The 234m (768 ft.) Mount Royal, or Mont Royal in French, lies to the north of downtown Montreal. The tree-covered hill is near McGill University and is part of the Mount Royal Park—a wooded escape from the city with great views of the St. Lawrence River.
Getting to Mount Royal Park
Visitors can walk, bus, taxi or drive to Mount Royal Park, which is loosely bound by the streets Chemin de la Côte Neiges, Avenue Cedar and Avenues des Pines, Avenue du Parc, and Chemin Remembrance. The park is a 4km (2.5 mile), uphill walk from historic downtown town, while transit users will take the metro to the Mont-Royal station then hop the number 11 Montange bus.
Mount Royal Park or Parc du Mont-Royal
Mount Royal sits in at the northern end of the unique urban green space of Mount Royal Park. Stone steps and winding roads climb the hills into the park, leading to great viewpoints that overlook the city landscape of Montreal.
In the southern end, lies Beaver Lake—the largest body of water in the park. Head here for the restaurant, washrooms, and a stroll around the quiet water. Then amble through the sculpture garden en route to Smith House, a historic farmhouse that recalls 1858 rural architecture.
The most popular viewpoint in Mount Royal Park remains the Kondiaronk Belvedere at the eastern edge. Pause on the terrace to admire views of downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River.
In the northern end of the park visit the 234m summit of Mount Royal and the nearby Mount Royal Cross—a 30m glowing symbol of faith. The cross has deep historical roots having been erected by 1924 as a tribute to the cross the Governor of the Island raised in 1643 when Montreal was saved from a flood. The colored lights can change from white, to red, to blue, to purple. Purple is used when mourning the death of a Pope and when a new Pope is elected.
To the west of the park woodlands lie massive cemeteries that are as large as the park itself. The largest is the Roman Catholic cemetery, but there are also non-denominational and Jewish cemeteries.
Activities in Parc du Mont-Royal
There are lots of ways to enjoy the fresh air, natural beauty, and cultural events in Mount Royal Park:
- Ski the more than 20km (12.5) of cross-country ski trails
- Attend a Sunday Mount Royal tam-tam jam (May to September), which welcomes drummers and dancers
- Admire the city lights or the downtown skyline from the Kondiaronk Belvedere
- Stroll through the sculptures of the International Sculpture Symposium
- Eat at the restaurant overlooking Beaver Lake
- Watch for gray squirrels scampering throughout Mount Royal Park
- Walk the many trails of the park
- See what color lights illuminate the Mount Royal Cross
- Climb to the 234m peak of Mount Royal
- Ride in a horse-drawn carriage
- Visit nearby McGill University, Université de Montréal, Mount Royal Cemetery, or Saint Joseph’s Oratory
Whatever the season in Montreal, Mount Royal Park is an oasis in this urban, historic, and cultured city that provides a beautiful day outside to locals and visitors alike.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
