A day that absolutely did not go to plan…
A surprise thunderstorm, getting completely soaked, struggling to find the right bus stop, and somehow ending up walking far more than planned. It definitely wasn’t the smooth Mount Royal day I’d imagined.
But once we finally made it there, everything changed. Teddy spotted every squirrel, bird, and groundhog before I did (his wildlife radar is unmatched), climbed another playground, and spent ages taking in the view from the Kondiaronk Belvedere.
If you’re planning a Mount Royal day, here’s what I’d recommend:
🌿 Wear comfortable shoes!! The walk is longer than it looks.
🧥 Bring an extra layer, even in summer. The lookout was much cooler than downtown.
🛝 If you’re visiting with kids, don’t skip the Beaver Lake playground! There’s a splash pad too!
🐿️ Slow down and look around. Teddy found so much wildlife just by paying attention.
🚇 Take the metro and bus there! It was easy, and if you’re traveling with little transportation lovers, it’s half the fun.
Despite everything that went wrong getting there, Mount Royal ended up being one of my favorite days in Montréal. Sometimes the best memories come from the days that don’t go according to plan.
#montroyal #montreal #canada #travellingwithkids #summervacation
Visiting Mount Royal in Montréal can be a rewarding experience, even when the day doesn’t go as planned. One thing I learned from my own visit is the importance of being prepared for unexpected weather, especially the summer thunderstorms that can catch you off guard. Packing a lightweight rain jacket or waterproof poncho can make a huge difference between a soggy, uncomfortable outing and a fun one. Mount Royal is surprisingly larger than it seems on maps, so wearing sturdy and comfortable shoes is a must. I was caught off guard by how much walking there really is, especially if you want to explore spots like Kondiaronk Belvedere, where the panoramic views of Montréal are spectacular but require a bit of uphill walking. If you’re traveling with children, the Beaver Lake playground is a hidden gem. Along with the splash pad, it provides a great way to let kids cool off and burn some energy between sightseeing. My little companion’s ability to spot squirrels, birds, and groundhogs added an extra layer of joy to the trip—it’s amazing how slowing down and paying attention to wildlife can heighten the overall experience. Public transit to Mount Royal is highly recommended. Taking the metro and bus not only makes navigation easier but can be an adventure itself for kids fascinated by trains and buses. This mode of travel also saves you the hassle of finding parking or dealing with traffic. Finally, don’t be discouraged by a day that starts off rocky. Sometimes, those imperfect moments lead to the most memorable adventures. The unexpected challenges made me appreciate Mount Royal more and created special memories that far surpassed my initial expectations. Next time, I’ll be better prepared, but I’m also glad I experienced it the way I did—it reminded me to embrace the unpredictability of travel and the joy it can bring.