Best Running and Jogging Paths for Families in Montreal

Run Together: Montreal's Best Family-Friendly Paths

Running is one of the simplest ways to stay active as a family. You don't need expensive equipment, memberships, or reservations — just shoes and a path. Montreal's extensive network of parks, waterfront paths, and urban trails makes it one of the best cities in Canada for family running, whether you're pushing a jogging stroller or training alongside your kids.

Top Stroller-Friendly Running Routes

Lachine Canal Path is Montreal's premier stroller running route. The 14.5 km paved path from Old Montreal to Lachine is flat, wide, and smooth — perfect for jogging strollers. The canal-side scenery is pleasant, there are washrooms at several points along the way, and you can stop at Atwater Market for a mid-run snack. The path is plowed in winter, making it one of the few year-round options.

Verdun Riverfront Promenade offers a beautiful 2.5 km paved path along the St. Lawrence River. It's flat, wide, and has stunning views of the Lachine Rapids. Several playgrounds along the route mean you can combine a run with a play stop. The path connects to the Lachine Canal, so you can extend your route as needed.

Parc Jean-Drapeau — the circuit around Île Sainte-Hélène is approximately 5 km of paved paths with gentle hills. The island setting means you're running surrounded by water and greenery, with views of the downtown skyline. Parking is available, and the island is accessible by metro.

Best Paths for Running with Kids

Mount Royal "Olmsted Loop" — the main path around the mountain (approximately 5.5 km) is a rite of passage for Montreal runners. It's hilly, so better for kids aged 8+ who have some running experience. The forest canopy provides shade in summer, and the lookout at the top is a natural turnaround point with a reward view.

Parc Maisonneuve in the Olympic Park area has a flat 2 km loop that's perfect for kids just starting to run. The adjacent Botanical Garden and Olympic Stadium provide visual interest, and the Parc olympique complex has washrooms and water fountains.

Parc Angrignon in LaSalle offers shaded trails through a mature forest, with a mix of paved and packed-earth paths. The 2-3 km loops are manageable for young runners, and the duck pond provides a good excuse for a walking break.

Getting Kids into Running

1. Make it fun, not training — for young kids, run-walk intervals with games and exploration are more engaging than structured runs
2. Set distance goals, not pace goals — celebrate completing a route, not speed
3. Run to a destination — "let's run to the ice cream shop" is more motivating than "let's run 2 km"
4. Join a family fun run — Montreal hosts several untimed family-friendly runs each year, including Défi Santé events and park fun runs
5. Use running apps designed for kids — apps like "Zombies, Run!" make running an adventure

Family Running Events in Montreal

• Tour de l'Île de Montréal fun runs during cycling festivals
• Défi Santé spring fun runs in parks across the city
• Terry Fox Run in September — a classic family tradition
• Halloween costume fun runs — several community organizations host these in October

Gear Tips

For jogging strollers, look for three-wheel models with pneumatic tires, a hand brake, and a wrist strap. BOB Revolution and Thule Urban Glide are parent-tested favourites. Always use the five-point harness for your child's safety.

Discover more outdoor activities for families in Montreal on FamiliQC.