Mount Royal Cross: A Symbol of Montreal
Visit the iconic Mount Royal Cross for panoramic views and a glimpse into Montreal's rich history and cultural significance.
The Mount Royal Cross, also known as Croix du Mont-Royal, is a prominent monument atop Mount Royal, overlooking the Island of Montreal. The original cross was erected in 1643 by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, the founder of Montreal, who promised to erect a cross if the Virgin Mary saved the colony from a flood. The floodwaters receded, and Maisonneuve fulfilled his vow. The current cross, standing at 31.4 meters (103 feet) tall, was constructed in 1924 by the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste. Initially, the cross was designed with observatories, but only the steel structure was built. The structure consists of 1,830 pieces of metal joined by 6,000 rivets, weighing 26 tons. The city of Montreal assumed responsibility for the cross in 1929. The cross is illuminated at night and can be seen from miles away. The LED lighting system allows the cross to change colors for special occasions, such as purple to signify the death of a Pope. The Mount Royal Cross is not only a historical landmark but also a symbol of francophone nationalism.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as visiting the cross involves a hike up Mount Royal.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated during your visit.
- Consider visiting during dusk or on weekdays for a quieter, more peaceful experience.
- Check the lighting schedule to see if the cross will be illuminated in a special color during your visit.
- Explore the trails around the cross for additional scenic views and recreational activities in Mount Royal Park.
A brief summary to Mount Royal Cross
- Olmsted Trail, Montreal, Ville-Marie, Quebec, H2W 1S8, CA
- +1514-280-8989
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach the Mount Royal Cross using public transport, take the Metro to Mont-Royal station. From there, transfer to Bus 11 (Parc-du-Mont-Royal / Ridgewood). Get off at the Remembrance/Chemin du Chalet or Lac-aux-Castors stop. From there, follow the Olmsted Trail to the cross. A single fare for the bus is $3.75 CAD.
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Walking
From downtown Montreal, access Mount Royal Park via Peel Street and Avenue des Pins. Follow Peel Street north until it intersects with Avenue des Pins, where you'll find stairs leading up the mountain. Climb the stairs or follow the Olmsted Trail, a winding path that gradually ascends to the summit. The walk to the cross is approximately 2.7 km and takes about 40 minutes.
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Driving
To drive to Mount Royal Cross, search 'Mont Royal Parking' on Google Maps for available parking lots. Follow Chemin Remembrance to access the park. Parking rates are $4.25 CAD per hour. From the parking lot, follow the Olmsted Trail to reach the Mount Royal Cross.
