... and more: Tuques Bleues Celebration 2010, cross-country skiing and the FeederWatch Project
Calendar of Events
Mount Royal welcomes you twelve months a year, seven days a week! Consult the calendar to find the range of activities and events organised by Les amis de la montagne awaiting you.
Members of the community are invited to participate in a forum of exchange and discussion on issues related to the protection and enhancement of Mount Royal.
Smith House, at the entrance of Mount Royal Park, is one of the few vestiges of the mountain’s rural history. In 1989, the city signed an agreement with Les amis de la montagne entrusting it with the long-term management of this historic house as part of efforts to protect and preserve Mount Royal.
For additional information or to visit Smith House during regular business hours, contact us by calling 514 843-8240, ext. 235.
Smith House
Mount Royal Park
1260 Remembrance Road
Montréal, QC H3H 1A2
(Halfway between Beaver Lake and the chalet at the lookout)
Capacity
Small room: Up to 25 people for a conference
Large room: Up to 120 people (80 people with tables and chairs)
Dimensions
Room 1: 14.8 m by 5.4 m by 3 m (with large windows overlooking the park and ceiling fans)
Room 2: 8.7 m by 4.1 m by 3 m (with one large window overlooking the park and ceiling fans)
Equipment
Tables and chairs for both rooms
Fully equipped kitchen next to room 2: refrigerator, stove, sink and counter
Room 1: removable chairs and tables and kitchen island (refrigerator, counter, sink). The fully equipped kitchen is available at additional cost.
Washrooms adjoining both rooms
Projection screen, chalkboard and dry-erase board available. A cart for a projector can be rented for an additional fee, depending on availability.
Among the numerous guided podcasts offered via the interactive map, “Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover”, one guided walking trail is offered beginning at Smith House.
With a multimedia player in hand, you will be taken along a trail that tours the mountain’s summit loop, while listening/watching a series of short podcasts to better appreciate the site.
You can either download the podcast free of charge directly from Les amis’ website (just click on the map icon above) or you can loan a multimedia player at Smith House during regular business hours. Rental of the player is $5 and we ask for an identity card with photo. The duration of the tour is about 1.5 hours or can be adapted to your own pace.
Cardinals, juncos, woodpeckers and grey-headed goldfinches are just several of the bird species that frequent Mount Royal in winter. Join a member of Les amis' conservation patrol for a guided visit of the bird feeders to discover these and other species. Our seven feeder stations are located on the path that circles the mountain's summit.
During the holidays, Tuesday, December 22 and 29, 2009 and all winter on Saturday from January 9 to March 13, 2010
“Mount Royal, A Territory to Discover” is an interactive map that focuses upon the discovery of the mountain’s historic and natural heritage through the creative use of Internet technologies. The map allows Montrealers and visitors alike the opportunity to capture all the richness and uniqueness of Mount Royal through an interpretive site that provides the opportunity to discover the unexpected and little known assets of the mountain, its makeup and its inhabitants.
Les amis de la montagne were proud to participate in the launch of the Montreal Geotourism MapGuide at Montreal City Hall on June 15th last. This map was produced by the National Geographic Society in collaboration with numerous groups and associations, as well as with the participation of Montrealers.
The first urban Geotourism MapGuide in the world, the publication covers the island of Montreal and showcases over 100 natural, cultural and historic attractions, including, of course, Mount Royal. The concept of geotourism promotes the geographic character of a destination, including its environment, culture, aesthetic appeal, heritage and the well-being of its inhabitants. An electronic version of the guide is available here.
Smith House is your entry point to Mount Royal Park. Visitors can enjoy a friendly reception service open year-round. Take advantage of our nature boutique where you can find educational gifts and original souvenirs of the mountain. Visit our permanent exhibit to learn of the many facets of Mount Royal.
Hours of operation
From September 8 to November 1st, 2009
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
From November 2 to December 13, 2009
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
From December 14, 2009 to March 14, 2010
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturdays in January and February: closure at 7 p.m.
From March 15 to April 30, 2010
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Holiday hours
Closed as of 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009
Closed on December 25, 2009 and January 1st, 2010
In case of inclement weather, Smith House will close 1 hour earlier than the times indicated above.
The Café Smith restaurant is the ideal place for a wholesome lunch or snack in convivial surroundings: sandwiches, hot meals, hot and cold beverages, beer and wine, as well as sweet treats and our famous organic fair-trade hot chocolate.
Hours of operation
From September 8 to November 1, 2009
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
From November 2 to December 13, 2009
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
From December 14, 2009 to March 14, 2010
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturdays in January and February: closure at 7 p.m.
From March 15 to April 30, 2010
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Holiday hours
Closed as of 3 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009
Closed on December 25, 2009 and January 1st, 2010
In case of inclement weather, Café Smith will close 1 hour earlier than the times indicated above.
The rental counter is located on the main floor of the Beaver Lake pavilion. Please note that rentals end one hour prior to the closure of the rental counter. An identity card with photo is required for all rentals.
Hours of operation
December 4 to 17, 2009
Sunday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
December 18, 2009 to March 14, 2010
Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Holiday hours
Closed as of 5 p.m. on December 24 and 31, 2009
Closed on December 25, 2009 and January 1st, 2010
Open at 10 a.m. on December 26, 2009 and January 2, 2010
Under the auspices of the Mount Royal Conservation Patrol, Les amis de la montagne are calling all interested volunteers to participate in the FeederWatch project every Friday and Saturday from November 2, 2009 to April 3, 2010.
The FeederWatch project is an inventory of winter birds at feeders that began in Canada and the United States in 1976. The patrol will be participating for a 5th winter.
If you would like to become a volunteer participant or have any further questions, please contact us.
An “illuminating” way to discover the mountain. Strap on a pair of our snowshoes and follow our guide along the trails to discover the forest enveloped by night.
Saturday evenings, from January 9 to March 13, 2010
$15 (includes snowshoe rental, animation and hot chocolate)
Special “Sparkling New Year’s on the Mountain”
Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29 and 30, 2009
$25 (snowshoe rental, animation and sparkling wine)
Special “Valentine’s Soirée on the Mountain”
Saturday, February 13, 2010
$20 (snowshoe rental, animation, mulled wine and chocolate)
Approximate duration 75 minutes
Departure from Smith House, groups are formed as of 6:15 p.m.
An original way to discover Mount Royal in the company of friends or colleagues. A lively evening with captivating animation and a comforting beverage!
10 person minimum (walks can be with snowshoes or on foot)
Package price: $15 per person for a guided walk and hot chocolate or $20 per person for a guided walk and mulled wine
Strap on your skates and benefit from a longer skating season on the refrigerated rink located next to the Beaver Lake pavilion! Please note that the Ville de Montréal is responsible for maintaining the ice and a maintenance schedule is posted on-site. Free.
