5 Free or Low-Cost Activities to Do in Haut-Richelieu This Summer
Want to get out and about, be active, or just unwind without breaking the bank? Whether you’re on your own, with a partner, or with the family, we know that ideas can sometimes be hard to come by. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are five low-cost or free activities to enjoy in the Haut-Richelieu region, perfect for making the most of the coming summer.
The Chambly Canal Trail
Stretching over 20 km between Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Chambly, the Chambly Canal bike path—affectionately known locally as the “Canal Trail”—is part of the national cycling network La Route Verte and remains a must-see in the region. Don’t worry if you’re not really the cycling type: pedestrians are just as welcome!
Located between the Richelieu River and the Chambly Canal, the Canal Trail offers stunning scenery along its entire length.
A special mention goes to the stretch on Île Sainte-Thérèse, a particularly wide section that allows cars, bikes, and pedestrians to share the space comfortably. In short, it’s the perfect activity to enjoy alone, as a couple, in a group, or with the family!
Mount Saint-Grégoire
Mont Saint-Grégoire is OUR mountain, a defining feature of our landscape.
Located in the municipality of Mont-Saint-Grégoire, it offers a view from the summit that takes in Montreal and even the mountains of Vermont!
It’s a modestly sized mountain (well, at least it’s taller than Mont Saint-Bruno and Mount Royal!), but what we love most is that it’s a very accessible challenge—perfect for a solo outing, a trip with a partner, or a small family.
Centre-de-Plein-Air-Ronald-Beauregard
Located in the Saint-Eugène neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, this massive 32-hectare park is a popular gathering spot for local youth and families on beautiful summer afternoons!
In fact, the park—which some people here mysteriously call the OTJ (a quick internet search reveals that OTJ stands for “Operation Playgrounds”! )—is brimming with activities: play structures for children, water play areas for toddlers (and even older kids!), beach volleyball courts, picnic tables, a dog park…
Some equipment can even be rented for free on site, and for just a few dollars, you can also rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards. In short, it’s impossible to get bored at the Ronald Beauregard Outdoor Recreation Center!
As an added bonus for moms and dads, alcohol is allowed in the park—as long as it’s with a meal! What more could you ask for?
Quai Ryan
Quai Ryan, a recreational and tourist park located in Sainte-Anne-de-Sabrevois, is undoubtedly one of our hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting with family or just enjoying the area on your own, there’s something for everyone here!
There is a relaxation area with hammocks, an obstacle course for kids (a small wooden play structure set in the great outdoors that tests balance and agility), and even access to fishing, which is very popular in the area.
That said, what’s most impressive is undoubtedly the Fun’Quai (Alo Richelieu): a water play area set right in our Richelieu River! It’s sure to keep the kids active!
For just a few dollars, you can also rent various items of equipment, such as electric bikes, fishing zodiacs, and electric paddleboards.
For moms and dads, if the vibe on the other side of the river gets too tempting (hello, Marina St-Tropez in Saint-Blaise-sur-Richelieu!), Alo Richelieu even offers a shuttle to cross the river. You have to admit, it really rounds out the outing!
The Parulines Nature Park
The Parulines Nature Park is a free public park located in the Acadie neighborhood of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
It is striking for the wide variety of habitats found across its 26 hectares: wooded areas, wetlands, and a pond, among others, coexist harmoniously there.
With its 3.2 km of trails, the park is perfect for a quick solo outing to recharge your batteries, or for an easy stroll with young children.
We especially love how accessible it is, since it’s located right in the heart of the city, as well as the sense of calm and well-being we feel once we’ve finished the course… as if we’d just treated ourselves to a complete immersion in nature, right here at home.
In short, you don’t have to go far (or break the bank) to unwind and make wonderful memories! The Haut-Richelieu region is full of accessible, welcoming, and surprising places where you can get active, relax, and enjoy the summer to the fullest.
Whether by the water, at the summit of our mountain, in a bustling park, or on a peaceful trail, every outing reminds us just how rich and vibrant our corner of the world is.
This summer, rediscover the joy of exploring your own region… and let yourself be charmed by the Haut-Richelieu, right here at home.
