Mount Royal

Mount Royal is a prominent hill and urban park in the heart of Montreal, Quebec, rising to about 233 meters above sea level. The site combines natural green space with formal viewpoints and recreational facilities and is central to the city’s layout.

The area is best known for Mount Royal Park, which covers roughly 200 hectares and includes trails, Beaver Lake, and the Kondiaronk Belvedere viewpoint that frames the downtown skyline. The hill has three named summits, with the central summit marked by the illuminated cross.

The site was named by early European explorers and its parkland was planned in the 19th century with landscape design influence from Frederick Law Olmsted. Today it functions as a major public space used year-round for walking, cycling, winter sports, and city viewing.

Mount Royal occupies the island of Montreal in the St. Lawrence River; the park is a short distance from downtown Montreal and is directly accessible from several city neighborhoods.

• Elevation and use: The hill rises to about 233 meters above sea level and is the geographic and recreational heart of Montreal, with extensive parkland and lookout points.
• Design heritage: The park was designed in the 19th century with input from landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and remains a principal urban green space.

What to See #

• Three summits: The hill has three summits: the central summit (Colline de la Croix) at about 233 meters, Outremont (Colline d'Outremont) and Westmount Summit; the central summit is the site of the illuminated cross.
• Mount Royal Park: Mount Royal Park covers roughly 200 hectares and was laid out to provide urban green space, with notable features including Beaver Lake and multiple formal viewpoints over downtown Montreal.
• Kondiaronk Belvedere: Kondiaronk Belvedere is the primary viewpoint offering widely photographed panoramic views of Montreal's downtown skyline and the St. Lawrence River.