Mount Royal welcomes you twelve months a year, seven days a week! Consult the calendar to find the range of activities and events organised by Les amis de la montagne awaiting you.

Smith House - welcome centre and boutique

2009-01-01
Smith House is your entry point to Mount Royal Park. Visitors can enjoy a friendly reception service open year-round. Take advantage of our nature boutique where you can find educational gifts and original souvenirs of the mountain. Visit our permanent exhibit to learn of the many facets of Mount Royal.

Hours of operation
- From September 8 to November 1st, 2009
  - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- From November 2 to December 13, 2009
  - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
- From December 14, 2009 to March 14, 2010
  - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturdays in January and February: closure at 7 p.m.
- From March 15 to April 30, 2010
  - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Holiday hours
- Closed as of 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009
- Closed on December 25, 2009 and January 1st, 2010
In case of inclement weather, Smith House will close 1 hour earlier than the times indicated above.
Photo contest "La montagne en images"

2009-01-01 - 2010-08-31

Les amis de la montagne launch a photo contest titled, « La montagne en images »

To showcase the rich and varied heritage of Mount Royal through photography, Les amis de la montagne announce the launch of their photo contest titled, “La montagne en images” open to all admirers of Mount Royal.

Les amis de la montagne invite members of the community to submit their favourite photos of the mountain along five themes: Nature and Biodiversity; Architecture; Art and the Mountain; People and the Mountain; and Light.

First, as part of the International Year of Biodiversity, photos illustrating the Nature and Biodiversity theme received by April 9^th will be eligible to appear in an exhibit to be held in May 2010 in the Smith House Café located in Mount Royal Park.

Finally, as part of a second exhibit to be held at Smith House in September 2010, Les amis de la montagne will present the photographs of the contest winners.

Les amis de la montagne will award one grand prize for the overall contest and three prizes per theme. A photo gallery will also be on published on Les amis’ website located at www.lemontroyal.qc.ca.

Participants are asked to complete and sign the registration form for each photograph submitted as part of the contest, and mail or hand deliver their photographs, both printed and electronic versions on CD, to Smith House. The photographs will be judged for their artistic qualities and techniques, subject originality and compliance to the themes. The winning photographs will be selected by a jury composed of members of the Amis de la montagne team and one professional photographer. The contest closes on August 25, 2010.

For contest details and the registration form, please click here.
Smith House - room rental

2009-01-02
Smith House, at the entrance of Mount Royal Park, is one of the few vestiges of the mountain’s rural history. In 1989, the city signed an agreement with Les amis de la montagne entrusting it with the long-term management of this historic house as part of efforts to protect and preserve Mount Royal.

For additional information or to visit Smith House during regular business hours, contact us by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 235.

Smith House

Mount Royal Park
1260 Remembrance Road
Montréal, QC H3H 1A2
(Halfway between Beaver Lake and the chalet at the lookout)

Capacity

Small room: Up to 25 people for a conference
Large room: Up to 120 people (80 people with tables and chairs)

Dimensions

Room 1: 14.8 m by 5.4 m by 3 m (with large windows overlooking the park and ceiling fans)
Room 2: 8.7 m by 4.1 m by 3 m (with one large window overlooking the park and ceiling fans)

Equipment
- Tables and chairs for both rooms
- Fully equipped kitchen next to room 2: refrigerator, stove, sink and counter
- Room 1: removable chairs and tables and kitchen island (refrigerator, counter, sink). The fully equipped kitchen is available at additional cost.
- Washrooms adjoining both rooms
- Projection screen, chalkboard and dry-erase board available. A cart for a projector can be rented for an additional fee, depending on availability.
Café Smith - restaurant

2009-01-03
The Café Smith restaurant is the ideal place for a wholesome lunch or snack in convivial surroundings: sandwiches, hot meals, hot and cold beverages, beer and wine, as well as sweet treats and our famous organic fair-trade hot chocolate.

Hours of operation
- From September 8 to November 1, 2009
  - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- From November 2 to December 13, 2009
  - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
- From December 14, 2009 to March 14, 2010
  - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturdays in January and February: closure at 7 p.m.
- From March 15 to April 30, 2010
  - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Holiday hours
- Closed as of 3 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009
- Closed on December 25, 2009 and January 1st, 2010
In case of inclement weather, Café Smith will close 1 hour earlier than the times indicated above.
Public forum

2009-01-04
Members of the community are invited to participate in a forum of exchange and discussion on issues related to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal.
- 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- At Smith House
- Free
Consult the public forum page for information on the next public forum.
Mount Royal interactive map

2009-01-05

“Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover” is an interactive map that focuses upon the discovery of the mountain’s historic and natural heritage through the creative use of Internet technologies. The map allows Montrealers and visitors alike the opportunity to capture all the richness and uniqueness of Mount Royal through an interpretive site that provides the opportunity to discover the unexpected and little known assets of the mountain, its makeup and its inhabitants.
Discover Mount Royal by guided podcast

2009-01-06

Among the numerous guided podcasts offered via the interactive map, “Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover”, one guided walking trail is offered beginning at Smith House.

With a multimedia player in hand, you will be taken along a trail that tours the mountain’s summit loop, while listening/watching a series of short podcasts to better appreciate the site.

You can either download the podcast free of charge directly from Les amis’ website (just click on the map icon above) or you can loan a multimedia player at Smith House during regular business hours. Rental of the player is $5 and we ask for an identity card with photo. The duration of the tour is about 1.5 hours or can be adapted to your own pace.
Montreal’s Geotourism MapGuide

2009-01-07

Les amis de la montagne were proud to participate in the launch of the Montreal Geotourism MapGuide at Montreal City Hall on June 15th last. This map was produced by the National Geographic Society in collaboration with numerous groups and associations, as well as with the participation of Montrealers.

The first urban Geotourism MapGuide in the world, the publication covers the island of Montreal and showcases over 100 natural, cultural and historic attractions, including, of course, Mount Royal. The concept of geotourism promotes the geographic character of a destination, including its environment, culture, aesthetic appeal, heritage and the well-being of its inhabitants. An electronic version of the guide is available here.

Outdoor equipment rental counter - winter

2009-10-01 - 2010-03-14

Inner-tube rentals

2009-10-02 - 2010-03-14
Come slide safely on the mountain’s specially designated inner tube trails located on the hillside near Beaver Lake.
- From December 19, 2009 to March 14, 2010 (snow conditions permitting)
  - Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  - Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Closed as of 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009
- Closed on December 25, 2009 and January 1^st, 2010
- Holiday period from December 21, 2009 to January 3, 2010 and during spring break from March 1-5, 2010
  - Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fees:

4 to 11 years, $5

12 years and over, $8

Passes are valid for the day. One person per inner-tube.

Children 4 years of age and under are not permitted on the inner-tubes.

The pass provides access to one inner-tube and the reserved lanes for sliding.

Group rates (min 12) are available by reservation on weekdays only. Please contact us at (514) 843-8240, ext. 235.
Refrigerated skating rink - schedule

2009-10-03 - 2010-03-14
Strap on your skates and benefit from a longer skating season on the refrigerated rink located next to the Beaver Lake pavilion! Please note that the Ville de Montréal is responsible for maintaining the ice and a maintenance schedule is posted on-site. Free.

Refrigerated skating rink at Beaver Lake
- December 12, 2009 to March 7, 2010
  - Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  - Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Holiday hours
- Closed as of 5 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009
- Closed on December 25, 2009 and January 1, 2010
Call for volunteers for the FeederWatch project

2009-10-04 - 2010-04-04

Under the auspices of the Mount Royal Conservation Patrol, Les amis de la montagne are calling all interested volunteers to participate in the FeederWatch project every Friday and Saturday from November 2, 2009 to April 3, 2010.

The FeederWatch project is an inventory of winter birds at feeders that began in Canada and the United States in 1976. The patrol will be participating for a 5th winter.

If you would like to become a volunteer participant or have any further questions, please contact us.
The birds of Mount Royal, for all ages

2009-10-05 - 2010-03-14
Cardinals, juncos, woodpeckers and grey-headed goldfinches are just several of the bird species that frequent Mount Royal in winter. Join a member of Les amis' conservation patrol for a guided visit of the bird feeders to discover these and other species. Our seven feeder stations are located on the path that circles the mountain's summit.
- During the holidays, Tuesday, December 22 and 29, 2009 and all winter on Saturday from January 9 to March 13, 2010
- From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Departure from Smith House
- Free, suitable for the whole family
Guided snowshoe walks by night

2009-10-06 - 2010-03-15
Snowshoeing by the light of the city

An “illuminating” way to discover the mountain. Strap on a pair of our snowshoes and follow our guide along the trails to discover the forest enveloped by night.

Saturday evenings, from January 9 to March 13, 2010
$15 (includes snowshoe rental, animation and hot chocolate)
- Special “Sparkling New Year’s on the Mountain”
  - Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29 and 30, 2009
  - $25 (snowshoe rental, animation and sparkling wine)
- Special “Valentine’s Soirée on the Mountain”
  - Saturday, February 13, 2010
  - $20 (snowshoe rental, animation, mulled wine and chocolate)
Approximate duration 75 minutes

Departure from Smith House, groups are formed as of 6:15 p.m.

Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 0

Made-to-measure guided walks for groups

An original way to discover Mount Royal in the company of friends or colleagues. A lively evening with captivating animation and a comforting beverage!
- 10 person minimum (walks can be with snowshoes or on foot)
- Package price: $15 per person for a guided walk and hot chocolate or $20 per person for a guided walk and mulled wine
- Thursday or Friday, afternoon or evening
- Made-to-measure activities negotiable
- Reservations required: 514 843-8240, ext. 235
150 years of winter pleasure at Beaver Lake

2009-10-07 - 2010-03-15

View this temporary modular exhibit to discover the history and built heritage over many winters of one of Montreal’s most appreciated sites.

From December 18, 2009 to March 13, 2010

Beaver Lake Pavilion, main floor

Free

Skates $8 - 2 hours	Skis $8 - 1 hour $15 - 3 hours
Snowshoes $7 - 1 hour $13 - 3 hours	Nordic kicksled $12 – 1 hour $15 – 2 hours
Carrier sled for babies $5 - 2 hours	Locks $3 plus $5 deposit
Children’s helmet $2 - 2 hours	Learn-to-skate walker $4 - 2 hours plus $10 deposit
Skate sharpening $6	Ski waxing (not available on weekends) $6 waxing $20 full service

Calendar of Events

Snowshoeing by the light of the city

Made-to-measure guided walks for groups