2026 Laval Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#canadatrip Visiting Mount Royal in October is an absolute must for anyone chasing the best fall colors on their #canadatrip. The expansive maple, oak, and beech forests that cover the mountain transform into a fiery palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. The view from the Chalet Lookout is spectacular, but the best experience is walking the quieter footpaths through the woods, where you are completely surrounded by the vibrant foliage. It truly offers a stunning, natural counterpart to the urban energy of Montreal.

#canadatrip Beyond the famous Sunday Tam-Tams, the park often hosts free cultural events, performances, and even outdoor concerts, especially near the Beaver Lake Pavilion during the summer months. Check the park's official schedule before your visit! We stumbled upon a lovely outdoor classical music performance that added a magical layer to our afternoon stroll. It reinforces Mount Royal's role as a vital social and cultural hub for Montrealers, not just a green space.

#canadatrip While technically outside the park boundaries, the massive and impressive St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal is a major landmark on the mountain's western flank. We combined our visit to the park with a pilgrimage to the Oratory, which offers its own impressive views and incredible architecture (including the huge dome). It's an easy connection and provides a beautiful contrast between Olmsted's planned natural park and this grand, man-made spiritual structure.

#canadatrip Due to its size and diverse ecological zones (including mature forests and aquatic habitats near Beaver Lake), Mount Royal is a crucial stopover point for migratory birds and a year-round home for various species. We were surprised by the amount of active bird life, especially near the forested paths. Bring a pair of binoculars if you enjoy nature watching; it's a great spot to see common and less common Canadian species right in the middle of a major city.

#canadatrip Mount Royal is not just a hill; it's the solidified core of an ancient intrusive igneous rock formation—a remnant of a vast, extinct volcano. You can appreciate the unique geology, often seeing basaltic intrusions and various rocks along the paths. The mountain's mineral richness influences the surrounding plant life and history. Reading up on this geological history before your visit adds a fascinating layer of understanding to the landscape you are exploring.

#canadatrip The park is subtly dotted with public art, historic monuments, and beautiful, functional stone architecture. From the grand George-Étienne Cartier Monument (the location of the Tam-Tams) to smaller stone fountains and staircases, the entire park is a heritage landscape. Take time to notice the craftsmanship of the century-old stone walls, bridges, and pathways—they are integral pieces of Olmsted's vision and contribute greatly to the park's elegant, timeless aesthetic.

#canadatrip In winter, the artificial lake (Lac aux Castors) transforms into a beautifully maintained, large outdoor ice skating rink. Even better, access to the ice is usually free. You can rent skates and spend an hour gliding beneath the snow-covered trees and the nearby pavilion. It is a quintessential Canadian winter experience that feels accessible and fun, providing a magical, romantic atmosphere without the cost of a tourist attraction.

#canadatrip While the park is usually best visited during the day, seeing the Mount Royal Cross lit up at night is a special experience. It acts as a beacon visible from across the city. The climb to the cross viewing area after dark is quiet and rewards you with a unique view of the city's twinkling grid below. Be mindful of park hours and stick to well-lit trails, but catching the cross glowing red or blue during specific holidays is highly memorable.

#canadatrip For pet owners or those who just love dogs, Mount Royal is a friendly and popular place for dog-walking. The extensive network of trails and open areas provides ample space for exercise (following all leash and waste rules, of course). Observing the happy coexistence of people, joggers, bikers, and dogs adds to the lively and welcoming community atmosphere of the park. It truly feels like a neighborhood backyard on a colossal scale.

#canadatrip While the Chalet is the centerpiece, the Belvédère Kondiaronk viewpoint is the actual terrace where you get that postcard shot of Montreal. It’s named after the great Wendat Chief Kondiaronk and is the focal point of the park's civic design. The semi-circular stone terrace allows for an unparalleled panoramic view, stretching from downtown to the distant Montérégie hills. It's the perfect place to pause, use the coin-operated binoculars, and simply take in the scale of the city beneath the mountain's protective embrace.

#canadatrip Mount Royal Park is exceptionally well-maintained and user-friendly. Amenities like clean restrooms, rental kiosks (bikes, skates, skis), and dining options are centrally located at the Beaver Lake Pavilion and the Chalet. Signage is clear, and the park is easily accessible via public transit (Peel and Mont-Royal Metro stations are good starting points). The thoughtful infrastructure ensures that everyone, from local commuters to international tourists, can easily access and enjoy this magnificent urban greenspace.

#canadatrip Biking Challenge and Enjoyment #canadatrip #MontrealBiking #CyclingLife #HillClimb Mount Royal provides an excellent cycling challenge for serious road cyclists and a delightful ride for casual bikers using the wider carriage roads. The climb up the main road (Chemin Camillien-Houde or Côte des Neiges) is a well-known local training route and offers a sustained, steep challenge. For leisure, the loop around the park is paved and easy to navigate. It's a fantastic spot to get in a vigorous workout while enjoying spectacular views, providing a great activity for a fitness-focused #canadatrip.

#canadatrip Tranquility and Forested Trails #canadatrip #ForestBathing #QuietCorner #NatureInTheCity For those seeking pure nature and quiet contemplation, the less-traveled side paths are excellent. Despite the park's urban setting, its size allows for true solitude. You can quickly lose the sound of the city and feel fully immersed in the deciduous forest. This is a haven for birdwatching and quiet reflection. We spent a peaceful hour just enjoying the dense woods near the western edge. It's a valuable slice of nature that makes Montreal a highly livable city.

#canadatrip Hiking to the Mount Royal Cross #canadatrip #MontRoyalCross #Landmark #NightView While the main lookout is famous, the walk to see the massive Mount Royal Cross is another worthwhile climb. This iconic steel structure has lit up the city skyline since 1924, acting as a navigational beacon. Though the view from the cross isn't as expansive as the Chalet lookout, the walk through the woods to reach this piece of Montreal history is quiet and rewarding. The Cross changes color for specific holidays, which is a cool sight to catch at night.

#canadatrip Near McGill University and Cultural Richness #canadatrip #McGill #StudentLife #ParkProximity The park's location, directly adjacent to the historic campus of McGill University, makes it a vibrant place. The paths are often filled with students taking study breaks, and the energy adds to the park's appeal. Furthermore, the park hosts several key cultural and historical points of interest, including various monuments and cemeteries (like Mount Royal Cemetery), which are worth exploring for their historical architecture and quiet beauty. It truly feels like an integrated piece of the city's intellectual and cultural fabric.

#canadatrip Winter Sports Paradise #canadatrip #MontRoyalWinter #CrossCountrySkiing #OutdoorFun Mount Royal is not just a summer park; it truly shines in the winter. It transforms into an accessible winter sports hub, offering maintained trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You can rent equipment right at the park's Pavilion, making it easy for tourists to join in the fun. The experience of snowshoeing through the silent, snow-covered forest while still being minutes from downtown is exhilarating. It proves that the Canadian spirit for outdoor activity doesn't stop when the temperature drops! A perfect way to embrace a colder #canadatrip.

#canadatrip The Tam-Tams (Summer Tradition) #canadatrip #TamTams #MontrealCulture #SundayFunday If you're visiting in the summer, you must experience the Tam-Tams. Every Sunday, hundreds of people gather around the George-Étienne Cartier Monument at the foot of the mountain to participate in or listen to a massive, spontaneous drum circle. The atmosphere is electric, vibrant, and uniquely Montreal—a blend of drumming, dancing, vendors, and community. It's a colorful, chaotic, and entirely joyful celebration of summer and local culture. This weekly event is a highlight of the season and a truly memorable moment for your #canadatrip. Get there early to find a good spot near the action!

#canadatrip Olmsted's Serene Pathways #canadatrip #ParcduMontRoyal #OlmstedDesign #UrbanEscape The design of Mount Royal Park by Frederick Law Olmsted is a masterpiece of landscape architecture. Unlike straight urban paths, the trails here follow the contours of the mountain, making the walk feel like a true wilderness experience, even though you're in the heart of the city. The gently winding paths and carriage roads create a sense of discovery around every corner. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely long walk, a jog, or a bike ride. The mature trees and thoughtful placement of viewpoints make it a wonderfully serene escape from the bustle of the city below.

#canadatrip The Iconic City View at the Chalet #canadatrip #MontRoyal #CityView #MontrealMustSee The best panoramic view of the Montreal skyline is undoubtedly from the lookout terrace at the Mount Royal Chalet. After a rewarding climb (or a quick drive), you are treated to a spectacular vista encompassing downtown, the St. Lawrence River, and the Olympic Stadium. The Chalet itself is beautiful, offering a warm place to rest and grab a coffee, especially in winter. It’s the quintessential Montreal photo opportunity and a great way to orient yourself in the city. Arriving at sunset provides an especially magical experience as the city lights begin to twinkle. Absolutely essential for first-time visitors to the city.

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip Overlooking the city of Montreal, Mont Royal Park is a soothing spot where nature and the city blend together. From the observation deck, you can see the downtown cityscape and the St. Lawrence River in one panoramic view, which is truly spectacular! 📸✨ The day I visited was autumn, and the autumn leaves looked like a painting🍁. Hiking trails are also well-maintained, so even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind. A walk in the clear morning air will refresh your mind and body. The key to success is to check the route to the observation deck "Kondiaronk Belvedere" in advance! Don't miss the lake and sculptures along the way. In winter, you can also enjoy snowshoeing and sledding❄️ 📍Access: About 20 minutes on foot or by bus from the center of Montreal. The trailhead is within walking distance from the subway "Peel Station". Perfect for those who want to be soothed by nature and take a deep breath away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On your next trip, take some time to relax and unwind at Mont Royal 🌄✨ Domestic travel #couples trip #solo trip #absolutely free trip #Mont Royal Park #Montreal trip #great views hike #nature and city #healing trip

📍Mont Royal🌱 Mount Royal Park is a popular spot where you can get a panoramic view of Montreal. It is located on a hill at an altitude of 232m and is the largest park in the city! It takes about 20 minutes to climb the stairs to reach the observation deck at the top of the park. If you are not good at walking or have difficulty walking, you can go by car as there is a parking lot at the top. The park was designed by a landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York. It is located in the center of Montreal, and you can enjoy the rich nature, making it a place of relaxation for locals as well as tourists. [Mount Royal Park] Address: 1260 Remembrance Road, Montréal, QC #MountRoyal #MontRoyalPark #Montreal #MontrealTourism #WorldHeritageCity #CanadianTourism #ObservationDeck #OverseasTrip