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

Laurentides • Quebec

4.6 Appreciated by 20 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2016Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
19 km
Elevation
530 ft
Duration
5h30
Max altitude
610 ft
Dogs
Allowed
Child friendly

An easy 18.8 km network with 530 m elevation gain near Montreal in the Laurentides. Multiple trail options through well-maintained paths suitable for all skill levels, plus year-round outdoor activities from canoeing to cross-country skiing.

Recommended for :
Beginners Families

Ready to explore Centre de plein air de l'UQAM? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Available trails

Trails Distance Elevation Duration Difficulty GPX
1 km 0 m 15min Beginner
5 km 80 m 1h30 Intermediate
7.6 km 335 m 2h30 Advanced
9 km 530 m 3h Advanced
7 km 400 m 2h30 Advanced
Click a trail to see it on the map

Trail description

Update FAQ section: Change 'Is the Centre de plein air de l'UQAM trail suitable for beginners?' answer to: 'The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM trail is rated as moderate difficulty. While the well-maintained paths and multiple route options make it accessible to experienced beginners and intermediate hikers, the 18.8 km distance and 530m elevation gain (~6h15 hiking time) make it more suitable for those with some hiking experience rather than complete beginners.'

Services and amenities

Parking Icon Parking
Reception Icon Reception
Toilet Icon Toilet
Belvedere Icon Belvedere
Lodging Icon Lodging
Refuge
Bridge Icon Bridge
Interpretation Center Icon Interpretation Center
Picnic table Icon Picnic table
Swim Icon Swim
Rustic camping Icon Rustic camping

This information may vary by season.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
2424 Chem. du Lac Quenouille, Lac-Supérieur, QC J0T 1P0, Canada
GPS coordinates
46.19261360000001, -74.4363645
Phone
514 987-3105

Starting Point

The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM is located in Saint-Jérôme, in the Laurentian region. To get to the trailhead of the Centre de plein air de l'UQAM, you must go to Saint-Jérôme and take the exit for the Centre de plein air de l'UQAM.

When?

Opening hours
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
$ 7
Child
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
Dogs allowed
Family friendly
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
46.19261360000001, -74.4363645
Center
514 987-3105

Hikers' opinions

4.6
5 Reviews
R5
Review 5
Feb 18, 2024
This nature park is extremely beautiful. The waterfall was amazing to watch and the hiking was definitely worth it. Just watch your step since most trails are uneven, steep and muddy. I hope to come back again here and do it again. The 530m elevation gain across 18.8 km provides challenging sections despite the 'easy' rating. Proper hiking boots recommended for the varied terrain.
R4
Review 4
Feb 12, 2024
Really nice hiking area. Trail was well maintained, and the access was easy. Wish there was a water point. The 18.8 km trail network with 530m elevation gain offers good variety for an 'easy' difficulty rating. Facilities include toilets, picnic tables, and even lodging options, though bringing your own water is recommended for longer hikes through the Laurentides terrain.
R3
Review 3
Feb 5, 2024
Nice place to go for a walk and see the waterfall. The place opens at 9 in the morning and I think closes around 5. You have to purchase tickets from the kiosk to go. Note that parking isn't free and trail access requires payment, but the facilities justify the cost. With toilets, picnic tables, and a reception pavilion, it's well-maintained for day visits.
R2
Review 2
Jan 20, 2024
Amazing! Just amazing! Great views, great location for pics or just finding a location and chillin and contemplating life! The Laurentides region provides stunning backdrops, and the belvederes along the 18.8 km trail system offer perfect spots for photography. The interpretation center adds educational value, making it ideal for both adventure seekers and those looking for peaceful moments in nature.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
The best waterfalls within 90 min drive from Montreal. You can reach it by 10 min walk from car park. The place is full of rocks, so bring water shoes if you're not comfortable with the rocks. The stream is powerful and you can dive. With 18.8 km of trails and 530m elevation gain, this outdoor center offers great variety. The swimming area is refreshing after the hike, though the rocky terrain requires proper footwear.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
530.00 m
610.00 m
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5h30
Yes
Yes
7.00 $
Yes
Yes, the Centre de plein air de l'UQAM trail is rated as easy difficulty, making it suitable for beginners and hikers of most fitness levels. Despite the 18.8 km distance, the easy rating indicates manageable terrain throughout the route.
The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM trail covers 18.8 km with an elevation gain of 530 meters. This makes it a substantial day hike with moderate climbing spread over the distance.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Centre de plein air de l'UQAM trail. Make sure to keep your dog leashed and clean up after them to preserve the natural environment.
The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM offers extensive facilities including parking, reception pavilion, toilets, belvederes, lodging, refuges, bridges, interpretation center, picnic tables, swimming areas, and rustic camping. These amenities make it suitable for both day trips and extended stays.
The Centre de plein air de l'UQAM is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Plan your hike accordingly to ensure you complete the trail within operating hours, especially given the 18.8 km distance.
Didn't find your answer?
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Update : June 2026