Mont-Royal, Montreal

Favorite thing: What is great about this mountain of ours, in the middle of our island-city, is that we can find all sorts of little paths, that can give us the impression that we are outside of the said city, however wonderfully we might think of it...

Favorite thing: When going to the Mont-Royal, it is always pleasant to walk all the way to the Chalet and admire the view of downtown Montreal. Even if I was born and raised here, I still go to look at the view. Downtown, of course, but also the St-Lawrence River and the Monteregian Hills, which the Mount-Royal is also part of. Born 125 million years ago, so, relativelly young, but still, from when Europe and America were still joined.

Favorite thing: This is a big park where apparently Montrealers enjoy very much strolling and performing other activities, no matter what the season of the year is. It's located on the top of Mont Royal, there's a bus which takes you there and you can get off right in front of the entrance (it passes by every hour, approximately).

Far behind you can see what I think are some ski slopes (although very small), and I never got to know for sure if what you can see in front of them was a lake.... it looked like one to me, totally frozen of course, but I didn't get to confirm it (the park DOES have one but I remained really close to the entrance at all times and didn't get to explore much of it).

The park was totally deserted by the time I visited it but I think families must crowd it when the weather is nice and more outdoor activities can be performed - i.e. picnics, ball playing, kite flying, jogging, sun bathing, etc.! It must look beautiful in the spring/summer time, but even better in the fall when the trees become red-orange-yellow!

Fondest memory: You can see many kinds of birds and squirrels around! You really feel like you are out of the city while being inside the park! There are some nice houses in the surroundings -- the area in general is very peaceful and not crowded, at least by the time I was there.

Favorite thing: In the distance you can see the Leaning Tower of the Olympic Stadium from the 1976 Olympic games. It's pretty impressive looking especially at night when its lit up. We didn't have time to get a look up close though. Maybe next time!

Favorite thing: The climb to the top is a long one! We got a little sidetracked, as the stairs to the main trail were closed due to the snow, and we ended up going down the mountain before going up (don't ask me to be your guide anywhere, I have poor sense of direction!). Despite the cold and the snow, people were strolling along the trail, some were cross-country skiing, and as we neared the chalet there were throngs of people sledding down the side of the mountain. It was fun to watch, as some sleds were sophicated while others were pieces of plastic or just a cardboard box with string! The view at the top is beautiful, with a view of the city and the river.

Favorite thing: Have a look on the city from the Mont Royal. To go there : take the metro until Guy - Concordia then the bus (several lines).

Fondest memory: The park is very large and you have to climb by stairs to reach the belvedere.
Behind the belvedere, there is the Chalet, a nice 19° Century building.

Favorite thing: 'http://WWW.tourism-montreal.org. 23,000 ROOMS TO SUIT EVERY Pocket-book. http://WWW.montrealcam.com
http://WWW.bonjourquebec.com

Fondest memory: Visiting Beaver Lake on the top of Mount Royal seen in the picture. In the heart of Montreal we have a National Park which comprises the whole top of the mountain. This PARK will celebrate 125 years of existence this year. It was designed by the same architect that designed CENTRAL PARK IN NEW YORK CITY.

Favorite thing: An extinct volcano from which the city takes its name (Mont-Real), presides over the south center of the island and is the city’s dominant physical feature. The best way to experience the area is to hike the walking paths that lead from the foot of the mountain through Mont-Royal Park. They offer fine views of downtown and the river. The park’s Beaver Lake (no beavers) functions as an ice-skating rink in the winter and as a nice place for picnicking in the summer (swimming is not allowed). Mount Royal is also the site of the 100-ft/30-m steel cross that, when lit at night, is visible for miles.

Fondest memory: On the northern slope of the mountain is St. Joseph’s Oratory, a massive basilica with a copper dome. The site has many of the qualities of Old World Catholicism: Pilgrims go there seeking cures and inspiration, and the heart of Brother Andre, a healer who first proposed the basilica, is on display in the museum.