I'm having trouble finding easy to understand information on running routes in Montreal and Quebec City. I need to do 2 long runs (one a 20 miler) while we are on vacation. As a tourist, we are staying in the heart of the "old city" in both places and at least a few sites indicate running routes that seem to be more outside the city. My knowledge of the geography of both these places is much worse in comparison to our trip to Paris last year where I could more easily picture where to go. Can anyone help me with parks or river paths (that seems the most likely from what I've found so far) that are good spots for runners? Thanks so much!
Running In Montreal and Quebec City
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I no longer run, but there are good choices close to the old cities in Montréal and Québec.
In Montréal, there is a multipurpose path along the old Lachine Canal starting right in the old city.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/qc/canallachine/activ/piste-path.aspx
In Québec, the Plains of Abraham, a national battlefield site, has many paths for walking and running. You can start near La Citadelle, and if you wish extend your run westward from the plains towards the Bois du Coulonge and beyond.
http://www.ccbn-nbc.gc.ca/_en/index.php
There are many many miles of bike/rollerblade paths throughout the city of Montreal that are often used by runners. The Lachine canal is a good suggestion. Also seek out the Lachine Rapids trail along the river which is less heavily used, and is quite scenic. There are also miles of footpaths throughout Montreal's larger parks like Mt Royal, LaFontaine & Maisonvue. Of course you could always run along the long pedestrian promenade at the Old Port. Get the free Montreal tourist map which indicates all the bike trails. Just be aware that some of the downtown bike routes can get quite busy with bicyclists during rush hours.
Thanks! This is just what I need to get started looking at where to do. Really appreciate the help!
I really enjoyed my run along the Lachine Canal in Montreal. I also did a run from the old city up to the top of Mont Royal (though I did walk those steeper parts!). All in all I found Montreal to be a great city to run in as I was up early and the bike path was pretty open.
In Quebec, I did run along the river and then up to the Plains of Abraham. This was a little more difficult as I ended up on some trails and ended up doing loops on the track and running up and down the sidewalk in order to get the miles in that I needed. Beautiful scenery though and definitely a different kind of run than the flat canal run, so all in all a success. Thanks again for the help!
Maisonneuve, if you want to search for it...
Glad you enjoyed these great cities. We'll be heading up to Quebec's wince country in a few days for some biking and wine tasting.
We did wine tasting in Quebec as well. You'll certainly get more out of it if you like white wine. The biking should be great though. I wish we had had the time to do that- beautiful countryside. We stayed in Sutton which was good but if we went back I think I'd do the wine touring and then stay in North Hatley. We just drove through that town and thought it very nice. Have a great trip!