The namesake of the city, Mount Royal is a large rock hill in the centre of the city of Montreal with a park, lake and viewpoints of the urban area below.
Mount Royal
Mount Royal is a large hill or a small mountain in the middle of Montreal. The mountain is only about 230 metres tall but it stands out from the otherwise flat city.
The landmark is a popular place to visit in both the winter and the summer time.
Location
Mount Royal is just north of downtown Montreal on the other side of Sherbrooke Street and south of the University of Montreal.
By car there are two entrances to the park. One is just off Côte-des-Neiges Road and the other is off Park Avenue. Remembrance Road intersects Mount Royal and the two cemeteries.
There are two parking lots in Mount Royal Park. The first is near Beaver Lake. The second, and larger parking lot, is just up the road about five minutes away.
Mount Royal Park
The mountain has a large park with a network of trails and plenty of open green space. The park is popular with locals and tourists during the summer time. There is also space for barbecues and picnics as well as a playground.
In the winter Mount Royal Park is home to a variety of snow sports. Visitors can enjoy skiing, sledding and other winter activities.
Beaver Lake
Also within the park is a small artificial lake called Beaver Lake. In the winter the lake is open for ice skating (when the ice is thick enough). During the summer months folks can also rent a boat and paddle around the lake.
Adjacent to Beaver Lake is the Beaver Lake Pavilion. The structure was built in 1958 and is known for its unique architecture. Currently the building houses a restaurant called The Pavilion.
Kondiaronk Belvedere
The Kondiaronk Belvedere is a large, paved lookout in the centre of Mount Royal Park. It is accessible via the network of trails within the park. The place offers views of downtown Montreal, the St. Lawrence River and Monteregian Hills.
Mount Royal Cross
At the northeastern end of Mount Royal Park visitors can find a large, illuminated metal cross. The original cross was placed there in 1643. It was replaced by the LED illuminated version in 1924.
The Mount Royal Cross stands about 30 metres in height. Most of the time the cross is illuminated with white light. However, the colours can be changed for special occasions. It has been lit red for AIDS awareness and blue for Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in the past.
Right next to the cross is a buried time capsule. It was buried there in 1992 as a part of Montreal’s 350th birthday celebrations. The capsule is scheduled to be opened in 2142.
Other Information
Click Mount Royal for more information about the area.
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