Mount Royal Park: reviews and practical tips

+20
recos
4.8/5 5 reviews
1260 ch Remembrance, QC H3H 1A2 Montreal, Canada
1260 ch Remembrance, QC H3H 1A2 Montreal, Canada
Parc du Mont Royal de Montréal
Mont Royal

Visiting Mount Royal Park

As the oldest protected space in the province of Quebec, the goal here is to balance nature with urban life. Mount Royal Park, a massive public garden right in the middle of Montreal, excels at this.

History

Back in 1853, a councilor named Colonel Alexander Allan Stevenson first proposed turning the slopes of the mountain into a protected area. It took a decade before the city finally decided to acquire the land on the mountain to transform it into a park.

The landscape was designed almost entirely by Frederick Law Olmsted, who was no stranger to the task given his work on Central Park in New York. He prepared a grand design that included two major overlooks while respecting the natural topography. Certain developers, seeing opportunities for urban expansion, tried to block the project. However, after an expenditure of 1,000,000 CAD (about $725,000), the park was officially inaugurated on May 24, 1876.

The park was hit hard by a major storm in 1998 and required several years to return to its original state. In 2005, a 30,000-square-meter plot was designated as the habitat floristique du Parc du Mont Royal (Mount Royal Park floral habitat). This area protects the Podophylle Pelté (Mayapple), a plant species currently threatened in Quebec.

Mount Royal Park

The two overlooks are perfect for a rest, but the Kondiaronk Lookout is the real draw, providing a panoramic view of the city. It is the ideal spot for photographers.

In the summer, many visitors take advantage of the lawns surrounding Lac aux Castors (Beaver Lake) to picnic by the water. You can then visit la Glyptothèque (the Glyptotheque), a museum dedicated to stone carvings and sculpture. Walk through the dense forest of la Fougeraie (the Fernery) via le sentier Serpentin (the Serpent Trail), and you will find yourself back in the city.

A beautiful natural space in the heart of the city.

Opening hours

Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of Mount Royal Park

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Summary of 5 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+20
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
4.8
With friends
4.8

Avygeo ranking

#174
in the world
#9
in Americas
#1
in Canada
#1
in Montreal

Great for getting some height!

There is nothing better to disconnect and get a breath of fresh air! I loved going there to count squirrels, watch the city from above, and go for a jog! A wonderful park nestled right in the middle of the metropolis.

5
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Beautiful park in the heart of Montreal

Mount Royal Park is a perfect place to recharge. The trail is well maintained and there are several spectacular viewpoints, like the Kondiaronk lookout, which I suggest you check out at sunrise or sunset. In the summer, you can have a picnic near Beaver Lake, and in the winter, you can go sledding, ice skating, or snowshoeing near the lake.

1
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Very beautiful park

This park is the real green lung of Montreal. It has to be said that it is very big. You can walk around and even go on some nice hikes. The park has several viewpoints that offer a beautiful panorama of the city. In the summer, there are often events organized there. Just like in New York, there are a lot of squirrels.

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Nature in the city

Getting a breath of fresh air in Montreal is easy, just head to Mount Royal Park!
Getting there couldn't be simpler, just follow Parc Avenue or Peel Street from downtown.
Tons of activities are possible there, besides just hiking. You will be accompanied by the big squirrels in the park.
Plus, you will have access to different viewpoints over the city. My favorite was the Kondiaronk Lookout, with the downtown towers in the background.

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The most beautiful park...

The most beautiful park in the city on the island of Montreal, in winter as well as summer. The view from the top is superb, whether it is the Saint Lawrence and skyscraper side or the suburbs like Laval. You can do a lot of activities there like sledding or running, but just walking up is a sport all on its own.

1
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