Mount Royal Park

Mount Royal Park is the iconic green space at the heart of Montreal, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (yes, the Central Park guy). The park covers 200 hectares of forested mountain right in the middle of the city, and it's a year-round destination for families.

The most popular family route starts at the base and winds up to the Kondiaronk Belvedere — the big lookout at the Chalet du Mont-Royal. The walk takes about 30-45 minutes depending on your pace and how many squirrel stops your kids demand. The view from the top is worth every step. On clear days you can see past the river to the Monteregian Hills.

Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) is the other major family hub. In summer, rent paddle boats and circle the small lake while ducks follow you around. In winter, the lake freezes into a free public skating rink surrounded by snow-covered trees — it's one of the most scenic skate spots in Canada. The pavilion building has washrooms, a snack bar, and skate rentals in season.

Strollers work on the main paved paths, but the smaller hiking trails are rocky and rooty. A baby carrier is better if you want to explore off the main routes. The Sunday tam-tams at the George-Etienne Cartier Monument (at the park's base) draw hundreds of people for drumming, dancing, and people-watching from May through October.

Parking is limited and fills quickly on weekends. Take the metro to Mont-Royal station and walk, or bus 11 runs up the mountain.