Mount Royal Park

This nearly huge park, situated on a mountain in the middle of Montréal serves as the center of outdoor activities in the city. Explore the 470 acres (190 hectares) of Mount Royal Park to find scenic lookouts, oak forests, ice-skating rinks and much more.

Enter from the east through the Peel Street entrance and climb up the switchbacks to the chalet. Just south of this 1932 building is the Kondiaronk lookout, which is named after a Huron chief. From here, look out over Montréal’s downtown skyline. This is especially worth seeing at night, when the skyscrapers are lit up.

Mont Royal has three summits, the highest of which is 764 feet (233 meters) above sea level. Hike up to this summit in the northeast part of the park for a complete view of the park. The summit features a 100-foot (30.5-meter) illuminated cross, which was built in 1924. It is visible throughout the city.

Walk over to the southwestern summit in the neighborhood of Westmount. This is called the “petite montagne,” or little mountain, since it is a small hill separated from the rest of the park. Check out the panoramic view of Montréal’s western half.

Visit Beaver Lake on the west side of the park for a whole range of activities. Take a walk on the path around the lake and enjoy the trees lining its shore. During the winter, Beaver Lake freezes over and creates an ice-skating rink. Rent skates at the Beaver Lake Pavilion and enjoy the frozen expanse with the hundreds of Montrealers who come out every winter afternoon.

The Beaver Lake Pavilion offers many other types of gear for rent. Rent a bike to tour Montréal Park on its many pathways. Reserve some cross-country skis during the winter to glide over the meadows of the park and slip down the hillsides. Toboggans are also available.

If you are driving, park along Remembrance Road, which runs along the northwest side of Mount Royal Park. Buses run into the interior of the park or along its southern edge. There is no fee to enter.