Photo credit: PixUp Montréal

Montreal, May 22, 2026 — On May 24, 1876, exactly 150 years ago, Montreal inaugurated Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a visionary landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York and many other major public parks. His goal was to offer the population access to nature, beauty and tranquility in the heart of the city. To this day, the park remains one of the most emblematic and unifying places in Montreal.

Olmsted’s vision was rooted in a profoundly humanistic and democratic belief. Large urban parks should contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life of everyone, regardless of their neighbourhood, origin or condition.

“For 150 years, Mount Royal Park has accompanied the lives of Montrealer. It is, at the same time, a landscape, a refuge, a place of memory, meeting and contemplation. Its presence in the heart of the city is an immense privilege, but also a collective responsibility,” underlines Christophe Derrien, general director of Les Amis de la montagne.

From now until the end of the year, Les Amis de la montagne will offer a series of activities open to the public to mark the 150th anniversary of the park and the 40th anniversary of the organization. A special edition of the photo contest will be launched on June 1, 2026, inviting novice and experienced photographers to take a sensitive, creative and personal look at the park, its landscapes, its natural environments, its heritage, its uses and its future. The competition will run until September 13 inclusive, and prizes will be awarded in five categories.

Among the many activities planned, we should highlight the “At the root of the tree,” a sound walk conceived and produced by Portrait Sonore, exploring the trees of Mount Royal Park and the park’s creation, its fragile ecosystem, and its distinctive character. Additionally, a walking tour examining the legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted links the Jardin des Hospitalières to the Camillien-Houde Belvedere, in collaboration with the Musée des Hospitalières. Furthermore, for two days, the community will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Mount Royal Park on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026, with a flagship event from Les Amis de la montagne, uniting the public around the mountain.

“This anniversary must be more than a celebration: it must be one of awareness. In a city that is becoming denser, warmer and in constant transformation, Mount Royal Park is more necessary than ever. It contributes to biodiversity, health, social ties and the resilience of Montreal. Protecting it means preserving an essential part of who we are collectively,” Christophe Derrien concludes.

About Les Amis de la montagne

Founded in 1986, Les Amis de la montagne’s mission is to protect and enhance Mount Royal by prioritizing environmental education and collective commitment..

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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.