Hiking at Les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare Nature Park: trails, map and practical info

The Base de plein air des Cèdres is now called parc nature Les Forestiers-de-Saint-Lazare. It is at 2800 chemin Lotbinière in Saint-Lazare, in Montérégie, and the Ville de Saint-Lazare has run it since May 2014. The land, formerly in Les Cèdres, was annexed to Saint-Lazare in 2016. The park has more than 24 km of trails for walking and running.

The Trails

The City's municipal trail map shows several round-trip loops of different lengths, so you can adjust your outing to the time you have and the energy of your group.

Practical Information

The City's tariff by-law (July 2023 version) sets site access fees, by residency, for cross-country skiing, sliding, skating, snowshoeing and the pool. It treats people living in municipalities tied to the City by an agreement as residents. For hiking, check with the City before you go: 450 424-8000, ext. 287.

According to the municipal map, dogs are allowed on the summer trails. In winter, they are allowed on loops R1 to R4 but not on the cross-country ski trails (D and 1 to 5). According to a 2022 announcement, they must be kept on a leash and are not allowed on the main site.

Winter

In winter, the park offers cross-country skiing, sliding, skating and snowshoeing.

Gear and Preparation

Comfortable hiking shoes are the essential gear. Clothing suited to the weather and a reusable water bottle complete the basics for a comfortable outing.

A safe outing means checking the weather, telling someone your planned route and carrying a basic first-aid kit. A charged phone with GPS adds a margin of safety. Following the posted signs and rules keeps the park safe for everyone.