Named for Canada’s 15th Prime Minister and former Member of Parliament for Mount Royal, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park is located in the northern section of Côte Saint-Luc and has facilities for all ages and interests.
From the fantastically weird playground and small splash pad to the trio of baseball fields and a stunning sculpture garden, the park is a space where residents and visitors can play, get active, or relax under the trees. Or better yet, put aside a few hours and do it all!
A unique play space
Those who are used to cookie-cutter playgrounds might pause when first seeing the elaborate cable and metal sculptures of the play area for children aged 5-12. Renovated in 2017, the equipment is a modern mix of rubber slides for climbing, sliding, and bouncing; and plenty of bright green cables for going up, around, and upside down.
Using the horizontal piece of rubber, my big kids got a kick out of seeing how high they could fling each other into the air, and my littlest climbed up and down the array of ropes exclaiming “I am in the jungle!”
Test out the small hammock, the Supernova spinner (known in our family as “the hamster wheel”), the interesting skateboard/surfboard-like motion equipment, and multiple balance beams.
Just past the itty-bitty sandbox area is the section geared for kids aged 18 months to 2 years. Again, it’s not a traditional stairs-and-slide combo, but rather there’s a small obstacle course structure where kids can crawl or climb up (or down) the rubber slide and across the mini rope waves. There is also a spinner, a little bouncer, and a ground-level activity panel for those only four apples high. You’ll also find two baby swings, adult swings, and a fun tandem swing for caregivers and babies.
Both play areas are on wood chip surfacing and there is a teeny sandbox between the two. Through the playground is mostly sunny, a large shade structure has been installed over the play structures and some of the picnic tables have shade umbrellas. The area is fenced and gated near the lake but open at the rear.
The uniqueness of the equipment will encourage kids (and adults) to play in a variety of ways each time they visit the playground. We’ve come back at least three times since our first trip just after it reopened and loved it so much it’s become one of our all-time favourites.
Explore the whole park
Once you’ve played, head for a quick dip in the nearby splash pad, spread out your picnic on one of the tables, and recharge for a stroll around the rest of the park.
The centrally-located man-made Centennial Lake is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and buzzing bees and dragonflies, and ducks and pedal boats mingle during the summer months. The pedal boats are currently reserved for residents only, but you may be able to rent one if it is not busy. (No complaining if you aren’t able to!)
Make sure to read through panels along the beautiful Human Rights Walkway and continue through the impressive Shalom Bloom Sculpture Garden which features stunning bronze animal sculptures along a meandering path.
Park amenities:
- For dates and hours of the pedal boats visit cotesaintluc.org/places/pedal-boats/ and phone 514-485-6806, ext. 2200 for more information.
- The splash pad is on from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Touch the sensor on top of the post to start the water sequence. The water will turn off automatically.
- Picnic tables and benches are located near the playground and the splash pad, as well as around the lake.
- A free parking lot is on Mackle Road near the Samuel Moskovitch Arena or use on-street parking. The parking lot at the back of the park (corner Stephen Leacock and Louis-Pasteur) is closed for the summer to accommodate outdoor events.
- There are also baseball /softball fields, a basketball court, and a winter toboggan hill with lanes.
- Washrooms and drinking fountains are available near the playground and there is also an accessible chalet and washrooms.
- The playgrounds are on wood chip surfacing with concrete ramps into the play areas.
- Barbecues are allowed, call the city at 514-485-6806 or email: trudeaupark@cotesaintluc.org for more information.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park
6975 Mackle Rd., Côte Saint-Luc, H4W 3A5
Related reading:
14 great parks for kids of all abilities
Fun for all ages in LaSalle Park
Enjoy a day trip to nearby nature parks
10 of Montreal’s best splash pads
