DiaryGame [08/29/2024] || An Enchanted Evening at Mount Royal: A Nighttime and Panoramic Exploration of Montreal

_{Taken by my own smartphone}

Hello steemians,

Last night, I decided to take advantage of a mild summer evening to go on a family outing to Mount Royal. This iconic place in Montreal, with its summit offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, seemed like the perfect place for a nighttime stroll. We were all eager to rediscover the beauty of the city illuminated from the heights.

We began our ascent as dusk enveloped the city. The heat of the day was beginning to fade, giving way to a pleasant coolness. We took a winding road, lined with dense vegetation, the headlights of our car casting moving shadows on the surrounding tree trunks. The street lights, already lit, added a magical touch to our journey, their golden light reflecting on the hood of the car.

As we climbed, the road became increasingly narrow, winding through the Mount Royal forest. A few cyclists and walkers were also taking advantage of this peaceful evening to explore the surroundings. The children, fascinated by the almost mystical atmosphere of the forest at nightfall, could not hide their excitement. Their enthusiasm reminded me why I had chosen this night outing despite an already busy day.

Once we reached the top, I parked the car and we continued on foot to the Kondiaronk lookout, one of Montreal’s most famous viewpoints. Yahya, eager to discover the view, ran ahead of us, his laughter echoing through the trees. The walk on the gravel path was pleasant, and with each step, the sounds of the city below seemed to fade further away, plunging us into a soothing tranquility.

As we approached the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the building appeared before us, majestic with its imposing architecture. The wide stairs leading to its entrance invited contemplation. The lighting, soft but sufficient to reveal the details of the façade, added a solemn touch to the place. We took a moment to admire the scene. Yahya, always curious, posed in front of the steps, while Skander explored the surroundings, captivated by the calm and almost mystical atmosphere of the place.

After a short rest on the steps of the museum, we continued our way to the belvedere. And there, the reward for our climb: a breathtaking view of Montreal. The city, with its illuminated skyscrapers and lively streets, stretched out before us like a shimmering carpet. It was a breathtaking spectacle that immediately captivated me. Each neighborhood, each illuminated street stood out, with the silhouette of the Olympic Stadium tower visible in the distance and the lights of downtown competing with those of the stars.

I took a picture with the city as a backdrop, a satisfied smile on my lips, savoring the moment. This view was simply perfect, and I took a few moments to absorb myself in the beauty of the scene, letting my thoughts wander.

On the way back down, we took a short break near a fountain. Yahya, thirsty from all that walking, rushed to drink a sip of fresh water, a simple action that seemed so satisfying after the effort. Yahya, still on the move, spotted a group of raccoons near the path. These little creatures, obviously used to nocturnal visitors, were friendly, which amused the children.

Our descent was calm, fatigue starting to make itself felt. The road, now more familiar, seemed less winding, and the forest less mysterious. The lights of the city below guided us, reminding us that our adventure was coming to an end.

As I returned to the car, I took one last look towards the summit of Mount Royal, once again impressed by the majesty of this place. This evening walk will remain etched in my memory, not only for the spectacular view of Montreal at night, but also for the simple but precious moments spent with family, surrounded by the natural beauty of this iconic park.