Mount Royal Park: reviews and practical tips

+23
recs
4.8/5 6 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
Photo postée par Black Boots Travel

Visiting Mount Royal Park

As the oldest protected area in the province of Quebec, it carries the responsibility of balancing nature and urban life. Mount Royal Park, a public green space right in Montreal, pulls this off remarkably well.

History

Back in 1853, a city councilor named Colonel Alexander Allan Stevenson first proposed turning the mountain of Mount Royal into a protected reserve. It took a decade of debate before the city finally decided to buy the land on the mountain to establish a park.

Frederick Law Olmsted designed almost the entire layout, drawing on his experience crafting Central Park in New York. He put together an ambitious master plan featuring two scenic overlooks while preserving the natural terrain. Some developers pushed back, spotting lucrative real estate opportunities. After racking up 1 million dollars in costs, the park officially opened on May 24, 1876.

A severe ice storm battered the grounds in 1998, and it took several years for the landscape to recover its original look. In 2005, a 30,000 m² plot was designated as the habitat floristique du Parc du Mont Royal (Mount Royal Park Plant Habitat) to protect the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), an endangered species in Quebec.

Mount Royal Park

The two lookouts give visitors a spot to rest, but the Kondiaronk Belvedere delivers an unbeatable panoramic view of the skyline. It is a favorite stop for photographers.

When warm weather hits, visitors gather on the lawns around Beaver Lake for lakeside picnics. Afterward, you can stop by la Glyptothèque (The Glyptotheque), a museum dedicated to carved stones and sculpture. Hike through the dense woods of la Fougeraie (The Fernery) via le sentier Serpentin (Serpentine Trail) to head back toward the urban streets.

A brilliant pocket of wilderness right in the middle of the city.

Opening hours

Monday 08:00-20:00
Tuesday 08:00-20:00
Wednesday 08:00-20:00
Thursday 08:00-20:00
Friday 08:00-20:00
Saturday 08:00-20:00
Sunday 08:00-20:00
Hours are indicative and subject to change

Reviews of the Mount Royal Park

Summary of 6 reviews
4.8/5
Average rating
+23 recs +23 -0 Score weighted by contributor expertise level: a recommendation from a level 3 member counts as 3.
Total recommendations

Ratings by visit type

With family
5
As a couple
4.8
With friends
4.8

Avygeo ranking

#117
in the world
#5
in Americas
#1
in Canada
#1
in Montreal

Marvelous Scenery in Mont Royal Park

One of my favorite spots is the Mont Royal Park. Surrounded by nature and an assortment of beautiful plants, it’s a great place to stroll or just sit and relax. From the Kondiaronk lookout, you can catch views of the entire city. We hiked up a bit to get a close-up of the 98 ft. Mount Royal Cross. Inside the Mount Royal Chalet, you can explore the paintings that depict the history of Montreal.
40
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

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.

53
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

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.

29
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

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.

27
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

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.

25
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :

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.

23
Recommends :
Overall rating :
With family :
As a couple :
With friends :