6 Hikes to Discover by Train in the Québec City–Windsor Corridor

Why not go hiking during your train trips to major cities!

This initiative, led by Destination Canada—the country’s national tourism marketing organization—aims to encourage more sustainable, slower, and more meaningful ways to travel, with a deeper connection to the places you visit.

We’re suggesting 6 hiking routes starting from stations along the Québec City–Windsor corridor.

1 – Toronto – Toronto Islands Loop – 13,3 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Destination Toronto

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands offer an immediate respite from the city skyline. From Union Station, you can walk to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and then cross Lake Ontario in just a few minutes.

Once there, gentle paths await. The trails connect Ward's Island, Centre Island, and Hanlon's Point, winding through beaches, parks, meadows, and wooded areas. You can stroll at your own pace, with Toronto as your backdrop.

South of Centre Island, you'll find the pier, where you can admire the sailboats, and the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. To the west, Hanlon's Point Beach stretches out a wide strip of sand, perfect for a relaxing break.

The route can easily be adapted to your available time. Allow three to four hours for a complete walk, more if you plan to stop frequently.

Toronto Islands Loop | hike | Komoot

2 – Niagara Falls – Walking to Niagara Falls – 10,6 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Niagara Falls Tourism

The hike begins at the Niagara Falls GO Station (NIAG stop). You'll walk north to reach the White Water Walk, which offers a close-up view of the Niagara River.

You'll walk along a wooden boardwalk lined with interpretive panels that explain the canyon's formation and the power of the current. In a more natural and less crowded setting than the falls area, the trail follows the river to the Whirlpool Aero Car, suspended about 60 meters above the gorge.

In the second part of the route, the atmosphere gradually changes as you leave the White Water Walk. Continuing south, you'll see the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Although they are American, they are best admired from the Canadian side.

The roar of the water can be heard long before you see Horseshoe Falls. From Queen Victoria Park, the view of the horseshoe falls is direct and spectacular, regardless of the season.

This round-trip itinerary can be adapted depending on the time spent on visits and activities.

Walking to Niagara Falls | hike | Komoot

3 – Kingston – K&P Trail – 15,4 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Kingston Tourism

This hike follows a large portion of the K&P Trail, a former railway line converted into a multi-use trail. Remember to stay on the marked trails: some areas have been intentionally left in their natural state to preserve biodiversity.

The hike begins at Kingston VIA Rail Station. You'll soon reach the rural section of the K&P Trail, along a verdant path. Nature lovers might want to make a detour to the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area for panoramic views of the wetlands and peaceful forest trails.

The trail gradually approaches the water, becoming decidedly more urban beyond River Street. You'll see Kingston City Hall and Confederation Park, then follow the Kingston Waterfront with the marina in the background.

The urban section is entirely paved. Enjoy the vibrant city center with its many shops and restaurants before returning to the station by bus.

K&P Trail – Kingston | hike | Komoot

4 – Loop in Ottawa on the Rideau Canal – 15,5 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Ottawa Tourism

The hike begins at the Rideau Bus Station, right in the heart of Ottawa, a 30-minute walk from the VIA Rail station. A short stroll away, you'll reach the Canadian War Memorial and the Valiants Monument, which pay tribute to fourteen key figures in Canadian military history through life-size sculptures.

From the bridge, you'll have a clear view of the eight locks of the Rideau Canal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 19^th-century canal is still alive with activity in the summer thanks to its hand-operated locks.

You'll then follow the multi-use path, shared with cyclists and runners, to Dow's Lake. After continuing a little further south, you'll cross over to return along the other side of the canal, passing through a wooded area and then Sylvia Holden Park.

The return journey is a leisurely stroll along the canal, leading back to the city centre. A visit to the ByWard Market allows you to get a feel for the atmosphere of the historic district before returning to Rideau Street.

Loop in Ottawa on the Rideau Canal | hike | Komoot

5 – Montréal - Nuns’ Island and Domaine Saint-Paul - 10,1 km

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Caroline Perron

Accessible in minutes from downtown Montreal thanks to the REM, the walk begins at the Île-des-Sœurs station. You quickly reach the trail that runs alongside the St. Lawrence River and circles the island, offering open views of the water and a glimpse of the Lachine Rapids.

The first stop is at the Rotunda, on the esplanade at Pointe-Nord, facing the Samuel-De-Champlain Bridge. The panorama is unobstructed and gives a sense of the river's scale. You walk along the western part of the island, at the water's edge. Further south, Maynard-Ferguson Park marks the island's tip and offers another spectacular viewpoint.

You then enter Domaine Saint-Paul, a protected woodland classified as an exceptional forest ecosystem. Boardwalks and trails cross marshes, streams, and clearings. A true migratory stopover, the site is home to remarkable biodiversity.

The return journey is made via the pedestrian paths of the residential heart, between inland lakes and new towers.

Nuns' Island and Domaine Saint-Paul | hike | Komoot

6 – Québec City - Marais-du-Nord nature reserve walk – 5,24 km

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Credit: Axelle Saint-Clair

Easily accessible from Québec City, the Marais-du-Nord (Northern Marshes) offer a verdant escape around Lake Saint-Charles. The well-marked trails allow for easy exploration of the reserve, alternating between marshes, forests, and open viewpoints.

The trail passes through several iconic sections. The Marais and La Tourelle trails lead into the heart of the wetlands, with boardwalks and observation platforms ideal for photographing birds and landscapes. Along the Méandres (Meanders) trail, you follow the calm waters of the Rivière des Hurons, the lake's main tributary.

More forested, the Roche-Plate and L’Éperon trails reveal a remarkable diversity of plant life and some geological features, including moraines and erratic boulders. The Sapinière trail, short but immersive, winds through a small, dense forest. Finally, La Baie (The Bay) trail leads to a more secluded area dotted with archaeological sites.

This is a very pleasant walk, perfect for wildlife observation and photography. One piece of advice: take the time to observe and listen. There is an entrance fee.

Marais-du-Nord nature reserve walk | hike | Komoot