DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Parc du Mont-Royal

Parc du Mont-Royal

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The geographic highlight of Montréal are undeniably Mont-Royal’s steep slopes. Named by Jacques Cartier in 1535 (see Jacques Cartier), the protected district of Parc du Mont-Royal covers more than 343 acres of forested mountain, providing abundant green spaces, shrubs and flowers, as well as habitats for hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife. Designed in 1876 by Frederick Law Olmsted, Mont-Royal continues to inspire locals as an arboreal delight in the center of their metropolis – activity options, depending on the time of year, include skating, cycling, paddle-boating, tobogganing and snowshoeing. To the northwest of the park is the impressive Oratoire St-Joseph.
A new heritage status protects the Parc du Mont-Royal from commercial development.

Top 10 Sights

1. La Croix

Standing 31 m (100 ft) high, the original steel cross was erected by Paul de Chomede, Sieur de Maisonneuve on this site in 1643.
2. Trail Systems

The park has a network of forested corridors, popular with cyclists and runners in summer and cross-country skiiers in winter.
3. Lookouts

3. Lookouts

Belvedere Kondiaronk is the lookout of the Chalet du Mont-Royal. The Camilien Houde lookout faces east over the river. Locals sometimes refer to it as “Lovers’ Lookout.”
4. Cemeteries

Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges (Catholic) and Cimetière Mont-Royal (non-Catholic) are the two main resting places of the city. Far from sombre, they are adorned with lovely statues, sculptures and luxuriant plantings.
5. Lac aux Castors

5. Lac aux Castors

The heart of Parc du Mont-Royal is Lac aux Castors. People gather during fair weather to paddle boats or to ice skate in winter.
6. Police Stables

Visits to the Police Cavalry Stables are possible, and it is common to see officers on horseback cantering through the park.
7. Maison Smith

7. Maison Smith

Built for Boston merchant Hosea B. Smith in 1858, Maison Smith is now home to the Centre de la Montagne exhibitions.
8. Centre de la Montagne

8. Centre de la Montagne

This is the base of a citizen group focusing on the preservation of and education about both the historic and natural legacy of the park.
9. Tam-Tam Festival

9. Tam-Tam Festival

Sundays in the park during the summer belong to the exuberant Tam-Tam Festival. For more than 30 years drummers, musicians, dancers and artisans have met at the Monument Sir George-Étienne Cartier to party.
10. Oratoire St-Joseph

10. Oratoire St-Joseph

The dome atop this shrine is an overwhelming sight to the west of the park. Pilgrims flock to the oratory, inspired by tales of miracle cures (see Features of Oratoire St-Joseph).

Practical Information

If visiting Montréal in winter you can still enjoy a version of the Tam-Tam Festival, as well as a drink, at the nearby El Zaz Bar (see El Zaz Bar). Parking fees are high in Parc du Mont-Royal. Park your car inside the grounds of one of the cemeteries and walk to the summit lookout. (514) 843 8240 www.lemontroyal.qc.ca Dis. access Free Oratoire St-Joseph: 3800 chemin Queen-Mary (514) 733 8211 Mass 7am, 8:30am, 10am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, & 4:30pm Mon–Fri, 4:30pm & 8pm Sat; 7am, 8am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 4:30pm, & 8pm Sun Dis. access Free www.saint-joseph.org

Reviews

Sherry

A tranquil island in the midst of a busy, busy city. You can go for a jog here, find a quiet place to read a book, hold a party, or just while away the hours people watching.

about a year ago

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