7 of the Best Running Routes in Montréal, with Strava Maps

Montréal is built for running. Parks, neighbourhood streets and canal paths turn a morning 5K into part of the trip.

Here are seven routes shared on Strava, from 5 to just over 20 km. These are our picks from local running resources, not an official Strava ranking. Distances cover the full linked route, connecting streets included. Each map below is live from Strava.

1. Jeanne-Mance Park: a short run near Mount Royal

Distance: 5 km · Elevation gain: 38 m

City streets and green space at the foot of Mount Royal. Our pick when you want a run without a long commitment. The route stays below the summit. On a first visit, allow time for crossings.

2. Baldwin Park: an easy Plateau run

Distance: 5 km · Elevation gain: 9 m

Plateau streets linked to Parc La Fontaine and Baldwin Park. The lowest climb in this list. Keep the pace easy and leave time to wander the neighbourhood after.

3. Laurier Park: a practical morning 5K

Distance: 5.09 km · Elevation gain: 14 m

A compact loop around Laurier Park. Choose it when the start is close to where you sleep. At 6:30 per kilometre, count about 33 minutes of running, plus stops.

4. Chemin des Carrières: your Montréal 10K

Distance: 10.04 km · Elevation gain: 44 m

A full 10K from Le Club's running collection. Best on a morning with time to settle into a rhythm. Review the whole map first. The name doesn't describe every street you'll follow.

5. Lachine Canal: distance without the climb

Distance: 14.31 km · Elevation gain: 25 m

Kenneth Trueman's public route, "Out to end of Lachine Canal", also listed in the run-training section of Montréal's 2023 Americas Triathlon Cup athlete guide. Check the start and finish on the map. On shared paths, watch for cyclists and leave room to pass.

6. Maisonneuve Park: a long neighbourhood run

Distance: 15.14 km · Elevation gain: 27 m

Parc La Fontaine, Hochelaga and Maisonneuve Park in one line. At 6:30 per kilometre, about 98 minutes of running. Plan your water before you leave, and know how the finish fits the rest of your day.

7. Frédéric-Back: a 20K across the parks

Distance: 20.32 km · Elevation gain: 78 m

Laurier, Père-Marquette, Frédéric-Back and Villeray parks. For runners already at ease with long outings. Bring your usual water and fuel, and know where you could cut it short. Training for a half? It's a little under 21.1 km.

Which route should you choose?

• Short, almost flat: Baldwin Park
• Near Mount Royal: Jeanne-Mance Park
• A morning 5K: Laurier Park
• A full 10K: Chemin des Carrières
• A long canal run: Lachine Canal
• About 15 km: Maisonneuve Park
• About 20 km: Frédéric-Back

The best one also depends on where you're staying. Compare your hotel with the route's real starting point.

Before you head out

• Open the full map. Check the start, the finish and the connecting streets.
• Check conditions. Construction, events, snow and ice can close sections.
• Allow extra time. The trip from your hotel and every crossing add up.
• Keep the first run easy. Learn the route before you time it.
• Plan the way back. Save your hotel's address and a ride home, especially on long runs.

Visiting Montréal? Make time to run

A run shows you a different Montréal, between meetings, sights and dinner reservations. In town for a race weekend or a full schedule? Your driver handles the rest: the airport, your hotel, the start line. Book your ride or see our airport transfers.