Photo credit: PixUp Montréal
Montréal, June 1, 2026 – Les Amis de la montagne, a non-profit organization committed for the last 40 years to the protection and development of Mount Royal, is marking the 150th anniversary of Mount Royal Park with a series of activities. These include a special edition of their major photo contest, which stands out as one of the highlights of the celebrations.
From June 1 to September 13, 2026, amateur and professional photographers are invited to capture the landscapes, natural habitats, cultural heritage, current uses, and future potential of Mount Royal Park in a sensitive, artistic, and personal way. The jury will evaluate the submitted photos and designate the winners in five thematic categories.
Contest Categories
1st category: An Identity Park: 150 years of Development
Showcase the allure, atmosphere, scenery, and distinctive viewpoints of Mount Royal Park.
2nd category: A Living Park: 150 years of Conservation of Fauna, Flora and Natural Environments
Highlight the richness of the fauna and flora of Mount Royal Park: forest, trees, birds, mammals, insects, wetlands and other life that makes up the mountain.
3rd category: Unifying Park: 150 years of Outdoor Experiences, Gatherings and Discoveries
Illustrate the “mountain experience” through the seasons: walks, discoveries, contemplation, gatherings, sports and shared moments.
4th category: A Heritage Park: 150 years of Evolution, Remembrance, and Preservation
Highlight the landscapes, buildings, paths, stairs, lookouts, viewpoints, and legacy of Olmsted, which continue to mark the identity of the park.
5th category: A Park for All: A Vision of the Future
Capturing what we wish to pass on to future generations: an accessible, inclusive and safe place that promotes commitment to its protection, individual and collective well-being, the feeling of belonging, social harmony and respect for nature.
Artificial Intelligence
It is important to mention that the photographs submitted must be from a real photo taken by the participant. Minor editing is permitted, such as cropping, brightness, contrast, sharpness and colour adjustments. Needless to say, that photomontages and substantial scene manipulation, as well as images generated entirely or mainly by artificial intelligence, are not accepted.
Award and Distinctions
Numerous prizes will be offered to the winners in each category. In addition, a jury prize will be presented to the most outstanding photograph among all submitted entries. Lastly, a special Amis’s prize will be presented to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Les Amis de la montagne.
A Collaboration With the McCord Stewart Museum
This contest is presented in collaboration with the McCord Stewart Museum, whose important photographic collection has long documented the history, landscapes and transformations of Montréal. This partnership takes on its full meaning as part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Mount Royal Park. From June 1, 2026, the Museum presents The Mountain in the Heart of Montréal, an outdoor exhibition that brings together the views of yesterday and today through around fifty archival images devoted to the mountain. The exhibition is free and accessible for at least 12 months at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument and at Beaver Lake.
Photo Contest Dates
The photo contest will be held from June 1 to September 13, 2026, until 11:59 p.m. It is important to consult the eligibility criteria, conditions of participation and contest rules: https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en/photo-contest-2026.
About
Mount Royal Park: 150 years
One hundred and fifty years ago, on May 24, 1876, a visionary landscape architect named Frederick Law Olmsted created Mount Royal Park, on the mountainside, in the heart of Montréal, designed to improve the health and well-being of Montrealers. Olmsted is also known for designing Central Park in New York and several other parks across North America. His approach was not merely aesthetic but deeply rooted in humanistic principles and democratic values. For Frederick Law Olmsted, a large park should allow everyone, regardless of their origin, neighbourhood, condition or rank, to access beauty, calm, nature and a form of inner peace.
Les Amis de la montagne celebrates 40 years of existence
A non-profit organization founded in 1986, Les Amis de la montagne’s mission is to protect and enhance Mount Royal by prioritizing community engagement, environmental education and the promotion of Mount Royal’s interests, with the aim of encouraging informed decisions to be made in support of the sustainability of the place. For 40 years now, Les Amis has always offered varied programming and services intended for the general public as part of a partnership agreement with the City of Montréal, to which is added this year’s special programming for the 150th anniversary of Mount Royal Park.
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Information: Marion Dessus, head of communication, Les Amis de la montagne, mdessus@lemontroyal.qc.ca, Off.: 514 843-8240, ext. 207.
Media relation: Isabelle Bleau, Isabelle Bleau Communications, isabelle.bleau@bellnet.ca, Off.: 514 933-2523 Cell.: 514 992-8319.
