We love discovering places where adventure meets tranquility, and this time, we headed back to Parc des Sept Chutes. The plan? A mini adventure to hike the Mont Brassard loop, known for its scenic viewpoints. But this wasn’t going to be a breezy walk in the park – an extreme heat warning was in full effect.
Still, our B&B was booked, vacation days were confirmed, and we were ready to go. Just the two of us this time – Maxim was off on his own grand adventure with school, exploring Costa Rica!
Day 1: A Quiet Arrival and an Evening Hike
We packed light and hit the road around 3 PM for the 2-hour drive. It was an easy ride, and we arrived right on schedule at 5 PM. Our host at the B&B was incredibly welcoming, offering tips for our stay. We were the only guests that night, which gave us the entire common space to enjoy. Peaceful and quiet – just the way we like it.
Our host suggested a short evening hike along the river to see some rapids. So, around 6:30 PM, we hit the trail. Within 40 minutes, we reached the rapids, but not without a battle – the mosquitoes and tiny flies were relentless, even with repellent. The sounds of the frogs, though, were unforgettable. Deep, loud, and like nothing we’d ever heard. We made it back by 7:30 PM, covering just 3.4 km – enough to get our legs moving for the big day ahead.
Day 2: Mont Brassard Hike in the Heat
Breakfast was at 7 AM – hearty and satisfying – and we were off to the park to start our main hike. When we arrived, only two cars were in the parking lot. One belonged to a park worker, and the other to a camper. Yes, you can backpack camp in this park – something to consider for the future!
After paying the $10 entrance fee per adult, we started the Mont Brassard loop. The heat was already intense, and the humidity made it feel like hiking in a sauna.
The trail starts along the river, tempting us to just jump in and cool off. But we kept going. The path follows a series of waterfalls and rapids, winding its way up to a peaceful lake. Normally, this would be an easy hike, but under the scorching sun, every step felt heavier. The section between the cascades and the first viewpoint was particularly tough. Not steep – just sweltering.
But the reward came quickly. The first official viewpoint is, in our opinion, the best of the hike. You get sweeping views of the lake below, and it’s blessed with shade in the morning. A light breeze made all the difference. While the other viewpoints were beautiful too, that first one stole the show.
On the way down, we took a short detour to a small shaded waterfall. The trail here is elevated and surrounded by trees – pure bliss after the heat.
The Search for a Swim
Back at the parking lot, one thought dominated: where can we cool down? There was no river access near the lot, so we turned to Google Maps and found a potential swimming spot 11 km away. But once we arrived, there was no real access to the water. Disappointed but determined, we continued down the road and spotted a small pull-off. From there, we found a trail to the river and jumped in for a quick, refreshing dip. Relief – even if short-lived.
Next stop: the local grocery store. We stocked up on some local beer and easy dinner items (and soaked up some blessed A/C). But the real win came when our host recommended a beach on a nearby lake – and she happened to be heading there too! She picked us up on the way with her grandkids, saving us from figuring out how to find the hidden entrance.
The lake near the B&B was beautiful, big, and – most importantly – cool. We swam, relaxed, and tried our best to ignore the biting horseflies. Despite the bugs, the cool water and the kindness of our host were the perfect way to end the day.
Day 3: Chute-à-Bull Surprise
After another satisfying breakfast the next morning, we packed up. But I wasn’t quite ready to end the adventure. On a whim, we added one more stop: Chute-à-Bull. I didn’t research it beforehand, assuming it was a roadside waterfall. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
After paying the park fee, we learned we’d need to hike to reach the falls. So we embraced it and did the full Sentier du Belvédère loop. It was a pleasant walk through the woods with river views, a covered bridge, wooden staircases, and a final climb to a hilltop pavilion with views over Saint-Côme. There’s even a cabin you can rent near the top!
On the way down, we joined others near the base of the 18-meter waterfall for one final swim. And wow – that water was refreshing. There’s just nothing better than cold, fresh water on a hot summer day.
Final Thoughts
What started as a simple weekend hike turned into a mini adventure filled with waterfalls, heat waves, hidden swimming spots, and kindness from a local host. If you’re up for hiking close to Montreal, Mont Brassard loop at Parc des Sept Chutes is a rewarding trail with unforgettable views. And if you’re seeking a quick cool-down – make time for Chute-à-Bull. It’s worth the extra stop.
We loved this trip so much that we created a detailed itinerary for you to follow. You can download it here!
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