Mount Royal Cross Montreal
An iconic, illuminated steel cross atop Mount Royal, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Montreal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour glow & city lights
Mount Royal Cross Montreal
Best Time
Golden hour glow & city lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic, illuminated steel cross atop Mount Royal, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Montreal.
"The view from the top is stunning, especially at sunset!"
🎯 Avoid Town of Mount Royal
Ensure you're heading to Mount Royal Park, not the separate municipality of Town of Mount Royal.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The trek to the cross involves steps and trails; wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 1,341 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Illuminated Cross
Northeastern peak of Mount Royal
A towering 103-foot steel crucifix, illuminated at night, a significant symbol of Montreal.
Panoramic City Views
Near the Cross
Breathtaking vistas of the Montreal skyline, especially captivating during sunset and at night.
Historic Landmark
Mount Royal Park
A testament to Montreal's history, first marked by a cross in 1643, with the current structure dating to 1924.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Cross
Navigating Mount Royal Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Easiest way up Mont Royal?
I'm going with an elderly gentleman. He's in good shape but I don't want to push him. What is the easy way up the mountain? Is it from the Peel Street steps or from the parking lot on the west side of of Remembrance Road? Merci!
🎯 Avoid Town of Mount Royal
Ensure you're heading to Mount Royal Park, not the separate municipality of Town of Mount Royal.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The trek to the cross involves steps and trails; wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
Best approach/trails to do St. Joseph Oratory - Mount Royal?
Hi, visiting Montreal over new years and hoping to spend a morning sightseeing Mount Royal and St. Joseph's Oratory. What order/trails would you recommend to do both? Been reading about variable approaches up Mont Royal, but unclear what would be the best one. Looking for nice…
Anyone from Montreal? Is Mount Royal really a hike or just an uphill walk?
Going to Montreal for the first time and planning my days out. We'll have a rental car but I'm a city girl who walks everywhere and it will be annoying to have to hop back to the hotel to grab the car to drive up the mountain when maybe I can just walk it. I'm just over 3…
📸 Best Photo Spots
Go early to avoid groups and get unobstructed shots of the cross and city views.
💡 Evening Illumination
The cross is LED-illuminated, offering a beautiful sight after dark.
Mount Royal Question
Hello - I’ll be visiting Montreal in mid March. I see there is a mountain (?) in Montreal called Mount Royal. Seems cool - is this worth the hike/drive to see? I’ll be visiting from North Carolina so I’m excited to be spending money in the Canadian economy. Screw America lol.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Town of Mount Royal
Ensure you're heading to Mount Royal Park, not the separate municipality of Town of Mount Royal.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The trek to the cross involves steps and trails; wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
📸 Best Photo Spots
Go early to avoid groups and get unobstructed shots of the cross and city views.
💡 Evening Illumination
The cross is LED-illuminated, offering a beautiful sight after dark.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mount Royal Cross for its iconic status and the breathtaking panoramic views of Montreal it offers, especially at sunset and night. The historical significance and the manageable hike are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors note that crowds can gather, particularly in the evenings, and suggest visiting earlier for a more serene experience.
"No tickets needed to enter this part of the park. We took the double decker bus tour and got off at this location. You have a great view that overlooks the city of Montreal.
From here, you can take a ten minute hike up the hill to see the cross. Not a crazy challenge, but there are a few steps. The metal cross is a piece of artwork that you have to see.
There are several other trails of you wanted to spend some time exploring more of the landscape.
There are many other trailers"
Marshall Azar
"We went to the Mont Royal Cross around 8 PM.. Even though it was early spring and a bit humid the 15 minute trek to the cross was absolutely worth it ! no lights along the way, but the view of the skyline at the top was stunning."
Mansi Satarkar
"Great hike to the cross. Try and go early as sometimes there are teenagers hanging out preventing us from taking nice photos."
Jason Raina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Mount Royal Cross by car, bus, or by hiking. Several trails lead to the summit. The 80 bus stops near the park entrance, and from there, it's a hike. Be mindful not to confuse it with the 'Town of Mount Royal' municipality.
Limited parking is available within Mount Royal Park, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider public transport or ride-sharing.
Yes, the STM bus route 80 stops near the park, providing access. From the bus stop, you'll need to walk or hike to the cross.
The hike is generally considered moderate, with some steps involved. It's a 10-15 minute trek from the main viewpoints.
Access points are available from various sides of the mountain. The Kondiaronk Belvedere offers great initial views and is a popular starting point for reaching the cross.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to enter Mount Royal Park or to see the Mount Royal Cross. It's a public park.
Mount Royal Park is generally open year-round from dawn until dusk. The cross itself is visible at all times, but illuminated at night.
No, Mount Royal Park is free to enter for all visitors.
Yes, the park is accessible at night, and the cross is LED-illuminated, making it a beautiful sight after dark.
While the park is generally open, be mindful of any posted park rules and regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers beautiful golden hour light for cityscapes and the cross. Clear evenings provide stunning views of the illuminated cross and city lights.
You can capture panoramic shots of the Montreal skyline, close-ups of the illuminated cross, and scenic views of the park landscape.
Drone usage in national and provincial parks often has restrictions. It's best to check the official park regulations for Mount Royal Park regarding drone operation.
A wide-angle lens is great for cityscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture details of the cross. A tripod is useful for low-light photography at dusk or night.
The area around the cross itself offers direct views, and the Kondiaronk Belvedere provides a broader perspective of the city.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Mount Royal Park offers numerous walking and hiking trails, picnic areas, Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors), and the Smith House visitor center.
Allow about 1-2 hours for the visit, including the hike up, time at the cross, and enjoying the city views.
Restroom facilities are available within Mount Royal Park, particularly near popular viewpoints and the Smith House.
Some areas of the park are accessible, but the hike to the cross involves uneven terrain and steps. Check park maps for accessible routes.
The current steel cross was erected in 1924, replacing an earlier wooden cross from 1643, placed by Montreal's founder as thanks for sparing the city from a flood.
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