Hiking in Centre de plein air de l'UQAM: trails, map and practical info

Description

The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM is a quiet, nature-filled outdoor destination tucked into Quebec’s Laurentides region. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for hikers who want a solid day on the trail, outdoor enthusiasts looking to mix in other activities, and anyone who simply wants a break from city noise and time under the trees.

Because it’s located a short drive from Montreal, it makes an easy day-trip option when you want real forest and lake scenery without committing to a long travel day. The Laurentides are known for varied landscapes, and this area delivers that classic mix of lush woods, calm water, and rolling terrain that keeps a walk interesting even on a shorter outing.

Setting and scenery in the Laurentides

Expect a landscape shaped by forested hills and pockets of water. The trails move through lush forests, with sections that open up to views over serene lakes and surrounding hills. That combination is a big part of what makes this corner of the Laurentides feel restorative: you get the shade and shelter of the woods, then the visual “reset” of water and broader vistas as the terrain shifts.

The rolling hills give the hiking a natural rhythm—gentle climbs and descents that change the feel of the trail as you go. Even without dramatic peaks, the constant variation keeps you engaged and helps you feel like you’ve traveled somewhere, not just looped around a park.

Hiking trails: options for different skill levels

The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM has an extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails, and the big practical advantage is choice. You can pick a route that matches your day, your group, and the time you have. Seasoned hikers can aim for something more challenging, while families (or anyone looking for an easier outing) can stick to gentler paths for a relaxed walk in nature.

Because the network includes routes suited to different skill levels, it’s a good place to bring a mixed group. Faster hikers can get a more demanding trek, while others can enjoy a comfortable pace—without anyone feeling like they’re in the wrong place for their abilities.

As you hike, each path offers its own mix of views, from forest corridors to lake-side scenery and hilltop perspectives. Keep your eyes up and your pace flexible: the trails also provide opportunities to spot local wildlife, which is often easiest when you pause, listen, and move quietly through the more wooded sections.

Terrain and what the walk feels like

Most of your time here will feel like classic Laurentides travel: shaded forest sections where the air is cooler and the ground is soft underfoot, followed by more open moments near water or on higher ground where you can take in the rolling hills. The transition between woods, lakes, and small rises is what keeps the experience from feeling repetitive.

If you’re hiking with kids or first-timers, the mix of scenery helps with motivation—there’s always something new around the next bend. If you’re looking for a stronger effort, the hilly character of the region gives you enough elevation change to feel like you earned your time outside, especially if you string together a longer route within the trail network.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife is part of the appeal here, and the trails are set up in a way that encourages you to notice it. Forest edges, quieter lakeside stretches, and less-traveled trail segments are the places where you’re most likely to spot movement or hear birds and other animals. An unhurried pace and a few short stops can make a big difference in what you see.

More than hiking: warm-season activities

One of the reasons people return to the Centre de plein air de l'UQAM is that you can build a full outdoor day around your hike. In the warmer months, you can get out on the water by canoeing on the centre’s crystal-clear lakes. It’s a great way to change perspective after a hike: from the shoreline views on foot to the quiet, on-the-water angles where the forest feels even more surrounding.

If you prefer wheels to paddles, mountain biking is also part of the warm-season lineup, with rugged trails that let you explore the same landscape at a faster pace. If your group includes both hikers and bikers, this is the kind of place where everyone can do their preferred activity and still feel like they shared the same destination.

Winter: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

When winter arrives and snow settles in, the centre shifts into a different kind of playground. The same natural setting becomes a snowy landscape suited to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The forests feel quieter, the lakeside areas take on a more open look with leafless trees, and the rolling hills add variety to a ski or snowshoe outing just like they do for hiking.

If you’re planning a winter visit, think in layers and be ready for changing conditions between sheltered forest sections and more exposed areas near open spaces and water. The experience is very much about moving comfortably through a winter environment rather than racing through it.

Why it stands out for a day away from the city

The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM isn’t only an activity hub—it’s also a place where the setting does a lot of the work. The peaceful surroundings make it easier to slow down, breathe, and feel separate from day-to-day routines. If you’re coming from Montreal, that quick shift from urban pace to forest quiet is one of the biggest benefits.

It suits different styles of visitors. Solo adventurers can find solitude on the trails and enjoy the calm that comes from being surrounded by forest and water. Groups can treat it as a shared outdoor day—hiking together, taking breaks with views, and choosing from multiple activities depending on the season.

Trip planning: day trip or extended stay

You can plan this as a straightforward day trip—drive in from Montreal, hike, and add a canoe, bike ride, ski, or snowshoe session depending on the time of year. If you’d rather stretch it into an overnight or weekend, there are comfortable accommodations nearby that suit different needs and budgets, including cozy cabins and charming bed-and-breakfasts.

That flexibility makes it easy to tailor the visit: keep it simple and spontaneous when you just need time outside, or stay longer to sample more of what the Laurentides feel like across different trails and activities.