During wintertime, Parc Régional de la Rivière du Nord offers 14.4 km of winter trails, 17.2 km of cross country trails, a mini slope for sledding, and 19.3 km of snowshoeing trails in the forest. During summertime, it offers hiking and cycling trails, and nautical activities.
Why do we love this park:
- Nearby Montreal, less than 45 mins drive.
- Super nice scenery with the river rapids.
- Simple trails, flat terrain, ideal for little hikers and beginners – circular and short trails.
- Unique trails such as Sentier des Arts, a short trail with impressive wooden. installations, Circuit Historique and Circuit Écologique – short trails with interpretation panels along the path.
More details about the park:
Address: 750 Ch. de la Rivière-du-Nord, Saint-Jérôme, J7Y 5G2, QC
Region: Laurentians
Drive: north-west for about 45 minutes from Montreal
Opening time: summertime May to September from 8 am to 7 pm and wintertime September to May from 9 am to 5 pm.
Entry fees (winter 2019): Adult $10, child 6-17 years old $5, kids 0-5 years old go free.
Rental shop: During winter – cross country skis, walking sticks, snowshoes, sledge – price available for 2 hours or full-day, kids sizes available. During summer – nautical equipment: canoe, kayak and bikes, and fishing equipment.
Picnic tables available
Free parking
Suitable for an all-terrain stroller (depends on the amount of snow)
The park entrance is nearby highway 15 North, exit 45 west. The main building offers gear rental, sitting area, and toilets. Grab a map and here we go!
We hiked about 2.5 km (in total) in a circular trail, walking along the historic, ecological and art trail.
We started the hike on the right, towards the small pond with many happy ducks.
We then continued on the swamp bridge with lots of informational signs to learn about the park flora and fauna.
The wooden statues were truly impressive and the kids were excited to run and search for the next one on the trail.
We crossed the bridge overlooking the rapids.
The plan was to complete the trail at the refuge and head back but we made it a bit shorter this time.
Quebec Family Hikes 