Parc Frederic Back
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Parc Frédéric-Back

4.5
·1k reviews·Montréal, Canada

A vast urban park reborn from a former landfill, featuring unique art, expansive trails, and stunning sunset views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour for stunning views

CrowdMedium
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Parc Frederic Back

Parc Frédéric-Back

Best Time

Late afternoons

Golden hour for stunning views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast urban park reborn from a former landfill, featuring unique art, expansive trails, and stunning sunset views.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"It feels like your in another country outside of the city when your here."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Vast park with diverse paths; good walking/running shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Spheres

The iconic spheres are a must-see and photograph, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Spheres

The Spheres

Central area

Iconic, large spheres that harness landfill gas for energy. A symbol of the park's innovative environmental project.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Western viewpoints

Breathtaking panoramic sunsets paint the sky, offering a serene and picturesque end to your day.

Extraterrestrial Landscape

Extraterrestrial Landscape

Various vantage points

Unique undulating terrain and open fields create an otherworldly feel, perfect for peaceful strolls.

Skate Park & Sports Fields

Skate Park & Sports Fields

Designated activity zones

A large skate park and football fields cater to sports enthusiasts, adding an active dimension to the park.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Transformation

Discover a unique urban oasis born from a former landfill. Parc Frédéric-Back showcases an incredible environmental transformation, offering vast green spaces and artistic installations. Plan for a leisurely exploration of its expansive grounds.

Best Footwear for Exploration

With miles of walking, running, and biking paths, comfortable shoes are a must. The park's diverse terrain, from paved trails to grassy fields, means you'll want versatile footwear for a full day of enjoying the scenery and fresh air.

Best Times

When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for stunning views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

For the loners of Mtl, where do you walk?

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Vast park with diverse paths; good walking/running shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Spheres

The iconic spheres are a must-see and photograph, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

Parc Frédéric Back

reddit.com

Parc Frédéric-Back

🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome

Bring your furry friends along for a walk, but keep them on a leash. :dog:

🚲 Bike or Rollerblade

The park's extensive paved paths are perfect for cycling or rollerblading. :bike:

reddit.com

Hidden gems in Montreal (not restaurants/shopping)?

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Vast park with diverse paths; good walking/running shoes are essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Spheres

The iconic spheres are a must-see and photograph, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:

🐶 Leashed Dogs Welcome

Bring your furry friends along for a walk, but keep them on a leash. :dog:

🚲 Bike or Rollerblade

The park's extensive paved paths are perfect for cycling or rollerblading. :bike:

✈️ Plane Spotting

Enjoy the unique vantage point for watching airplanes fly overhead. :airplane:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Parc Frédéric-Back's stunning transformation from a landfill to a beautiful, expansive green space. Many highlight the unique 'Spheres,' breathtaking sunset views, and the peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. It's praised as an excellent spot for walking, biking, and enjoying nature within the city.

"Beautiful park in the heart of St Michel and Villeray. Located across the highway. It has lots of ground and roads for walkers, runners and bikers. It also has a pretty big skate park and several football fields for the sport lovers. The park is very well maintained and kept. I love biking or walking around the park."

Antibases Armizer

"very big and peaceful park to relax and an extraterrestrial feel like view. Also a great place to see a great amount of airplanes flying over the park. great for a walk or a bicycle ride."

DJ's Phone

"This is my favourite parc in Montreal, I love the sunsets, there is alot of activities with TUHU that are free, the flowers, the birds, everything is beautiful in this parc, it feels like your in another country outside of the city when your here.
I’m so happy that we have a place like this in Montreal to enjoy beautiful sunsets, taking a walk, running or even in bike, I suggets everyone to go in this parc! 💐🌻🌄"

Aizuki

What People Like

Unique environmental transformation
Beautiful sunset views
Peaceful and vast atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited amenities in some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Parc Frédéric-Back is located in Saint-Michel, accessible by car via Highway 40. Public transport options include bus routes that stop near the park. Check STM schedules for the most convenient routes. Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up. Reddit

Absolutely! The park has extensive bike paths and is connected to Montreal's cycling network, making it a great destination for cyclists. Reddit

Several bus lines serve the area around Parc Frédéric-Back. Consult the STM website or app for specific routes and schedules from your location. Reddit

From downtown Montreal, you can take Highway 40 East by car. Alternatively, a combination of metro and bus can get you there, though driving is often more direct. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Parc Frédéric-Back is a public park and entry is free for all visitors. You can enjoy its vast green spaces and amenities without any cost. Reddit

The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check official park information if you plan a very early or late visit. Reddit

As it's a public park, no advance booking or tickets are required for general access. You can visit anytime during its operating hours. Reddit

Yes, the park sometimes hosts free activities, especially during summer. Keep an eye on local event listings or park announcements for updates. Reddit

The park features paved paths and is designed to be accessible. However, due to its expansive nature, some areas might be more challenging. Inquire with park management for specific accessibility details. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key attractions include the iconic 'Spheres' (landfill gas energy collectors), vast open fields, walking and biking trails, a skate park, and sports fields. The unique landscape offers an 'extraterrestrial' feel. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are many open grassy areas perfect for spreading a blanket and enjoying a meal outdoors. Reddit

While there isn't a dedicated traditional playground, the vast open spaces and unique landscape offer plenty of room for children to run and play freely. Reddit

You can often spot various bird species, especially near any water features or grassy areas. It's a great spot for nature observation within the city. Reddit

Restroom facilities are available within the park, though their exact locations and operating hours might vary. It's good to be prepared. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'Spheres' are a unique subject, especially with the city skyline in the background. The rolling hills and open fields offer great landscape shots, and sunsets are spectacular. Reddit

Late afternoons, during the golden hour, provide beautiful lighting for photography. Sunsets are particularly stunning and offer vibrant colors. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can be strict in urban parks. It's essential to check with park authorities or Transport Canada for current rules and permits before flying a drone. Reddit

General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive views, and a telephoto lens is useful for distant subjects like airplanes. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parc Frédéric-Back is a fantastic destination for families looking for open space to explore. While there isn't a traditional playground, the vast grassy fields are perfect for kids to run, play tag, or have a picnic. The unique landscape can spark their imagination, making them feel like they're on an adventure. Encourage them to look for birds or watch the airplanes overhead. Reddit

Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities can be spread out. Comfortable shoes are a must for little legs that will be doing a lot of exploring. The park's accessible paths also make it manageable for strollers, allowing even the youngest family members to enjoy the outing.

🚴‍♀️ Active Adventurers

For those who love to move, Parc Frédéric-Back is a dream come true. The extensive network of paved trails is ideal for cycling, rollerblading, and running. You can easily spend hours covering miles of terrain, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views. The park's size means you can create varied routes to keep your workouts interesting. Reddit

Don't miss the dedicated skate park for a different kind of thrill. The open fields are also great for impromptu games of frisbee or soccer. It's the perfect place to combine your love for fitness with the beauty of an urban green space.

🧘‍♀️ Peace Seekers & Nature Lovers

If you're looking for a tranquil escape within the city, Parc Frédéric-Back offers a surprisingly peaceful environment. The vast, open fields and the unique, almost extraterrestrial landscape create a sense of calm and spaciousness. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, quiet contemplation, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature. Reddit

Visit during weekday mornings to experience the park at its most serene. The lack of crowds allows you to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings and appreciate the park's environmental transformation. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and recharge.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Environmental Marvel: From Landfill to Oasis

Parc Frédéric-Back is a testament to innovative environmental engineering. What was once a massive landfill has been meticulously transformed into a thriving urban park. This ambitious project not only beautifies the landscape but also addresses environmental concerns by capturing methane gas produced by decomposing waste. This gas is then converted into energy, powering nearby facilities and demonstrating a commitment to sustainable urban development. Visitors can learn about this fascinating process through informative signs scattered throughout the park. Reddit

The park's design cleverly integrates its past with its present. The iconic 'Spheres,' large structures that collect landfill gas, are a prominent feature and a symbol of this successful reclamation. Walking through the park, you'll notice the undulating terrain, a natural consequence of the landfill's structure, which now contributes to its unique, almost otherworldly aesthetic. This transformation is a source of pride for the community and an inspiring example of urban renewal. Reddit

Exploring the Vast Expanse: Trails and Activities

With its expansive size, Parc Frédéric-Back offers a variety of ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Miles of paved trails are perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. These paths wind through open fields, offering scenic views and a sense of freedom. The park's layout encourages exploration, making it easy to spend hours discovering its different sections. Reddit

Beyond the trails, the park features a large skate park that attracts enthusiasts of all levels. For team sports, several football fields are available, providing space for organized games or casual play. The sheer openness of the park also makes it an ideal spot for flying kites or simply enjoying a leisurely picnic on the grass. The diverse offerings ensure there's something for everyone, from the casual stroller to the dedicated athlete. Reddit

Capturing the Magic: Photography at Parc Frédéric-Back

Parc Frédéric-Back is a photographer's delight, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and striking modern art installations. The 'Spheres' are a particularly compelling subject, their industrial form contrasting with the surrounding greenery. They are best captured during the golden hour before sunset, when the light casts a warm glow and creates dramatic shadows. Reddit

The park's expansive, rolling landscapes provide a sense of depth and scale, perfect for wide-angle shots. The open fields also offer unobstructed views of the sky, making it an excellent location for sunset photography. Keep an eye out for the frequent airplane flyovers, which can add an interesting dynamic element to your photos. The park's unique topography and the juxtaposition of its past and present make for truly memorable images. Reddit

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