Walks and Views

A riverside nature park along the Rivière des Prairies, with ruins of old mills, the historic Maison du Pressoir, lookouts over the river and lots of birds. In winter there is an 8.6 km walking trail plus snowshoe and cross country ski trails. Open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entry is free; parking is paid.

Lookouts over the roaring Lachine Rapids, where you can watch kayakers and surfers. A top birding spot, with more than 225 species seen through the year and the largest heron colony in Quebec. Open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Free, with free parking.

Montreal's huge domed basilica on the slope of Mount Royal. Entry is free for everyone, and the terrace off the Concourse has a panoramic view over the west of the island. The shrine is open daily 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. The museum and parking are paid (parking is free for under 30 minutes during the day).

The east side lookout on Mount Royal, with a wide view over the Plateau, the east of the city and the Olympic Stadium tower. Beautiful at sunrise and at night. Open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and stroller accessible. The lookout is free; parking nearby is paid.

A signed 3.8 km city walk from the Old Port up to Mount Royal. It starts at Rue de la Commune and Place d'Youville and ends at Avenue des Pins and Rue Peel, passing heritage buildings, historic places and public art along McGill, McGill College and Sherbrooke. Follow the markers and arrow signs. Free, any time of year.

The classic view over downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River, from the big terrace in front of the Mount Royal Chalet. Free and open year round. Walk up the trails or stairs, and in winter you can also snowshoe or cross country ski in the park. Warm up inside the chalet.