Or, at least that’s what “Google” said when I looked it up last night. There are 400 steps leading straight up off of Montreal’s Peel Street to the Chalet at Mont Royal, Montreal’s most famous mountain and park.
I climbed all 400 of them. And….I lived to tell about it another day.
Wow!
There was a day of balmy weather….42 degrees Farenheit….on about the 3rd or 4th day into my Montreal adventure. It was the warmest day so far, so I decided that it would be a great day to do something outside. I could walk around and actually feel warm. So, I decided that a hike up to and through this old landmark would be a great idea!
The concierge at my hotel gave me several options for approaching the park. But, thrill seeker that I am, I decided I should climb the steps. So, I walked up a steep grade from the Metro station through the campus of McGill College to the first set of steps and began to climb.
I didn’t actually know how many steps there were when I started this little jaunt. If I had, I may not have done this in fear that I would hurt my back…or have a heart attack….or something worse. I did give it a first thought, but not a second!
And, off I went!
Partway up as I was huffing and puffing, I did question the wisdom of this climb, though. So, I stopped, took a break and asked someone to take this picture. (Still wearing the infamous hat!)
I was partway there. I couldn’t turn back now. And, I was comforted by the fact that the whole way up, I could see the hospital that was just below the steps. What great placement for a healthcare facility. I figured that if I had a heart attack or my back finally gave out, it wouldn’t be far for me to go for help.
Onward.
It was well worth the effort. The views of the city at the top were spectacular. It was a fairly bright and sunny day, so I could see all around and down to the city with some clarity.
Beautiful!
The “chalet” at the top had a little gift shop as well as a small snack bar on the side of an information station that explained a bit of the history of Mont Royal. Circling the station walls were a series of pictures that reflected the history.
Then, I learned about the “Cross of Mont Royal” from the woman running the gift shop. She encouraged me to visit….quinze minutes (15 minutes walking). I was there, so I took this walk, too.
And, then I decided to continue to follow the road, which made a large circle around the “chalet” and ended back at the same place I started. It was a little treacherous as there was a bit of snow and ice.
But, I made it. I am giving a shout out here to Born for making some of the best walking boots I have ever had. They have a great tread, are warm and waterproof….at least I think they are. At any rate, my feet were dry, warm and comfortable all day long.
When I got back to the starting point, I was pooped! So, I got a “chocolat chaud” (hot chocolate) and a “cookie” (cookie)
and joined this tired fellow on the Adirondak chairs that faced out to the spectacular view.
What a day!
C’est tout….that’s all folks. At least on the walking portion of the day. Later in the evenig, I took in the sounds of Bach and Mozart at the “Place des Arts”, a performance of the annual Montreal Bach Fesitval. I heard a clarinetist whose melodious strains gave me goosebumps.
My senses were on overload!
I will end this post on a fitness note. My new iPhone says that I walked 11 miles on this day and took a total of 25,000 steps.
Really?!
Maybe someone can weigh in on this. Are the exercise meters on these phones accurate?
I find it hard to believe that I walked this much. But, I do know this. Between the yoga lessons and practice I have been doing and the climb up these stairs, my glutes are in the best shape of my life. Whatever fat was there, is no longer. And, my buns are as tight as drums. So are my calves….which I am not liking quite as much…..3 days later and I am still having trouble pointing my toes. Oh well……
No pain, no gain. Right now, I would put my shapely legs up against anyone’s anywhere..anytime!
The best part is that I can now justify all of the chocolate croissants I have been eating since I have been here. Oh, and the cheese….and, the chocolate……and the baguettes…..the butter……cream sauces….tonight’s dinner…
Which is where I will leave you…..thinking about my next meal….
Bon appétit!
Travel With Betsy 
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