The trail running in Val-David is mainly prepared around the Val-David-Val-Morin Regional Park: hilly, wooded, marked terrain, perfect for working on climbs, descents and endurance in nature. Before leaving, the right reflex comes down to three actions: choose a route adapted to your level, consult the official trail conditions, then take your access ticket, because there is a charge for entry to the park.

From KM42, you are close to the Dufresne sector, the village and outdoor activities. This guide does not replace the official map or our guide to best hiking trails in Val-David : it helps runners prepare for a trail outing, a training weekend or a race like the Ultranza Trail.

To remember

  • Always check conditions before running: a trail may be closed, partial or not recommended.

  • Access to the park is chargeable: $10 per day for an adult, free for those aged 17 and under and for residents of Val-David and Val-Morin.

  • The reception chalets are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Outside these hours, tickets can be purchased online.

  • The Regional Park is interesting for trail running thanks to its peaks, its varied trails and its altitude difference.

  • The Ultranza Trail takes place on September 13, 2026 in the Far Hills sector and offers distances from 1 km to 50 km.

Val-David trail running: choose your terrain without recommending a closed trail

The Val-David-Val-Morin Regional Park as a training base

The Val-David-Val-Morin regional park presents trail running as a well-established activity in the sector. Its strength comes from variety: wooded trails, summits, short climbs and smoother sections depending on the season.

The park also indicates that the mountains have an average height difference of around 110 m. For a runner, this allows for a short but complete session: warm-up, controlled climb, careful descent, then cool down.

If you want to compare walking distances, levels and durations, consult our walking guide instead. hiking trails in Val-David or our article on hiking from Mount King to Val-David.

Adapt the route to your level and the terrain of the day

For a first trail outing, choose a short loop or a round trip that is easy to shorten. The idea is not to run fast, but to learn to read the terrain: roots, rocks, mud, narrow passages and descents where balance is as important as cardio.

For an intermediate runner, a good session can alternate between slow running, active walking uphill and controlled descent. Rhythm is better measured in time of effort than in pace per kilometer, because a wet or rocky path quickly slows down progress.

To prepare for a trail race in the Laurentians, gradually increase the duration and elevation gain. Avoid turning each outing into a maximum test: alternate hilly sessions, easy outings and active recovery, for example with our guide to visit Val-David on foot.

Check map, conditions and rules before each departure

The non-negotiable point: don't set off on a trail without checking the official conditions and the regional park maps. Conditions may change after rain, in spring, during construction or during an event. The conditions page covers the Dufresne sector in Val-David, the Far Hills sector in Val-Morin and the Mont Césaire and Mont Plante sector, with a status open, closed, partial, under maintenance or prohibited.

The Regional Park policies and regulations also remind you to stay in designated areas, respect signs and not take shortcuts. Even if a passage is muddy, going around the path widens the erosion and damages the flora. If you run with a dog, a leash is mandatory at all times.

Plan to pay access fees, according to the summer price list.
During your stay at KM42, have unlimited access to the Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park thanks to the included seasonal passes. Explore the many trails in complete freedom, without any additional access fees.
Residents of Val-David and Val-Morin obtain free access upon presentation of proof of residence. The reception chalets, at 1165 chemin du Condor for the Dufresne sector and at 5966 chemin du Lac-La Salle for the Far Hills sector, are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; outside these hours, the ticket can be purchased online before leaving.

In practice, always prepare a plan B. If a sector is closed or partial, choose a simpler outing, a walk, or an activity around the village using our guide what to do in Val-David during your stay.

Prepare your trail outing: equipment, effort and stay at KM42

Useful equipment for trail running in Val-David

To run on trails in Val-David, the equipment must above all help you to remain stable, visible and independent. Trail shoes with good grip are preferable to road sneakers if the ground is wet, rocky or covered with roots.

Also bring water, a snack, a charged phone, a light layer depending on the weather and an offline map if you use an app. The Regional Park mentions segments on Strava and suggestions on On Piste, but these tools supplement the official information, without replacing it.

If you run early in the morning or late in the day, add a headlamp and visible clothing. In a wooded area, the light fades quickly, especially in September and October. Then buy your ticket online before leaving or take advantage of the passes included in your accommodation, since the reception chalets close at 4:30 p.m.

Run slower, but manage the effort better

The trail requires a different logic from the road. In Val-David, short climbs can increase your cardio quickly, while descents work on the quadriceps, ankles and concentration.

A good rule is to walk before you are exhausted. On a steep climb, walking quickly can be more effective than running slowly and exhausting yourself. When going downhill, shorten your stride, look a few meters in front of you and keep your arms free for balance.

If your goal is more of a linear and rolling race, the intention is different: consult our guide to P’tit Train du Nord Marathon 2026 in Val-David, which covers the logistics of the linear track event without addressing the mountain trails.

Transform the outing into an outdoor weekend

The great advantage of Val-David is the ease of stay. You can run in the morning, come back and change, walk to the village, then eat without getting back in the car.

Consult thelocation of KM42 in Val-David where the chalets are in the heart of the village, near the Dufresne sector, nature and shops. For a runner, this proximity simplifies recovery: less transport, more time outside.

If you come in two or a small group, compare the options of KM42 chalets, then keep our guide where to eat in Val-David to choose a café, bakery, restaurant or microbrewery after training.

Ultranza Trail and other trail races in the Laurentians

Ultranza Trail: the trail event to know near Val-David

TheUltranza Trail is the trail event most directly linked to Val-David and Val-Morin. The fifteenth edition will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in the Far Hills sector of the Regional Park, at 5966 chemin du Lac-La Salle in Val-Morin.

The distances displayed range from 1 km to 50 km: 1 km, 2.5 km, 5 km, 10 km, 20 km, 30 km and 50 km. The 50 km is announced with 2,490 m of positive altitude difference, a real ultra mountain objective. Departures range from 5:30 a.m. for the 50 km to 12:30 p.m. for the 1 km, which allows a companion to attend a start, then return to the village before the runners return.

As of September 1, 2026, the 50 km is sold out on Race Roster and several other distances are approaching their limit. The registration deadline is September 11, 2026 and registrations are done online only, with no possibility of registering on site. For KM42, the angle remains the same: here, we are talking about trails, terrain, equipment, conditions and trail preparation; the marathon remains the owner of the linear race intention, start, bus and finish.

Other trail races in the Laurentians

To broaden the context without going off topic, here are the regional benchmarks. The Jackatrail is held on September 26, 2026 at the Montagne du Diable Regional Park, in Ferme-Neuve, with distances from 1 km to 65 km. However, allow for more than a two-hour drive from Val-David: it’s a weekend trip, not a local outing.

Closer, two meetings return each year. The Ozone Trail Race is run at Basler Park, in Morin-Heights, with formats from 1 km to 20 km; the 2026 edition took place on July 11 and the 2027 date has not yet been published. The Casting Races, in Prévost, offer courses of 5 km, 10 km and 15 km as well as youth distances of 1.5 km and 3 km; the 2026 edition was held on June 6.

In winter, theUltra-Trail Jack Rabbit returns to the Regional Park on February 19, 2027, with a 4-hour, 8-hour or 12-hour option for running or cross-country skiing. The event is limited to 100 participants and everyone commits to raising at least $250 for a local cause. These meetings are not the heart of the article: they show that Val-David is part of a real trail culture of the Laurentians, while keeping the main objective, preparing an outing or a stay.

Frequently asked questions about trail running in Val-David

Where to run on trails in Val-David?

The Val-David-Val-Morin Regional Park is the main reference for trail running in Val-David and Val-Morin, with its Dufresne, Far Hills and Mont Césaire sectors. Always consult the official map and the conditions of the day before choosing an area.

Do you have to pay to run in the Regional Park?

Yes. Daily access for hiking and running is $10 per adult, and free for ages 17 and under and ages 80 and over. A seasonal pass is offered for $65, and residents of Val-David and Val-Morin obtain free access with proof of residence. Outside chalet opening hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., tickets can be purchased online.
By choosing KM42 accommodation, your access to the Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park is already set! Use our seasonal passes to explore the regional park and surrounding trails at your own pace, as often as you like.


What equipment should you need for a trail outing?

Bring trail shoes, water, a snack, a charged phone, a layer suited to the weather and a headlamp if you run early or late. On wet or technical terrain, grip and caution count more than speed.

Is the Ultranza Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Ultranza Trail offers several short distances, including 1 km, 2.5 km and 5 km. A beginner should, however, choose a modest distance, check the official regulations and gradually train on hilly terrain. Registrations can only be done online, before the published deadline.

How do I know if a trail is open?

The only good reflex is to consult the Regional Park conditions page before leaving. Each sector is displayed as open, closed, partial, under maintenance or prohibited. If an area is not suitable, choose another route or alternative activity.

Conclusion

Trail running in Val-David is ideal for working on the terrain, discovering the Regional Park in a different way and preparing for a race like the Ultranza Trail. The right route always depends on your level, the weather and the actual condition of the trails: check the conditions, take your access ticket, leave equipped and keep a plan B.

To transform your outing into an outdoor stay, choose accommodation close to the park and the village. Discover the KM42 chalets in Val-David and prepare a simple weekend: run, recover, eat locally, then get back into nature.