Chalet du Mont-Royal's best-kept secret
Why we love Chalet Mont-Royal
Everyone climbs to the top of Mount Royal for the view of the skyscrapers, but few people take the time to really look inside Chalet Mont-Royal. On your next visit, we propose a little challenge: look up! Behind Aristide Beaugrand-Champagne’s grandiose architecture lies a charming detail that most tourists completely miss.
A tradition carved in wood
Built in 1932, the Chalet Mont-Royal is a masterpiece of rustic design. But if you look closely at the huge wooden beams and brackets (the supports that hold up the ceiling), you’ll discover a merry band of squirrels hand-carved directly into the structure.
These little wooden beasts are not there by chance. They pay homage to the mountain’s real mascots, while adding a playful touch to the building’s solemnity. In a way, they’re our Montreal version of the gingerbread style, which, as you can imagine, is particularly
dear to our hearts here at Gingerbread Manor!
Your mission: The treasure hunt
To make your visit more fun, try to spot these details with your loved ones:
Ceiling guardians: How many squirrels can you count hiding in the woodwork of the great hall?
Expressions: Notice how each sculpture seems to have its own personality. This is where we recognize the talent of Quebec artisans of the time.
The contrast: After finding the wooden versions inside, step out onto the lookout to see if you can spot their live cousins running around the park.
Why do we love it?
It’s this kind of detail that makes Montreal magical. It’s not just a building of stone and wood; it’s a space filled with historical nods. For photo enthusiasts, these sculptures provide a wonderful contrast to the large murals that tell the story of Jacques Cartier’s arrival.
Tip from Gingerbread Manor
Chalet Mont-Royal is particularly quiet on weekday mornings. It’s the perfect time to admire the woodwork without the crowds. After your exploration, head back down to the Plateau to tell us how many you’ve found, or take the opportunity to discover our neighbourhood’s other treasures!
Don’t forget to bring your camera, as the late afternoon light through the windows of Chalet Mont-Royal creates a warm atmosphere that beautifully highlights each squirrel sculpture. It’s the perfect time to capture the essence of Montreal before returning to the calm of the Manor.
How do I get to Chalet Mont-Royal?
For our guests at Gingerbread Manor, there are several options for reaching the summit. The more adventurous can take the emblematic Mount Royal staircase from Avenue des Pins (get your legs ready, there are over 250 steps!). For a gentler option, you can take STM bus line 11 from Mont-Royal metro station, which will drop you off just a few steps from the Chalet Mont-Royal entrance.
Once you’ve reached the Kondiaronk lookout, take a moment to admire the view before entering the main hall to begin your squirrel hunt. It’s a perfect activity to combine with a picnic or a simple walk in the forest.
Did you know? Chalet Mont-Royal is not the first building to occupy this site. Before it was built in 1932, another wooden chalet stood here, but it had to be demolished to make way for the current, sturdier and more spacious structure. Architect Aristide Beaugrand-Champagne insisted on using materials reminiscent of the surrounding nature, which is why solid wood is so prominent. Looking at the details of the carvings, you get a real sense of the heritage of Quebec craftsmanship, which has endured for almost a century.