Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Montreal for a day? Whilst the city has no shortage of charm, sometimes you just need a dose of fresh air, gentle greenery, and a quiet path to stretch your legs. If you want a countryside outing without tackling steep, exhausting mountain climbs, we have found a wonderful hidden gem for you.
Located just an hour and a half’s drive from central Montreal, the VéloRoute d’Argenteuil is widely known amongst locals as a cycling trail. However, on a recent morning walk, we decided to explore a section of it entirely on foot—and it turned out to be a super easy walking route!
Spanning flat, beautifully paved paths shaded by trees and running parallel to the scenic Ottawa River, this trail offers a delightful mix of nature and 19th-century history. Here is our personal experience and everything you need to know to enjoy this easy day trip from Montreal.
🇯🇵 この記事を日本語で読む: 【モントリオール発・日帰り】車で1時間の穴場！19世紀の歴史と自然を歩く「VéloRoute d’Argenteuil」絶景ハイキングガイド
How to Get There from Montreal & Parking Information
Getting here from Montreal is very straightforward, making it an ideal destination for a hassle-free day trip:
- Driving from Montreal: The trail is located roughly 80 km west of central Montreal. Depending on traffic, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes by car via Autoroute 13 N and Autoroute 50 W.
- Our Starting Point & Parking: The VéloRoute d’Argenteuil network covers a vast area, but we parked in the Brownsburg-Chatham area along the northern bank of the Ottawa River. We drove down Montée St-Philippe to the very end where it meets the river, and left our car at the small riverside parking area.
- Walking Direction: From the parking lot, we set off on foot heading east towards Boisé multiressource Von Allmen, enjoying a leisurely 10 km return walk before turning back.
- Distance & Terrain: Roughly 10 km return (as a straight line path, you can easily turn back whenever you like). The route is completely flat and smoothly paved—standard walking shoes or trainers are perfectly fine, no heavy hiking boots required!
Why Exploring This Trail on Foot Is Worth It
While cyclists enjoy whizzing through the green canopy, walking this trail gives you a completely different perspective.
- Time to absorb the surroundings: Walking allowed us to pause whenever we liked, take in the river views, and read the heritage boards scattered along the path.
- A peaceful green tunnel: The tree-lined path offers a soothing canopy of shade and crisp morning air, making it a brilliant spot to unwind.
- Great trail amenities: We were pleasantly surprised to find well-maintained wooden picnic tables and clean toilet facilities along the route, making it very easy to stop for a rest or a packed lunch.
Stepping Back in Time: 19th-Century History Explained
One of the highlights of our walk was discovering that this tranquil nature trail follows crucial historical transport corridors.
Information boards are placed along the path, though they are written entirely in French. If you do not read French, do not worry—here is a quick summary of the fascinating history you are walking through:
- The Carillon & Grenville Railway (1850s): One display (Histoire du Chemin de Fer) details the railway built in 1854. A steam locomotive named “Ottawa” once chugged along a 21 km stretch here, connecting Carillon to Grenville in just 30 minutes. It was designed to bypass river rapids and connect passengers travelling by steamboat between Montreal and Ottawa. Intriguingly, it originally used an unusually wide broad-gauge track!
- The Carillon Feeder Canal System: Another board (Historique du Chenal d’Alimentation) explains the engineering feat behind the 1830s Feeder Canal. Built by the Royal Staff Corps, this channel fed water into the main Carillon Canal to maintain navigable water levels for commercial boats and steamers, serving as a vital trade artery for inland Canada.
Essential Tips from Our Early August Walk
Having walked this trail in early August, here are two practical pieces of advice to make your trip as comfortable as possible:
- Bring strong insect repellent:Because the trail is flanked by water on both sides, mosquitoes were out in full force during our August visit. We strongly recommend applying a good bug spray and wearing light, long-sleeved clothing to keep the insects at bay.
- Prepare for sunny patches:Although the trail is mostly shaded by lush foliage, there are a few open stretches where the tree cover clears. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen if you are sensitive to the sun.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Walk
If you wish to make a full day of your excursion, there are a few lovely spots nearby worth checking out before or after your hike:
- Tour d’observation: A nearby observation tower offering elevated views over the surrounding landscape and water.
- Parc municipal de Carillon: A pleasant waterfront park ideal for a relaxing picnic by the river.
- Passerelle Desjardins: A picturesque footbridge area that adds a nice touch to the local scenery.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Day Out from Montreal
If you are visiting Montreal and want an authentic, uncrowded taste of Quebec’s countryside and history, walking a section of the VéloRoute d’Argenteuil is a brilliant choice. It is flat, accessible, rich in history, and offers a refreshing break from the city.
Pack some water, slap on some bug spray, and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the historic Ottawa River!
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