Best Hikes in the Laurentides: 10 Trails by Skill Level
The best hikes in the Laurentides range from one-hour family loops with waterfalls to full-day climbs with 600 metres of elevation gain. Beyond the well-known national park, the region is full of regional parks, community-run mountains and quiet ridges with views over lakes and the Laurentian hills. Here are ten trails sorted by skill level, with distances, elevation and practical tips for 2026.
Quick answer: For an easy outing, walk the Calvaire d’Oka (4.4 km) or the Rivière-du-Nord waterfall loops in Saint-Jérôme. For a moderate half-day, climb Mont King in the Val-David–Val-Morin regional park (about 5.5 km). For a real challenge, hike Mont Tremblant via La Vertigo (about 12 km, 650 m gain) or the Abri de l’Aube route at Montagne du Diable (about 14 km).
The 10 trails at a glance
| Trail | Where | Distance | Elevation gain | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivière-du-Nord loops | Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord, Saint-Jérôme | 3–5 km | Minimal | Family |
| Sentier des cimes Laurentides | Mont-Blanc | About 2 km | Very slight | Family, stroller-friendly |
| La StoneHaven | Parc régional de Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts | About 3 km | Slight | Family |
| Calvaire d’Oka | Oka National Park | 4.4 km | About 210 m | Easy |
| Montagne Verte loop | Labelle | About 4.5 km | About 200 m | Easy |
| Mont King (Mont Condor loop) | Val-David–Val-Morin regional park | About 5.5 km | About 300 m | Intermediate |
| Mont Onontio | Domaine Saint-Bernard, Mont-Tremblant | 6–8 km | About 300 m | Intermediate |
| Mont Kaaikop | L’Interval coop, Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides | About 6 km | About 350 m | Advanced (steep) |
| Mont Tremblant via La Vertigo | Tremblant resort | About 12 km | About 650 m | Advanced |
| Abri de l’Aube | Parc régional Montagne du Diable, Ferme-Neuve | About 14 km | About 600 m | Advanced |
Distances are round trip and approximate; operators sometimes reroute trails for erosion control.
Family hikes: short, flat and fun
Rivière-du-Nord regional park (Saint-Jérôme)
Wide, mostly flat paths follow the river past footbridges and the Wilson falls. Loops of 3 to 5 km make it perfect for young children, and it is the closest real nature outing for anyone arriving by train in Saint-Jérôme.
Sentier des cimes Laurentides (Mont-Blanc)
A boardwalk climbs gently through the treetops to an observation tower with a 360° view. It is accessible to strollers and people with limited mobility, and it is spectacular during fall colours. Admission is charged.
La StoneHaven (Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts)
A short, varied loop through a sunny forest to a lakeside lookout, ideal for a morning walk before a swim at Lac des Sables.
Easy hikes with a view
Calvaire d’Oka
This 4.4 km trail in Oka National Park climbs past small stone chapels built by Sulpician missionaries in the 18th century to a lookout over Lac des Deux Montagnes. It is one of the most historic walks in Québec and easy enough for most families.
Montagne Verte (Labelle)
A 4.5 km loop through mature forest to an open view of the Labelle hills. It is a great sunrise or sunset hike and rarely crowded, and it sits right by the P’tit Train du Nord trail.
Intermediate hikes: the classic half-day
Mont King and Mont Condor (Val-David)
The Dufresne sector of the Val-David–Val-Morin regional park is the heart of Laurentian hiking and rock climbing. The loop over Mont King, ideally combined with Mont Condor, offers a steady climb, granite outcrops and views over the valley and Lac Amigo. Pair it with lunch in the village; see our Val-David travel guide.
Mont Onontio (Domaine Saint-Bernard)
Just outside Mont-Tremblant, Domaine Saint-Bernard is a quiet nature reserve with pine forests and loops of 6 to 8 km. The summit looks across to the Tremblant range, and crowds are much smaller than on the ski hill.
Advanced hikes: big climbs and long days
Mont Kaaikop
Managed by the L’Interval outdoor co-operative, Mont Kaaikop is short but steep, with about 350 m of elevation gain in 6 km. The summit gives one of the widest panoramas in the southern Laurentides.
Mont Tremblant via La Vertigo
The toughest way up the highest summit in the Laurentides, about 12 km round trip and 650 m of gain on technical terrain. Strong hikers can save their knees by taking the gondola down when it operates; check the resort’s schedule.
Abri de l’Aube (Montagne du Diable)
In the Hautes-Laurentides near Ferme-Neuve, this rugged 14 km route ends at a mountain hut with a sweeping view. Some hikers book a night in the park’s huts to break up the trip.
Note: the trails of Mont-Tremblant National Park, such as La Corniche and La Roche, are covered in our dedicated park guide.
Fees, access and parking
- Regional parks usually charge a daily access fee; expect roughly $5 to $12 per adult in 2026, often less for children. Some accept payment only online or at a kiosk.
- National parks (Oka, Mont-Tremblant) require a daily access fee per adult; children 17 and under get in free.
- Parking fills early on fall weekends. Arrive before 9 a.m. or hike on weekdays.
- Dogs are allowed on a leash on many regional park trails, but not everywhere. Check each park’s rules first.
Best season for each type of hike
| Season | Conditions | Best picks |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (May–June) | Mud season, black flies in late May and June | Rivière-du-Nord, Calvaire d’Oka |
| Summer (July–August) | Warm, long days, occasional storms | Mont Kaaikop, Abri de l’Aube, La Vertigo |
| Fall (mid-September–mid-October) | Peak colours, cool and busy | Mont King, Montagne Verte, Sentier des cimes |
| Winter | Snowshoes or microspikes needed | Domaine Saint-Bernard, Val-David regional park |
For snowshoe outings, see our cross-country skiing and snowshoeing guide.
Safety and trail etiquette
- Carry water, a headlamp, a map or offline GPS track, and a warm layer, even in summer.
- Cell coverage is patchy north of Sainte-Agathe and in the Montagne du Diable area.
- Stay on marked trails, pack out all garbage and keep dogs leashed.
- Respect fire bans and forest fire danger levels issued by the Québec government; check Québec’s outdoor fire-safety page in dry summers.
- Tell someone your route and expected return time on long hikes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest hike in the Laurentides?
Mont Tremblant, at about 875 m above sea level, is the highest summit in the Laurentides region. The Vertigo route is the most demanding way up.
Which Laurentides hike is best for beginners?
The Calvaire d’Oka and the Montagne Verte loop are short, well marked and rewarding. Families with young children will love the Rivière-du-Nord waterfalls.
Do I need to pay to hike in the Laurentides?
Most organized trails charge a modest access fee that pays for maintenance. A few municipal trails are free. Budget a few dollars to about $12 per adult.
When are the bugs worst?
Black flies peak from late May to late June, followed by mosquitoes in early summer. Wear long sleeves and bring repellent.
Can I hike in winter?
Yes. Many parks groom snowshoe trails, and popular summits are packed down after storms. Microspikes help on icy rock.
Conclusion
From the stone chapels of Oka to the rugged ridges of Montagne du Diable, the Laurentides offer a hike for every level. Pick a family loop for a relaxed morning, Mont King for a classic half-day, or Kaaikop and La Vertigo when you want to earn your view. Plan your weekend with our list of the best things to do in the Laurentides, and find a cozy base nearby on chalets.thelaurentides.com.