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| - if it's your first time to Montreal, I feel it's kinda required to go up Mont Royal. however, my first visit a few years back was in the dead of winter and it was well below freezing, so it wasn't as enjoyable as when I made a return trip this summer.
that being said, this is a wonderful park, partially designed by the same guy (Olmsted) who is responsible for Central Park. it is very well-maintained, and the views out over downtown Montreal are majestic. in the summertime, it's wonderfully green.
the Chalet building offers restrooms, vending machines, seating for your sore legs, and even a small souvenir shop. some cool artwork inside the huge main room which also hosts large events. in the winter, it's (relatively) warm inside, perfect for when you want to run out to snap some photos then run back inside before frostbite strikes.
even once you reach the Chalet, there are further trails/paths to walk up. at night, the giant cross of Mont Royal lights up.
getting here is easy. if you've got a lot of time, you can walk/hike (either trails or the slope along the roads). we saw some people running and biking. the time-efficient method though is to take one of the buses. the #11 is your best bet, and if you happen to miss the handful of stops on the mountain proper, don't worry - it loops through some residential neighborhood and comes right back. note that you've still got a nice walk up to the vantage point from the bus stops! BEAST MODE!
long story short: pack a water bottle and a camera. it's worth the time and effort. plus you'll burn off some calories from all the poutine you've been eating!
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