Top Tips for Visiting Mount Royal Lookout in Montreal

Ava Morgan
August 5, 2025

One of the most notable features of the Montreal skyline is Mount Royal. It offers stunning views, a lively nature path, and rich history. Hikers, drivers, and even walkers can find a lot during the day. Before paying a visit to this legendary urban mountain, here is everything that you should know.

What Is Montreal’s Mount Royal?

Mont Royal is the beloved mountain right in the middle of Montreal. They named Mont Royal after the suburb of the city itself, and it stands as one of the Monteregian Hills. The structure stands 233 meters tall and features large green areas, a wooded park, and a stunning view. This makes it a great place to visit all year round.

What Is Parc du Mont-Royal?

A part of the larger parks is Parc du Mont-Royal (Mount Royal Park). It has walking paths, lakes, and spots for picnics. People can enjoy great views of the city from these places.

A year-round destination exists. Outdoor lovers can enjoy jogging and biking in the summer. Families can also have fun. In winter, they can go snowshoeing and sledding.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Mount Royal?

Fall (September-November) is the best time to visit Mount Royal. The autumn colors turn the forest red. Summer (June-August) has warm weather, which is great for outdoor activities. You can hike, cycle, or have a picnic.

How Do You Get to the Mount Royal Lookout?

It takes a bike, a car, or a car to bring you to the Mount Royal Lookout (Belvedere Kondiaronk). Buses 11 and 711 will bring you near the entrance of the park. Thereafter, there are clear signs and paths to the top.

Is There a Cost to Visit Mount Royal Park?

The entrance to Mount Royal Park is free. It does not require any sort of entry fee, whether it is a hike, a picnic, or a visit to the lookout. However, extra costs may come up based on the time of year and where you go. These costs can include parking and a guided tour.

Where Is Mount Royal Lookout Located?

Mount Royal Lookout, also known as Kondiaronk Belvedere, provides a great view of downtown Montreal. You can find it at 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montreal, QC H3H 1A1.

What’s on Top of Mount Royal?

At the top of Mount Royal, you can find some interesting features. These include the Mount Royal Cross, Beaver Lake, the Smith House (a visitor center), and the Mount Royal Chalet. They built the chalet as a part-time gallery and a place for tourists to enjoy the view from the terrace.

How Long Does It Take to Walk Up Mount Royal?

Reaching the summit will take about 30 to 45 minutes. This is if you keep a good pace and use the main trail after you arrive at the base.

The trail is not particularly challenging. It has wooded tracks, wooden steps, and gravel paths. These paths can be a bit hard to navigate, but an average person can manage them.

Where Do You Start the Mount Royal Hike?

One good starting place to take the hike is in Peel Street, and there you will go through the Sir George-Etienne Cartier monument. Olmsted Trail will take one on a gradual hike to the top after leaving on a scenic climb. One can also begin at Parc Jeanne-Mance or Mount Royal Cemetery.

How Many Steps Lead to Mount Royal Lookout?

The Mount Royal staircase is a stairway with 400 steps that runs up to the Kondiaronk Lookout. A straight but steep path exists. This path offers a quick way for people who need exercise and want to reach the view from the top.

What Is the Elevation of Mount Royal?

Mount Royal is a hill with an elevation of 233 meters (764 feet) above sea level. While it is not a mountain, its height still provides a great view of the city. It also offers a peaceful atmosphere in a green, open area.

How Can You Get Up Mount Royal?

Via hiking, biking, or driving, you can go up Mount Royal. The Olmsted Trail is a great trail for hiking and biking. Remembrance Road goes up to Smith House because it is short to the lookout.

How Long Does It Take to Hike Mount Royal?

It takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours for a full round-trip hike. This time depends on your speed and the route you choose. People who just happen to walk or families with children can use shorter loops.

What Is the Size of Mount Royal Park?

The park is over 200 hectares (and approximately 494 acres). The large green area has wooded paths, Beaver Lake, a spacious open field, sculptures, and historical memorials. It also has important viewing platforms around the mountain.

Can You Drive Up Mount Royal?

You can even drive halfway up Mount Royal. Remembrance Road has access to vehicles to the Beaver Lake and Smith House parking. After that, there is a small uphill walk to the viewing platform.

Is There Parking at Mount Royal?

You can also park in special areas near Beaver Lake and Smith House; of course, you must pay for them. They do not need as many parking spaces during the day and on weekends. So, a person should arrive earlier.

Can You Bike on Mount Royal?

Sure! Mount Royal has bike paths with paved and gravel roads. Both new and experienced riders can enjoy it. Olmsted Trail provides a gradual pace and scenic trail that one can use to bike up to the top.

Are There Guided Tours of Mount Royal?

Yes, some local tour operators offer guided tours of Mount Royal on foot, by bike, and through historical tours.

These tours are extremely helpful and educational. They raise awareness of the park’s history, architecture, and biodiversity. You will learn about the park’s trails and important landmarks.

Can You Bring Pets to Mount Royal Lookout?

The Royal Park is also pet-friendly, and so is the lookout (dogs on a leash). A common place to walk your dog exists. You must clean up any dog poop left behind. You also need to follow the local park rules.

Conclusion

Mount Royal is a must-visit as it has the right blend of nature, culture, and city life. No matter if you hike, bike, or just relax at the lookout, you will enjoy your time in any season.