Mount-Royal, Our “Central Park”
In summer, Mount-Royal reigns supreme over the city scene. Its magnetic energy can be felt from all corners of the island, drawing families and friends to its forested, 200-hectar bosom. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, architect of New York’s Central Park, the “Mountain” offers atmospheres ranging from panoramic perspectives of the city, to shady forest pathways, sprawling parks dotted with sculptures, to grassy beaches of manicured lawn flanking a central monument where the weekly “Tam-tam” drum jam occurs with religious regularity throughout the warm months. Protected and maintained with pride, Mount-Royal is the heart, soul and lungs of the city.
From the northeast corner of Mount-Royal, its namesake avenue begins a leisurely eastward amble toward the distant Olympic Stadium. The way is paved with all manner of bars, restaurants and lounges, interspersed with the shy nostalgia of trendy recycled clothing stores, new & used bookstores and record shops (where treasured vinyl is still a hot item).
