Mount Royal Cross Travel Guide

The Mount Royal Cross is one of Montreal's most iconic landmarks, perched atop Mount Royal, overlooking the city. The current steel structure, standing at 31.4 meters (103 feet) tall, was erected in 1924 by the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste. It commemorates Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve's original wooden cross, which he raised in 1643 to thank the Virgin Mary for saving the Ville-Marie colony from a flood.Over the centuries, the cross has evolved from a simple wooden marker to a steel structure illuminated by lights, visible for miles. The cross is often lit in white, but its colors change for special occasions, such as purple to mark the death of a Pope or red for AIDS awareness. The LED lighting system, installed during a renovation, allows for a variety of colors controlled by computer.Located within Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the area around the cross offers recreational activities and panoramic views of Montreal. Visitors can hike or bike along the Olmsted Trail to reach the cross and enjoy the scenery. The Mount Royal Cross remains a cherished symbol, representing Montreal's rich history, French-Canadian heritage, and enduring spirit.