Things To Do
in Bois-des-Filion
Bois-des-Filion is a small suburban town on the north shore of the Rivière des Mille Îles, about 20–30 km northeast of downtown Montreal. It combines leafy residential streets, a scenic riverside park, and a quiet small-town centre with shops and community facilities. The town is popular with families and commuters who work in Montreal but prefer a quieter, greener setting.
Bois-des-Filion’s riverfront and nearby regional parks make it a pleasant base for outdoor activities year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the local bakery to sample traditional Quebec pastries and a fresh cup of coffee. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Bois-des-Filion, enjoying the charming architecture and well-kept gardens. Embrace the morning air with a visit to Parc du Ruisseau, where you can enjoy the tranquil sounds of nature.
Spend the afternoon exploring the central marketplace, where local artisans showcase their crafts and culinary delights. Treat yourself to lunch at one of the cozy bistros that offer a taste of regional delicacies. Consider renting a bike to travel along the scenic trails that surround the town, immersing yourself in the beautiful landscape.
As night falls, dine at one of Bois-des-Filion's renowned restaurants, known for their fresh and flavorful cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Rivière des Milles Îles, where you can marvel at the sunset reflecting off the water. End the day with a cozy drink at a local pub, enjoying the warm atmosphere and friendly conversation with locals.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a nearby café, fueling up for a day of adventure. Visit the local museum to delve into the rich history of Bois-des-Filion and the surrounding region. Discover the stories and artifacts that give insight into the heritage of this charming community.
Embark on a guided tour of the natural landscapes surrounding the town, where you can hike or partake in a wildlife spotting excursion. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic rest stops along the way, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning views. This afternoon is perfect for capturing the beauty of nature with photography.
Return to town for dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant, where sustainability meets flavor in every dish. Experience the warmth of local hospitality, interacting with chefs and staff who are passionate about their craft. Conclude your evening with a visit to a nearby theatre or cultural center, where you can enjoy a local performance or live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🛎️Taxi start + 5 km | $10-20 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $90-150 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $6-9 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, family-friendly community with riverfront and green spaces
- Close enough to Montreal for easy day trips while offering a relaxed pace
- Good outdoor recreation on the river and in nearby parks
- Strong local food culture with access to Quebec specialties
- Limited late-night entertainment and dining options within the town itself
- Public transit options are more limited than in central Montreal; a car is useful
- Winters are long and can be harsh if you’re not prepared
- Some attractions require a short drive to reach, so planning is necessary
Places to Visit in Bois-des-Filion
Visit one of these nice places.
River views, marshes, and waterfowl; excellent sunrise/sunset shots and reflections on calm days.
Charming small-town streetscapes, older homes and community buildings offering candid local life photos.
Panoramic viewpoints for photographing river traffic, changing seasons, and colorful fall foliage along the banks.
Wetlands, boardwalks and woodland trails in regional parks; great for nature and macro photography of plants and birds.
Food in Bois-des-Filion
Bois-des-Filion Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Quebec classic of fries, cheese curds and gravy — available at local diners (casse-croûtes) and pubs throughout the area.
Must-Try!
Savory meat pie typically found at bakeries and cafés, particularly around holidays but also sold year-round at some local bakeries.
Maple taffy, butter, and syrup from nearby sugar shacks — available seasonally in spring and year-round at specialty shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A nearby weekly market offering local produce, cheeses, baked goods and prepared foods — great for sampling local products and picnic supplies.
Seasonal food trucks and pop-ups appear near parks and community events offering tacos, poutines, sandwiches and local sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
French is the primary language — greeting with 'Bonjour' and using polite language is appreciated. Many locals are bilingual, but making an effort in French is respectful.
Be aware of local pride in Quebec culture and language. Conversations about politics or identity can be sensitive; be polite and avoid assumptions.
Respect quiet residential neighbourhood norms (especially in evenings) and clean up after picnics or outdoor activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bois-des-Filion
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping of 15–20% in restaurants is customary in Canada. For taxis round up or tip ~10–15%, and leave a small tip for baristas or salon staff if service is above average.
Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (tap) and mobile wallets are common. Small cash is useful for markets, small vendors and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Melting snow and rising river levels; maple season (sugaring) is a highlight with nearby sugar shacks. Expect cool, changeable weather and muddy trails early in the season.
Warm and humid summers with long daylight hours — ideal for kayaking, cycling and riverside picnics; community events and outdoor patios are common.
Crisp air and vivid fall foliage along the river and regional parks — a popular time for leaf-peeping and photography, with cooler evenings.
Cold, snowy winters ideal for skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; dress in layers and be ready for icy sidewalks and shorter daylight hours.
Bois-des-Filion at Night
Hiking in Bois-des-Filion
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Riverfront trails, boardwalks and wildlife viewing; ideal for easy hikes, paddling and birdwatching close to Bois-des-Filion.
Well-maintained trails through forests and dunes, viewpoints and a beach area on Lac des Deux Montagnes; good for hikes of various lengths and seasonal activities.
Long multi-use trail converted from rail line (sections are within day-trip distance) offering hiking, cycling and scenic countryside views; access points are a short drive away.
Network of smaller trails and green spaces on Laval (Île Jésus) and neighbouring islands for casual walks and nature exploration.
Airports
How to reach Bois-des-Filion by plane.
Primary international airport serving Montreal, about 25–45 minutes by car depending on traffic; multiple ground transportation options include taxis, ride-share, shuttle services and car rentals.
Located northwest of Montreal; now mainly used for cargo and some specialty flights — passenger services are limited, but it may be relevant for private or cargo operations.
Regional airport on the South Shore primarily serving general aviation and some regional flights; useful for private or charter flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority francophone population, many family households who commute to Montreal or work locally; strong community involvement in schools and recreation.
Professionals who travel to Montreal for work — the town is attractive for those seeking a suburban lifestyle near the city.
Stable community of long-term residents and retirees who value the quiet, green environment and local services.
The region has Indigenous history and nearby Indigenous communities and cultural sites in the greater Montreal area; local museums and cultural centres in the region can provide historical context.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant winter sport in Quebec — local rinks and youth hockey programs are widely supported and community-oriented.
Popular in warmer months with many youth teams and community leagues throughout the summer.
Road cycling, trail running and recreational riding along riverside routes and regional trails are common among locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bois-des-Filion.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available (salads, grain bowls, vegetarian poutines) at cafés and bistros; larger nearby towns and Montreal offer wider vegetarian and vegan choices.
Vegan options exist but may be limited in small local restaurants; bring snacks or head to nearby Sainte-Thérèse or Montreal for dedicated vegan eateries.
Gluten-free requests are commonly accommodated in cafés and bistros, but selection at small bakeries may be limited — ask staff and consider markets for packaged GF items.