Mount Royal Park

Majestically rising up in the middle of the city, Mount Royal (“the mountain” to locals) is a symbol of the city’s heritage, history, geography, and inspiration, hosting founding institutions, beautiful hillside cemeteries, and Mount Royal Park, a 4-season playground.

Inaugurated in 1876, Mount Royal Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame. It is a magnificent urban green space featuring 200 hectares of astonishing biodiversity and natural beauty. 

Green, clean and refreshing, the mountain is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The urban wildlife (a.k.a. Montréalers) is abundant and active all year round in a host of recreational pursuits: jogging, cycling, boating, skating, skiing, and tobogganing, not to forget bird watching, dog walking, picnicking and soaking up some rays.  

The Kondiaronk Belvedere at the summit has witnessed more than one eager suitor down on one knee to pop “the” question with a breathtaking vista of the city as a romantic backdrop. 

A stop at Smith House is a must, as Les amis de la montagne offers an array of visitor services and activities, including trail maps and a permanent exhibition which highlights the history of this unique natural landmark declared a heritage site in 2012. 

With three locations in the heart of the park (Smith House, the Chalet and the Beaver Lake Pavilion), the Café des Amis offers a wonderful place to enjoy a bite while taking in the scenery. And to take home a memento of the mountain, two gift shops offer a selection of original gifts or souvenirs.