Mount Royal Park

The greenest space in Montreal is undoubtedly Mount Royal Park. This area, designated to provide the city dwellers with a piece of nature on their doorstep, was designed by the landscaper and architect, Frederick Law Olmsted – best know as the designer of New York City’s Central Park. Described as “Montreal’s Lung”, Mount Royal Park covers 101 hectares of nature, most of it occupying the mountain itself, and incorporates within its boundaries the highest spot in Montreal at 234 meters. Today, Mount Royal Park is a delightful area that is enjoyed by locals and visitors looking to appreciate the beauty of the towering mountainside, the views of Montreal and the endless hiking and skiing opportunities during the year.

History

In the mid 1900’s, Sir James Alexander proposed to establish a national park on the foot of Mount Royal, and the idea later gained support by angry Montreal citizens who turned against landowners who mindlessly cut down trees in the area. In 1872, expropriation for the land – at a cost of $1 million – began, and in 1874, the first law was passed in Quebec to protect a natural site when an addition was made to the Charter of the City of Montreal. The official inauguration of Mount Royal Park was made in 1876.

While Olmsted was commissioned to design the park, his plans weren’t carried out until the end. Over the years, a number of additions have been made to the park, including the Belvedere Kondiaronk, the George-Etienne Cartier monument, the illuminated cross and Beaver Lake.

Things to do at Mount Royal Park

Sporting Activities

Whether it is winter or summer (or anything in between!), Mount Royal Park is a delightful place for visitors to enjoy outdoor sporting activities. Hiking and biking are very popular pastimes in the summer, as is paddle boating in the lakes. In the winter, when the park turns icy and snow falls, Mount Royal Park offers a wonderful opportunity for the citizens of Montreal to take to the slopes without the need to go out of the city, and enjoy cross country skiing, ice skating and tobogganing. It is quite possible to rent all the necessary equipment in the park itself.

Smith House

For information about Mount Royal Park, and Montreal in general, a visit to the converted art center, Smith House is a must.

Views

Several belvederes are incorporated into Mount Royal Park, all providing magnificent views of the city and its skyscrapered horizon. Many claim that the Mont Royal lookout offers the best views of downtown Montreal and the south shore, while the Camillien-Houde boulevard should be visited for views of Monteal’s east side.

Mount Royal Park

Frederick Law Olmsted wanted to create an area where Montreal’s citizens would feel “energized” and if the popularity of Mount Royal Park is anything to go by, he certainly had his wish fulfilled. Visitors to this remarkable natural retreat are able to take a breather from the fast pace of urban life, enjoy nature’s wonders and partake in countless activities – right on their very doorstep. This is, perhaps, what makes Mount Royal Park so unique.

Location:
Mount Royal Park
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Click here to visit Mount Royal Park official website.