FamiSwipeTop urban parks for families in Quebec
You don't need to drive for hours to find nature with your kids. Quebec's cities are full of great parks: big green spaces for running, lakes, trails, play areas and, in winter, skating and sliding. Here is a selection of urban parks families love, along with tips to enjoy them in every season.
Montreal
Mount Royal Park
The city's iconic park offers wide trails up to the Mount Royal Chalet lookout, Beaver Lake for picnics and, in winter, skating and sliding. The main path is stroller-friendly.
La Fontaine Park
In the Plateau, with a pond, shaded paths, play areas and open lawns. A favourite for picnics and slow afternoons.
Montreal's nature parks
Spread across the island, these larger, wilder parks offer trails through woods and along the water, with good birdwatching. A great option for kids who like to explore.
Quebec City
Plains of Abraham (Battlefields Park)
A huge green space overlooking the St. Lawrence River, perfect for running, flying a kite or picnicking. In winter, families come for sliding and cross-country skiing.
Domaine de Maizerets
A green park with gardens, trails and open spaces, popular with families in every season.
Laval
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles
A natural park on the river where families can walk, observe wildlife and, in summer, rent canoes or kayaks. In winter, some trails are maintained for walking or skating, depending on conditions.
Gatineau
Gatineau sits at the edge of Gatineau Park, a vast natural area with trails, lakes and lookouts. In the city itself, the paths along the river and several neighbourhood parks make easy outings with young kids.
Sherbrooke
The paths along the Magog River and Lac des Nations offer an easy family walk, with play areas and spaces for picnics along the way.
What makes a park family-friendly?
- Accessible washrooms and drinking water.
- Shade, especially near the play areas.
- Paths suitable for strollers and small bikes.
- Picnic tables or open lawns.
- Easy access by public transit or a nearby parking lot.
Tips by season
- Spring: rubber boots for puddles, and a great time to look for birds and buds.
- Summer: go early, bring water and sunscreen, and look for parks with splash pads.
- Fall: leaf piles, colourful trees and pleasant temperatures for longer walks.
- Winter: sliding hills, outdoor rinks and snowshoe trails; dress in layers and plan warm-up breaks.
Turn a walk into an adventure
Kids walk further when there is a goal. Try a nature scavenger hunt (a pine cone, a feather, a red leaf), let them lead the way with a park map, or bring a magnifying glass to look at insects and bark. Ending at a playground is often the best motivation of all.
Hours, services and winter maintenance vary by park and by city. Check the municipal website before heading out.
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→ Discover FamiSwipeParents ask
Are city parks in Quebec free?
Yes, municipal parks are free. Some specific activities or rentals inside them, such as canoe rentals, may charge a fee.
Which Montreal park is best with a stroller?
Mount Royal Park's main path and La Fontaine Park are both wide and easy to navigate with a stroller.
What can families do in city parks in winter?
Sliding, outdoor skating, snowshoeing and winter walks. Check your city's website for rink and trail conditions.
Where can I find family activities near me?
Open FamiSwipe: in seconds it shows free and paid family activities around you, based on your kids' ages.