Kondiaronk Belvedere — Attraction in Montreal

Montrealers are proud of their “mountain”, the Mount-Royal. On the Mount, they walk, jog, bicycle, ski, sleigh, skate, smoke, drink, pick-nick, sometimes have s3x, and they pretty much do anything their imagination might wander on. I mean they even get buried on the Mount, as there is a choice of 4 different cemeteries. All in all, whether one is looking at the flowers from beneath or preferably from the top, the beloved mountain serves a much appreciated peaceful and quiet place for soothing the soul, especially under the cover and comfort of Autumn’s colors. As such, it provides an alternative to the ubiquitous fluorescence of the orange construction signs, so typical of any given day in Montreal. Sightseeing at first from the lower east side of the Mount, on Jeanne-Mance Park, you will find a couple of beach volley fields, and pretty often, exciting games and good players. Right cross the Avenue du Parc, you can catch on a warm sunny day the Tam-tams du Mont-Royal, a colorful gathering of drummers, dancers, vendors and their admiring audiences. A stroll near by, on the Olmsted gravel path, will take you through quiet woods and higher on the mount, to Beavers’ Lake (hum-hum, no pun intended)! Pushing up for an extra stretch will take you to the Kondiaronk Belvedere, so to enjoy a splendid view on downtown Montreal, whether by night or by day. From there, you can also give a wink at the St-Lawrence River and the bridges flying above. Standing quite noticeable by the Belvedere, the Chalet is there to welcome guests for a well-earned pause inside the great hall, where the walls bare several drawings, some of questionable historic episodes. If you feel like it, the Café des Amis offers coffee and pastries, although this may strike out the effort for the loss of calories endured during the walk up the mountain. If your knees allow you, a descent from the height of the 339 steps of the Mount-Royal staircase will take you back to the lower Olmsted path. Watch out for the slippery steps, as the flight downward may not be comfortable on landing. Otherwise, a walk to the slightly higher peak of the Mount leads to “the Cross”. The legend says this is exactly where the first French settlers and members of the First Nations signed a peace treaty while sharing the magic tobacco stick; no surprise, right ?! Away at the distance from the cross, there is also a beautiful view on the eastern side of the St-Lawrence River. There is more to explore and do, but I invite the readers to experiment on their own, so to discover the charm and the “joie de vivre” of the mount Montrealers are...

Kondiaronk Belvedere & Beaver Lake – Best Mount Royal Viewpoint in Montreal 🌄✨

If you’re visiting Montreal, Kondiaronk Belvedere at Mount Royal is hands down the most breathtaking spot in the city. The panoramic view of downtown Montreal framed by the St. Lawrence River is picture-perfect at any hour, but especially magical during sunrise and sunset. It truly feels like the city opens up in front of you.

Just a short walk away, you’ll also find Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors), a peaceful escape surrounded by greenery. In summer, it’s ideal for picnics, paddleboats, and family strolls, while in winter the frozen lake transforms into a skating wonderland. This combination of Kondiaronk Belvedere and Beaver Lake makes Mount Royal more than just a viewpoint — it’s a complete Montreal experience.

What sets this place apart is how versatile it is. Whether you’re a solo traveler capturing Instagram-worthy shots, a couple looking for a romantic walk, or a family enjoying outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. The accessibility is another plus — you can hike, bike, or even drive up, making it easy for all ages to enjoy.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss out. Kondiaronk Belvedere and Beaver Lake at Mount Royal Park is not just a tourist attraction but a must-visit Montreal landmark that blends natural beauty with iconic city views.

✅ Must-try tip: Visit in fall for stunning foliage, or at night when the city lights sparkle. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long...

🏞️ What Is Kondiaronk Belvedere?

The Belvédère Kondiaronk, a semi-circular stone terrace, sits directly in front of the Chalet du Mont‑Royal and offers a spectacular vantage point over Montréal’s skyline and the river .

Named in 1997 after the influential Huron-Wendat leader Kondiaronk, key architect of the Great Peace of Montréal in 1701 .

🏛️ The Chalet du Mont‑Royal & Surroundings

Built in 1931 in a Beaux-Arts style, with Arts & Crafts touches; designed by Aristide Beaugrand‑Champagne as a Depression-era public project .

Inside: marble floors, wooden beams, murals by thirteen Canadian painters depicting Montréal’s history .

The terrace and grand staircase frame the views beautifully, creating an iconic space for contemplation and photos .

🚶 Getting There

No direct access by car: Visitors must park at Maison Smith and then walk (~5 min) up the Chemin Olmsted, a pedestrian and bike-only gravel path .

By public transit: From Mont‑Royal Metro or Côte‑des‑Neiges, take Bus 11 (or 711 on weekends/summer) to Remembrance/Chemin du Chalet or Lac‑aux‑Castors stop, then walk up to the Chalet .

Walking: Climbers can use stairs from Rue Peel or a gentle climb via Chemin Olmsted—takes about 30 minutes of walking for...