If you’re located in Montreal and have read the topic overview and introduction to mindfulness, discussing its meaning, practices, and related activities, go through this list of the best parks and green spaces in the area. You may find some hidden gems for taking a walk, meditating, practicing yoga, simply unwinding and relaxing, or even having a picnic. Montreal offers a plethora of serene parks and green spaces that are perfect for these activities. But even if you don’t practice mindfulness, the city has some great outdoor spaces that are worth a visit. Note that many of these parks are busy on weekends and especially during the summertime. Nonetheless, they offer great opportunities to sort of lose yourself in thought as you enjoy the moment. And you don’t have to travel far to experience it! So if you’re looking for more than just a scenic retreat but rather a sanctuary for rejuvenating your mind, body, and spirit through mindfulness, these parks may be ideal for you.
Mount Royal Park
The crown jewel of Montreal island parks, Mount Royal Park offers breathtaking views, peaceful trails, and quiet corners perfect for meditation. The park’s Kondiaronk Belvedere is a favourite spot for sunrise yoga sessions and mindful walks. Some parts get crowded with locals and tourists, especially during the summer but there are many options to just sit and experience your surroundings as well as walk or hike through the “mountain.”
La Fontaine Park
Located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, La Fontaine Park features scenic ponds, winding paths, and lush greenery. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a mindfulness practice session or a reflective stroll. Even though it’s in downtown Montreal, you can get a feeling of being in nature.
L’Île-de-la-Visitation Nature Park
This is a spacious nature park located in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville and Montreal-North boroughs of Montreal. The majority of the park is situated on Île de la Visitation, with the remaining area across from the island on the Montreal mainland. The two sections are connected by bridges. The paths are quiet and there are several noteworthy sites to take in such as the remnants of an old damn on one end, with a little restaurant nearby, and the viewing section of the large damn on the river. There are many birds, racoons, porcupines, foxes, and even coyotes (keep an eye out!). You can park in the parking lot or on the residential streets. There’s a main chalet with a washroom. Weekends and evenings get busier but it’s still a relatively secluded and quiet area.
Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park
Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park is a serene and expansive green space located in the northwest part of Montreal. A remarkable fact of this urban oasis is that it provides an ideal environment for practicing mindfulness and offers opportunities to connect deeply with nature, yet relatively few know about it. Yes, it gets busy but so many people who drive nearby have no idea of its existence. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Birdwatchers, in particular, frequent the park to observe migratory birds such as warblers, woodpeckers, and herons. During the spring and fall migration seasons, the park becomes a hub for spotting rarer species. Mindfulness activities in Bois-de-Liesse are enhanced by the soothing sounds of the forest, from the rustling leaves to the melodic calls of birds. The well-maintained network of trails meanders through lush woodlands, open fields, and wetlands, encouraging visitors to walk slowly, focus on their breath, and engage their senses fully in the surrounding environment. Along the way, you may also encounter frogs and turtles in the marshy areas or notice squirrels and chipmunks gathering food. The park has a chalet that serves as a welcome centre and rest area. There are picnic areas and observation points provide further opportunities to pause, enjoy the scenery.
Boucherville Islands National Park (“Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville”)
Located in the St. Lawrence River right over the bridge from Montreal, this is a breathtaking natural haven comprising several islands. The park is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the park’s extensive network of trails, ideal for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing in the winter. It is a sanctuary for various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching, especially during migration seasons. Canoeing and kayaking are also favoured activities, allowing visitors to navigate the serene waters and enjoy the park from a unique perspective. Boucherville Islands National Park is an ideal destination for mindfulness practice, offering serene picnic areas, informative interpretive panels, and countless opportunities to connect with nature. Imagine pausing in a tranquil setting, surrounded by the beauty of the islands, while observing the abundant wildlife, including the enchanting sight of hundreds of deer roaming freely. Whether you’re meditating in the peaceful surroundings, practicing mindful breathing under the shade of a tree, or simply taking in the natural beauty on a reflective walk, this park provides an inspiring blend of recreation and relaxation for anyone seeking to rejuvenate their mind and spirit. In some places, it can feel like you’re in a movie because of the surreal surroundings. (A note to avoid confusion about the name: It’s called a “Parc National” or “National Park” because the Quebec government tends to ignore that they are a province within Canada and pretends they are already their own country. Every other province would call this place a “Provincial Park”). The photo above is from this park.
Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park
You will find Bois-de-l’Île-Bizard Nature Park, located on Île Bizard , just over the bridge in the West Island of Montreal. It is a serene haven that is well suited for practicing mindfulness. It is quiet, away from city noise, and surrounded by lush marshes, forests, and tranquil waterfronts. This park practically begs you to slow down and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. As you walk along its well-maintained trails, you may encounter the gentle presence of beavers, herons gliding gracefully, or turtles basking in the sun. There are many opportunities to take a moment to pause and reflect.
Botanical Garden
One of the world’s leading botanical gardens, this expansive space offers themed gardens, serene ponds, and quiet areas that are perfect for meditation and contemplation. The Japanese Garden is particularly well-suited for mindfulness practices. Note that this is a heavily visited tourist destination and so it may be crowded at times.
Jarry Park
A vibrant urban park in the Villeray neighbourhood, Jarry Park offers a large green space, a large peaceful pond, and shaded areas for yoga and meditation. It’s a great spot for both active and passive mindfulness activities.
Angrignon Park
Located in the southwest of Montreal, Angrignon Park boasts large open fields, dense forests, and a picturesque pond. Its vast, peaceful environment is suited for practicing mindfulness and enjoying nature walks.
Jean-Drapeau Park (“Parc Jean Drapeau”)
Jean-Drapeau Park, located on two picturesque islands in the St. Lawrence River just across from Downtown Montreal, is ideal for practicing mindfulness and finding inner peace. With its trails, gardens, and waterfront views, the park provides a serene backdrop to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.
Maisonneuve Park
Adjacent to the Botanical Garden, Maisonneuve Park provides wide-open spaces, tree-lined paths, and peaceful settings. It’s a quiet place for meditation, picnics, and gentle walks.
Westmount Summit
A hidden gem, Westmount Summit offers a quieter, more secluded experience with panoramic views of the city. Its trails and lookout points provide a serene backdrop for mindfulness practices.
Des Rapides Park (“Parc des Rapides”)
Located along the Lachine Rapids, this park offers river views and wildlife. The sound of rushing water and the park’s natural beauty create a soothing environment for meditation and reflection.
Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
As Montreal’s largest park, Cap-Saint-Jacques offers a variety of natural landscapes, including forests, beaches, and wetlands. Its tranquility and natural diversity make it ideal for mindfulness and nature immersion. It is located on the far west end of the island of Montreal. There is also a small farm where you can visit the animals, as well as a beach.
Marcel-Laurin Park (The “Wooded Area”)
This is a smaller nature park that is essentially woods with paths. If you’re into nature and don’t want to go far to find it, including animals (dozens of species of birds, and many land animals), mushrooms, streams, and short bridges, this is a good place to try. There’s usually easy parking and you can do the entirety of its paths in one visit as the paths total around 2km. There aren’t many places to sit in the area so it’s more for walking.
Embrace the peaceful side of Montreal by exploring these beautiful parks and green spaces. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these spots offer great opportunities to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature.
A note on the names above. Some of the names are in English and some in French. This is partially because of my experiences with how people refer to these parks. For example, I don’t usually hear Jean-Drapeau Park but I do hear Parc Jean Drapeau, among English and (obviously) French speakers.
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