The Best Views on Montreal’s Mont-Royal

The Best Views on Montreal’s Mont-Royal

I always tell people coming to Montreal that the first place they have to visit is “the mountain” (as we call Mont-Royal). Not only is it the most scenic spot in the city, it is the best spot to orient yourself with the geography of Montreal. We’ve lived in Montreal over 20 years and it’s the one place we regularly come to. As you’ll see in this post, the mountain is beautiful in any season.

There are three ways to go up the mountain: either by walking (there are various paths), by car, or by taking the bus (bus 11 from Mont Royal metro). Up top there are many trails. But there is one that beats all of them (see the path in blue below).

Here’s is how to get to the best walk – which features the best views – on Mont-Royal

Start at the chalet.  The view point up there is called Belvedere Kondiaronk and it offers fantastic views of downtown Montreal. The chalet has a restaurant, bathrooms, and a huge hall where you can warm up in the winter.

Below: the Chalet and its views

After looking at the great views, walk back to the stairs that lead down from the mountain. BUT don’t go down. Instead take the path to the left, just before you get to the steps. This path (the escarpment trail) skirts the top of the mountain and has some really nice viewpoints over the downtown area.

It’ll take you about 10 minutes to get to this lookout over the city. You might be the only person there. 

If  you continue on, you’ll get to 2 more lookouts which progressively face more eastwards. A bit further (it’ll have taken you about 20 minutes from the top of the stairs I previously mentioned) you’ll arrive at some stairs leading you down to the Camillien-Houde lookout. From here you’ll see views looking east towards to the Olympic Stadium and Jacques Cartier Bridge. Below is the Plateau Mont Royal district (which you should visit while in Montreal).

The Camillien-Houde lookout is a very popular lookout and is a regular stop with tour buses. 

From the Camillien-Houde lookout you have a few options. You can either go come back along the trail and head back down the stairs (about 20 minutes) to go back downtown OR you can go down to the Plateau Montreal district. To do this latter option; just after the Camillien-Houde lookout, you’ll see a dirt walking path on your right. Go down. It zig zags down through the park and will eventually take you down to the monument on Park Avenue. From there you can cross the street and explore the “Plateau”. 

Below: other activities that might interest you in Montreal

Below: you might even make a friend during your walk

Below: Back at the chalet. Beautiful views even in winter.

Related: A Guide on what to See and Do in Montreal

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