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Montrealers relish our fleeting warm months and stay outdoors as much as possible. Gyms are fine during the winter, but after the big chill is over, we want something a little, well, greener. Why else do people swarm onto every patch of grass in the city during their lunch breaks? But if you're looking for an outdoor activity that doesn't involve a terrasse and a pitcher, then try spending an afternoon hiking. Casual or beginner hikers can find plenty of good trails in one of our urban or nature parks, and these five spots are our favourites.

Mont Royal
Thirty kilometres of hiking trails wind through gorgeous forest, with a view of Montreal's skyline at the peak. The city seems extremely peaceful from up there. Olmsted Road is the main trail, and it's a leisurely hike to the top, at a fairly constant incline. The trail begins at the Georges-Étienne Cartier monument at the eastern base of the mountain, accessible from avenue du Parc. Several smaller and steeper trails veer off into the woods along the way for a more intense workout. You can also access the trails from Côte-des-Neiges or des Pins. Information: (514) 843-8240.

© Tourisme Montréal, Stéphan Poulin

Angrignon Park
Emerging from the Angrignon metro stop at the western tip of the green line, you'll find yourself steps away from one of the largest and most beautiful green spaces in Montreal. By car, it's south of Notre Dame along boulevard Angrignon or at the corner of boulevard des Trinitaires and de la Vérendrye. The park offers 10 kilometres of hiking trails around a large pond and into a tranquil forest. If you take the park's eastern pathway, you'll get a look at the huge community garden local residents plant and maintain every year. This one is perfect for novice hikers as there are no real climbs involved. Information: (514) 872-3066.

Cap Saint-Jacques
Montreal's largest nature park, at the northwestern tip of the island in Pierrefonds/Senneville, offers 26 kilometres of hiking trails. There are a number of different paths that wind through Sugar maple and Silver birch forests and around small coves. Take a break on the beach along Deux Montagnes Lake. There's also an organic farm, and the park hosts tons of organized activities and programs. This is a fantastic choice for family hikes and nature observation walks. Information: (514) 280-6871.

© Tourisme Québec

Mont Saint-Bruno Park
If you're looking for a day-long hiking trip or just want to get further out of town, try Mont Saint-Bruno. Drive about 15 kilometres from Montreal, and you'll find yourself along one of several trails (that vary in length) that wind around five lakes. Stop at the arboretum and apple orchard, and be on the lookout for hawks, Peregrine falcons, bluebirds and Belted Kingfisher. Roundtrip hikes can take up to five hours, so pack a picnic lunch and wear comfortable shoes. Information: (450) 653-7544.

Mont Saint-Hilaire
A little further south and you nearly double the height of Mont Saint-Bruno. The 415-metre-high Mont Saint-Hilaire offers 25 kilometres of trails to explore, and a 2.6-kilometre hike will bring you to the peak, where you're rewarded with a gorgeous panoramic view of the surrounding area. Along the way, you'll see 400-year-old trees, more than 600 plant species and over 40 different types of animals, including white-tailed deer and flying squirrels. The park is also a migratory bird refuge, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve - the first in Canada, actually. Information: (450) 467-1755.

The Montreal Hiking Group (http://hiking.meetup.com/77/) organizes group hiking excursions. And if you don't have a car, don't worry - they also carpool for those without access to some of the further hiking sites.