The West Island has so many beautiful trails to choose from for a special walk with your four-legged friend. Here are some pet parent-approved spots to enjoy this spring break.
Terra Cotta: This popular wooded area in Pointe-Claire is a relatively easy circuit to walk. Leashed dogs are permitted, and there is a fenced dog run next to the chalet where dogs can run freely.
Surrey Park: This generously-sized dog run is right next to the Dorval airport and an area where dogs can run off-leash. It's a popular destination if your dog enjoys playing with friends or plane-watching.
Bois-de-Liesse Nature Park: This is a well-loved area in Pierrefonds-Roxboro for winter activities such as cross-country skiing, road biking, and snowshoeing, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Loop of the Pitfield Fields is a 9 km trail open year-round, and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Beaconsfield Golf Course: Cross-country skiing trails have been laid out along a 2km circuit at the golf course. This activity is reserved for Pointe-Claire residents on presentation of a MULTI Card. The trail entrance is via Cartier Avenue. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the walking trail.
Guides Canins: The facilities of St-Lazare canine training centre Guides Canins also offers a total of 5 km of trails for running your dog or skijoring. Inquire at (450) 424-1469 for information pertaining to fees.
PHOTO: Guides Canins
Cap St-Jacques: 330 hectares in area; the Cap-Saint-Jacques nature park is the largest in Montreal. It houses a sugar shack and two heated cabins. If you're looking to get active, there are trails for snowshoeing (5 km), hiking (7 km), cross-country skiing (14 km), and fatbike cycling (6.5 km). Athletes can also take advantage of an equipment rental service. Don't miss the historic buildings during your walks: the Thomas-Brunet house and the Château Gohier. Dogs are permitted if on a leash.
PHOTO: Grands parcs Montréal
SOURCE: Ville de Montréal
Morgan Arboretum: **Note that the dogs allowed to walk the trails are restricted to members whose dogs have been evaluated and registered with the administration.** The Morgan Arboretum is a 245-hectare forest reserve in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue that has been part of McGill University's Macdonald Campus since 1945.
The trail network allows for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in season. The daily fee to enter the site can range from $4.50 to $9.
PHOTO: Facebook, Friends of the Morgan Arboretum
SOURCE: McGill University
Bois-de-L'Île-Bizard Nature Park: Rich in a great diversity of ecosystems, the Bois-de-L'Île-Bizard nature park includes several hiking trails (7 km) as well as cross-country ski (7 km) or snowshoeing trails (12 km). As per most regulations, dogs must be leashed.
PHOTO: Tourisme Vaudreuil-Soulanges
SOURCE: Tourisme Vaudreuil-Soulanges
Parc-Nature Harwood: The former Harwood Golf Course is located at the western end of Vaudreuil-Dorion. Harwood Nature Park trails are great for a walk with your pet, and the dog exercise area will surely be a hit with your furry friend. Sports equipment rental is offered on-site, and the welcome pavilion is open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm for a shelter to take a well-deserved break.
