Field guide
Mount Royal Park hike and run: a practical guide
Find official information for your Mount Royal Park hike or run. Details on the Chemin Olmsted loop, parking lot hours, and park facilities.
Mount Royal Park is a large green space in Montréal known for its natural areas and views. It offers a variety of activities, including trail running and walking.
This guide provides practical information for runners and hikers based on official sources. It covers trail details, access, parking, and available facilities in the park.
Official facts at a glance
- Park description
- Montréal’s green treasure, renowned for its vast natural areas, spectacular views and significant heritage value.
- Park address
- 2000 Chemin Remembrance, Montréal, QC H3H 1A2
- Chemin Olmsted walking trail length
- 8.3 km
- Snowshoe trail length
- 3 km
- Park opening hours
- 6:00 am to 12:00 am (midnight) daily.
- Number of parking lots
- 5 paid parking lots.
- Lac-aux-Castors parking hours
- 6 a.m. to midnight.
- Maison Smith parking hours
- 6 a.m. to midnight.
- Belvédère Camillien-Houde parking hours
- 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Restrooms available
- Yes, accessible washrooms available.
- Drinking water
- Drinking fountains available.
- Trail use rule
- Remain on dedicated trails to protect fragile natural habitats.
- Activities
- Relaxing walks, trail runs, bike rides, tubing, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing.
- Food services
- Food available for purchase at Lac-aux-Castors and Chalet du Mont-Royal pavilions.
Source: Parc du Mont-Royal (montreal.ca). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The main trail for running and hiking
The primary route for walkers and runners is the Chemin Olmsted trail, which is 8.3 km long. In winter, there is also a 3 km snowshoe trail.
All visitors must remain on the dedicated trails. This rule is in place to help protect the park's fragile natural habitats.
Park hours and parking
Mount Royal Park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). There are five paid parking lots available for vehicles.
Parking lot hours vary by location. The lots at Lac-aux-Castors and Maison Smith are open from 6 a.m. to midnight. The lot at Belvédère Camillien-Houde is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Facilities and services
Accessible washrooms and drinking fountains are available for public use. Food is also available for purchase at two locations: the Lac-aux-Castors pavilion and the Chalet du Mont-Royal pavilion.
Before you go
- The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight).
- Confirm the closing time for your chosen parking lot, as hours vary.
- Accessible restrooms and drinking fountains are available on site.
- All visitors must stay on the designated trails.
- The main walking and running loop is 8.3 km long.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Montreal. All cities: City running and hiking guides.