Discover Westmount on the western side of Mount Royal, the landmark hill around which Montréal is established. The region provides a pleasant walking environment with tree-lined streets, parks and maintained heritage buildings. Access the area on foot from the city or take public transportation.
Relax and enjoy Summit Woods, Westmount’s largest green space, with over 57 acres (23 hectares). The area is a designated bird and wildlife sanctuary with plenty of opportunities to view local plants and animals on the network of paths.
Find Summit Lookout at the east end of the park, with spectacular views of Montréal and the St. Lawrence River. On the other side of the park you’ll spot Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal. This is Canada’s largest church, with one of the biggest basilica domes in the world. St. Brother André founded the oratory in 1904 and was canonized over a century later. The church’s grounds include a garden and nature reserve. A museum in the basilica provides displays of sacred art.
The community received its current name in 1895 when it evolved into a city. Westmount Public Library was the first free public library in the province when it opened in 1899. Another building from the same period is Victoria Hall Community Centre, a stately stone building that was constructed to hold public meetings and house a gymnasium and baths. The facility is now used for cultural events and has an adjacent art gallery, conservatory and greenhouses. Visit all the buildings that are interconnected with one another.
Spend time at Westmount Park and look for the large floral clock. The design changes annually, with over 8,000 plants used in the pattern. The clock’s mechanism is an electric motor using Ford Model T gears.
Travel to Westmount by walking from Montréal or using public transportation to Vendôme station. Montréal is accessible by air, rail, road and boat.
