How long does it take to walk up Mount Royal?

A full walk including stops usually takes between 2 to 3 hours. The total time depends on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views at the Chalet and Beaver Lake, covering approximately 4 to 5 kilometers of trails.

Is the walk up Mount Royal difficult?

The walk is considered challenging because of the elevation gain. While the Olmsted Road is a gradual slope, taking the stairs or forest paths involves steep climbs that require a moderate level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes.

Can I see the Mount Royal Cross up close?

Yes, you can walk directly to the base of the Mount Royal Cross. It is located on the northeastern summit of the mountain and is accessible via a network of well-marked walking trails from the Chalet or Maison Smith.

Where does the Mount Royal walking route start?

This specific route starts at the Mount Royal Chalet, which can be reached by taking the 11 or 711 bus to the summit or by walking up from the downtown Peel Street entrance.

Is Mount Royal accessible for strollers?

The main path, known as Olmsted Road, is stroller-friendly as it is a wide, crushed-gravel path with a gentle grade. However, the shortcuts and many of the forest trails include steep stairs that are not accessible for wheels.

What is the best time for photography on Mount Royal?

Late afternoon during the 'golden hour' is best for photography, especially at the Kondiaronk Belvedere, as the sun sets behind you and illuminates the downtown skyline. Sunrise is also spectacular from the Camillien-Houde belvedere.

Are there restrooms on Mount Royal?

Yes, public restrooms are conveniently located at several points along the route. You can find them inside the Mount Royal Chalet, at Maison Smith, and within the Beaver Lake Pavilion.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Rising like a green crown above the skyscrapers, Mount Royal is the heart and soul of Montreal. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the 'mountain' that gave the city its name, traversing a landscape designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same visionary behind New York’s Central Park. Unlike a traditional walking tour Montreal visitors might find in the crowded Old Port, this route offers a breath of fresh air and a deep dive into the intersection of nature and history. Your journey begins at the summit’s most iconic vantage point, the Kondiaronk Belvedere, where the entire downtown core and the St. Lawrence River stretch out before you. As you move through the winding paths and forested trails, you will discover the secrets of the mountain, from the 19th-century stone walls of Maison Smith to the tranquil, man-made beauty of Beaver Lake. This neighborhood stroll is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, offering diverse perspectives ranging from architectural heritage to sweeping natural vistas. You will encounter the towering Mount Royal Cross, a beacon that has watched over the city in various forms since the 17th century, and the eastern belvedere which provides a stunning view of the Olympic Stadium and the Plateau. The route concludes at the base of the mountain at the grand Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a site that transforms into a vibrant hub of local culture during the warmer months. This challenging but rewarding ascent is perfect for those who want to experience the city’s green lung at their own pace, away from the constraints of a rigid schedule. Discover the stories of the pioneers, the architects, and the conservationists who preserved this urban oasis for generations. Whether you are seeking a morning workout or a peaceful afternoon of exploration, this audio walk provides the historical context and navigational guidance to make your climb truly memorable. Prepare for steep paths and rewarding panoramas as you uncover why Mount Royal remains Montreal’s most cherished landmark.

Highlights

Panoramic skyline views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere

The historic 19th-century stone architecture of Maison Smith

Serene reflections and leisure paths at Beaver Lake

The iconic 30-meter high Mount Royal Cross

Sweeping eastern vistas from the Camillien-Houde belvedere

The majestic Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument at the mountain's base

Tour Stops (6)

Mount Royal Chalet

Start exploring with Zigway at the Mount Royal Chalet and the adjacent Kondiaronk Belvedere. Built in 1932, this French Beaux-Arts style building sits on the site of the mountain's original summit lookout. Inside the chalet, look up to see wood-carved ceilings and murals depicting the history of Montreal. The real star, however, is the view from the belvedere outside. Named after the Huron-Wendat chief who was instrumental in the Great Peace of Montreal in 1701, this plaza offers the city's most famous panoramic view. From here, you can see the skyscrapers of the financial district, the bridges spanning the St. Lawrence, and on clear days, the Adirondack mountains in New York state.

Maison Smith

A short walk from the summit leads you to Maison Smith, a rare survivor of the mountain's rural past. Built in 1858 for Hosea B. Smith, this stone farmhouse predates the creation of the park itself. It has served many roles over the decades, from a park ranger station to its current function as a heritage center and cafe. The architecture is a classic example of the rural stone masonry common in 19th-century Quebec. It serves as a reminder that before it was a public park, Mount Royal was a patchwork of private estates and farms. Take a moment to appreciate the conservation efforts that saved this structure from demolition during the park's modernization.

Beaver Lake

Continue your walking route to Beaver Lake, or Lac-aux-Castors. Despite its name and natural appearance, this is a man-made basin designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and completed in 1938. It was a project intended to create jobs during the Great Depression. The lake is a focal point for Montrealers year-round, offering a place for model boat sailing in the summer and ice skating in the winter. The surrounding pavilion is a masterpiece of mid-century modern architecture, designed to blend into the sloping landscape. It is the perfect spot for photography, as the water often perfectly reflects the surrounding maple and oak trees, especially during the peak of autumn.

Mount Royal Cross

As you head toward the northeastern edge of the summit, you will encounter the Mount Royal Cross. This 31-meter tall steel structure was erected by the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Society in 1924, but its history goes back much further. It commemorates a wooden cross placed here in 1643 by Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve, the founder of Montreal, in fulfillment of a vow made to the Virgin Mary after the settlement was saved from a flood. Today, the cross is illuminated by LED lights that change color to mark significant events—purple for the death of a Pope or King, and white for general occasions. It stands as a powerful symbol of the city's Catholic heritage.

Camillien-Houde belvedere

This eastern lookout offers a different perspective of Montreal. Named after Camillien Houde, the colorful and controversial long-time mayor of Montreal, this belvedere looks out over the Plateau neighborhood and the Olympic Stadium's iconic leaning tower. It is a favorite spot for locals to watch the sunrise or the moonrise. From here, you can see the dense urban grid of the city's eastern boroughs and the distant Jacques Cartier Bridge. The drive up to this point is popular, but arriving on foot via the wooded trails allows you to appreciate the transition from the quiet forest to the bustling urban expanse below.

Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier

Descend toward the base of the mountain to reach the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument. Unveiled in 1919, this massive granite and bronze memorial honors one of the Fathers of Confederation. The winged figure of Liberty tops the central column, while figures representing the nine provinces of the time surround the base. This area, known as Fletcher's Field, is the cultural heart of the park. On Sundays in the summer, it hosts the 'Tam-Tams,' a massive, informal drum circle and festival that has been a Montreal tradition for decades. It is a fitting place to end your self-guided adventure, where the tranquility of the mountain meets the vibrant energy of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Mount Royal ascent is the premier choice for nature lovers. This self-guided route takes you through the city's largest green space, offering forest trails, a man-made lake, and spectacular views while explaining the park's 19th-century design by Frederick Law Olmsted.