Parc du Mont-Royal

Mount Royal Park covers around 200 hectares and is one of Montréal’s oldest and most iconic green spaces. It was inaugurated in 1876 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park. The park features extensive trails and scenic viewpoints like Kondiaronk Belvedere (atop the Mount Royal Chalet), Beaver Lake, and the illuminated Mount Royal Cross.

Operated by the Ville de Montréal, the park’s visitor services—such as guided hikes, equipment rentals (skates, skis, snowshoes in winter; rowboats in summer), cafés and gift shops—are managed in partnership with the non‑profit Les amis de la montagne. The city is responsible for maintenance of trails, rink and snow‑tubing infrastructure, while Les amis reinvest revenue into programming and conservation.

Accessibility: Public parking is provided at Smith House and Beaver Lake Pavilion, managed via Stationnement de Montréal; the chalet and belvedere are reachable only on foot via the Olmsted Path from the parking lot. The park is open 24 hours and supports walking, running, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snow tubing, picnics (up to 50 people without permit), and educational activities. Certain activities like downhill skiing, amplified sound, camping and swimming in Beaver Lake are prohibited.

Best seasons: Fall foliage is spectacular; winter offers free skating and paid snow tubing; in summer one can rent rowboats and enjoy several cafés. Les amis de la montagne updates daily conditions and service status; Smith House is under renovation until January 2026 and some facilities may be closed.

Overall, Mount Royal Park balances city access and environmental stewardship; its scale, history and year-round programming make it a valuable urban refuge for locals and visitors alike.