But what if I told you that the city’s name itself originates from this very mountain? The mountain consists of three peaks. One of these is the Colline d’Outremont. It stands at 211 meters. It is also known as Mount Murray.
Colline d’Outremont is a significant part of Montreal’s landscape and history. The city of Montreal derives its name from Mount Royal. Colline d’Outremont is one of its prominent peaks. The first European to climb the mountain was Jacques Cartier in 1535. He named it in honor of King Francis I of France. He called it Mount Royal.
The name “Outremont” literally means “beyond the mountain” in French. This name came about because travelers going north from downtown Montreal had to go “through” the mountain. In 1833, Louis-Tancrède Bouthillier built a country residence and named it Outre-Mont. Gradually, Outremont became the term used to designate the region.
Colline d’Outremont is part of the borough of Outremont. Outremont is an affluent residential area. It is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and parks. The borough is predominantly French-speaking. It also has a large Hasidic Jewish community.
In June 2017, the city named the greenspace surrounding the Outremont peak Parc Tiohtià:ke Otsira’kéhne. This Mohawk name means “the place of the big fire.” It reflects how First Nations people used the hill for a fire beacon. The park covers 35 hectares. That is about 86 acres.
The mountain’s geology is fascinating. Mount Royal is part of the Monteregian Hills. These hills formed when the North American Plate moved over the New England hotspot. Magma intruded into the sedimentary rocks. This created igneous stocks. The main rock is gabbro. Over time, softer rocks eroded. This left behind the resistant igneous rock we see today.
Mount Royal Park is one of Montreal’s largest greenspaces. Frederick Law Olmsted designed the park. He also co-designed New York City’s Central Park. The park opened in 1876. Olmsted planned to use vegetation to emphasize the mountainous topography. He wanted to create the illusion of exaggerated height. However, a depression in the 1870s led to many abandoned plans.
The park includes the Kondiaronk Belvedere. It offers stunning views of Downtown Montreal. The belvedere is named after Chief Kondiaronk. His influence led to the Great Peace of Montreal in 1701.
Today, Mount Royal Park offers many activities. You can find snow tubing, toboggan runs and cross-country skiing trails. Beaver Lake is a popular spot for skating in winter.
The Tam-Tams are a popular summer activity. Every Sunday afternoon, people gather near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument. They play hand drums and dance. It creates a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Mount Royal also has a transmission tower. It broadcasts signals for Montreal’s television and FM radio stations. The tower’s height is limited due to its proximity to Trudeau Airport’s flight path.
Colline d’Outremont offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. It is a place where history, community, and recreation come together. So, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history that surrounds you here at Colline d’Outremont.