Mont-Royal, Montreal

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City of snow and of tunnels, where winter seems never to be ceasing, we wonder if we'll transform into moles by the end of it. That would be, if we did'nt have our beautiful Parc du Mont-Royal, our mountain in the middle of our island, and our multitude of parks and skating rinks.
This is where I learned to ski, both cross-country (there are 20 km of trails) and downhill and both with my cross-country skis, I don't suggest trying the later. Younger and older children can have fun tobogganing and tub sliding. When your older, you usually go at night with your friends, especially if there was a fresh fall of snow. And there are snowshoeing trails as well as ice skating. You can rent some equipment at the Beaver Lake pavilion.

In summer, thought, when we have our warm temperature back, then again do we go and enjoy our mountain. Sometimes for the Tam-tams, which are so many being percutionned that you can hear them well before you arrive. They are out as soon as the last snow has melted, as in this cold climate we take everything we can of the warm weather. Others go to participate or look at medieval tournaments. Made just for the fun of it, nothing organised. But fun enought for people who enjoy reenacting such battles.
Other than that, you can simply go and have a long nice walk amongst the trees, in small paths or on larger ones. And rent a pedal boat atop. Or rent a bike and go on the mountain biking paths.
Map of the park

Some history facts:
In 1535, Jacques Cartier climbed the mountain guided by the native inhabitants of Hochelaga (Native name for Montreal), and named it Mont-Royal. And in1874, Frederick Law Olmsted is hired by the City of Montreal to draft plans for the park. The same landscape architect who design Central Park, in New York.

To drive to the Mont-Royal Park: Car: Avenue Du Parc and take Voie Camilien-Houde to go up, there's lots of parking spaces.
Le MontRoyal driving instructions

Early French explorers found this city on the river and most notably the 'mountain' that sits behind it. It's not really a mountain, but rather an impressive hill that sports a park and many luxurious homes. I was surprised at home many famous and important people live up there. The word 'Montreal' comes from the French slurring together of Mont and Royal.

Take a drive up there both in the daytime and at night. The view is spectacular.

Mont-Royal is a nice hike from the center on Montreal. On top of the mountain is a beautiful family park as well as a great view of the city. We hiked up the south side of the mountain, stopped at Lac auz Castors, then continued on to the Chalet for a wonderful view of downtown.

Mont Royal, or the Mountain as Montrealers call it, is the city's pleasure zone. Laid out in the 1870s on the hill that overlooks the city by the designer of Central Park in New York, offers the best views of the entire city. From its Chalet Lookout, you can see up and down downtown and the surrounding area.

Mont Royal has tons of trails for hikers and cyclists. The forests here are especially thick at times, and makes you wonder if you're actually near a city of a million people at all.

In the southwest portion of majestic Mont Royal sits the Chateau. The building itself is beautiful with a small cafeteria inside. But in front of it sits the lookout, presenting one of the nicest views of downtown Montreal.

The Mont-Royal park, 125 years old, is the largest park of Montreal. During the winther, you can practice cros-country ski with a great view of Downtown. The park is a large forest in the top of Montreal with a lot of trail. Created by the famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted (the same architect than the Central Park in New York)

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If downtown is the heart of Montreal, Mount Royal is the lungs of the city. A popular spot for joggers, picnicking families and nature lovers, Mount Royal Park has a wide array of paths that will take you to any of two belvederes (Kondiaronk, in front of the chalet, from where you can even see the fireworks competition in the summer; and Camilien-Houde, further to the east, from where you can see Olympic Stadium).

While the park has sometimes been described as a victim of its popularity, it has retained its relaxed atmosphere and makes a great change of pace from the bustling (and nearby) downtown district.

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This is where Montreal acquired its name. At 234 meters, Mount Royal is the highest point in the city; in fact, no building is allowed to be taller than this hill. The view from up here is great. And if you want to get some good exercise during your visit, then this is an excellent place to do it.

Laid out by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead (who designed Central Park in New York City and Cherokee Park in Louisville), it was officially designated a park in 1876. It was here that Huron Indian chief Kondiaronk signed a peace treaty with the French in 1701.
There are miles of hiking and biking trails to explore, and a lot of interesting things to see.

Go for a walk in Mount Royal (the mountain) in the heart of the city. It also overlooks the downtown area. In the Quebec City area I have heard good things over the years about Mont-Saint Ann. GOOD LUCK!!

Go for a walk in Mount Royal (the mountain) in the heart of the city. It also overlooks the downtown area. In the Quebec City area I have heard good things over the years about Mont-Saint Ann. GOOD LUCK!!