Ready for an underrated adventure, Montreal? This small, provincial park between Pointe-Calumet and Saint-Placide boasts stunning views of the Lac des Deux Mountains, and plenty of unique wildlife to observe. Best of all? The park is the epitome of ‘nature meets history,’ with over 400 years worth of culture, history, and changing landscapes to offer Park visitors.

Hiking enthusiasts can journey through the famed Oka Calvary Trail, which takes you to seven 18th-century chapels and shrines – remnants of the area’s historic Catholic traditions.

As well, visitors can explore an extensive network of hiking trails through the park’s wetlands, which are home to spectacular blue herons (and their breeding grounds).

Come wintertime, snow shoeing and sledding are the activities of choice, while summer visitors can enjoy supervised swimming in the lake, kayaking, canoeing, and biking opportunities.

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oka national park
Photo via Shutterstock

And since the park is just a short drive away from Montreal, there’s no reason why you can’t add this spot to your list of last-minute long weekend trip ideas!

So there you have it, Montreal. A stunning slice of the province’s history awaits.

Oka National Park (Parc National d’Oka) 

Where: Oka, Quebec

Information on Oka National Park is from the Sépaq and is accurate as of the publication date.