.
Winter (November-March): Save that for later, it requires specialized equipment and experience.
I've made ALL these mistakes. Literally all of them. And I've seen thousands of hikers repeat the same blunders. Learn from my mistakes, it will save you a lot of trouble!
What you do: You choose Mount Washington for your first outing because "it looks cool on Instagram."
Why it's a mistake: You'll suffer, potentially get injured, and above all lose your taste for hiking.
The solution: Start with 2-3 km trails with little elevation gain. Increase gradually.
What you do: "It's nice when leaving, it'll be fine."
Why it's dangerous: In the mountains, weather can change in 30 minutes. I've experienced a violent storm that wasn't predicted.
The solution: Check Environment Canada and postpone if it's doubtful.
What you do: "It's just 2 hours, I don't need anything."
The result: Headaches, extreme fatigue, cramps.
The golden rule: 500 ml of water per hour of effort + a snack every hour.
What you do: You put on your new hiking boots for the first time on the trail.
The result: Blisters that will ruin your outing and the following ones.
My advice: Test all your equipment at home or during short urban walks.
Why it's risky: If you get injured or lost, no one will know where to look for you.
The solution: Always inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.
I've detailed these mistakes and several others in my article on the 10 beginner mistakes in hiking.
Now that we've covered the mistakes to avoid, let's talk about how to do things right. Good preparation is 50% of your hike's success.
Choose your trail: Use reliable resources like LGPO, AllTrails, or national park websites.
Study the route: Look at photos, read recent comments, note points of interest.
Check conditions: Some trails close according to seasons or for maintenance.
Last-minute checklist:
Pack your bag the night before: In the morning, you want to just take your bag and go, not look for your stuff.
Early departure: Leave early to avoid crowds and have more room for maneuver.
Light warm-up: 5 minutes of stretching before starting.
Progressive pace: Start slowly, you'll naturally accelerate.
For even more thorough preparation, check out my guide on essential questions to ask yourself before leaving.
One of the questions I'm asked most: "When can I try more difficult trails?" My answer: when you start getting bored on your current trails.
Months 1-2: Building Confidence
Months 3-4: Increasing Endurance
Months 5-6: First Challenges
After a year of regular hiking, you should be able to:
| Ability | Distance | Elevation Gain | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy hike | 5-8 km | 200-300m | 2-3 hours |
| Moderate hike | 8-12 km | 400-600m | 4-5 hours |
| First challenge | 12-15 km | 600-800m | 5-7 hours |
"The mountain is not measured in meters of altitude, but in moments of happiness it offers us."
Here's a dilemma many beginners face: go alone to go at your own pace, or join a group to learn?
Safety: You learn good practices with experienced people.
Motivation: Harder to give up when others are counting on you.
Accelerated learning: You absorb years of experience in a few outings.
Social aspect: You meet people who share your passion.
Where to find groups:
Total freedom: You go at your pace, you stop when you want.
Connection with nature: Easier to really listen to the forest when you're alone.
Self-confidence: Nothing beats the pride of having succeeded your first solo hike.
After seeing thousands of people start, here's what I recommend:
Your first 3 outings: In a group or with an experienced friend. You learn the basics without stress.
Outings 4-10: Mix group and solo according to your mood. Experiment.
After: You'll naturally know what you prefer depending on the type of outing.
You know what makes the difference between someone who tries hiking once and someone who makes it a passion? Mindset.
Let go of performance: Your first hike is not a race. Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Embrace the unexpected: That forced detour because of a fallen tree? That sudden shower? It's part of the adventure.
Document your progress: Take photos, keep a small journal. You'll be surprised to see your evolution.
Stay humble: The mountain will always be there tomorrow. No need to conquer everything in one season.
Pre-hike ritual: A good breakfast, your favorite playlist on the way, a moment to visualize your day.
Post-hike ritual: A good meal, sharing your photos, planning the next outing.
Celebrating small victories: First 5 km, first 200m elevation gain, first time you identify a bird.
Well, we've covered quite a bit of ground together! Here's the essential to remember for starting hiking in Quebec:
You know what? In a few months, you're going to look back and remember that first time you read this guide wondering if hiking was for you. And you're going to smile realizing how much this decision has enriched your life.
Quebec is full of trails just waiting for you. From the gentle hills of the Eastern Townships to the more imposing summits of Charlevoix, through urban parks perfect for starting, you're spoiled for choice.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose an easy trail near you, prepare your bag, and go discover why thousands of Quebecers have made hiking their favorite escape. Nature is waiting for you, and trust me, it has plenty of beautiful surprises in store for you.
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What we checked
Written by François Dumaine
