Mount Royal Arena

Mount Royal Arena Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Montreal

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Mount Royal Arena, once situated in the heart of Montreal’s Plateau-Mont-Royal district, was a foundational site in Canadian hockey history and a vibrant urban landmark. Built in 1920 as a replacement for the fire-ravaged Jubilee Arena, Mount Royal Arena served as the home of the Montreal Canadiens until 1926. Although the arena itself was destroyed by fire in 2000, its legacy endures in Montreal’s sports heritage, the local community, and the city’s ongoing celebration of its cultural past. This guide explores the arena’s rich history, its cultural and social impact, and provides practical information for those wishing to connect with this emblematic chapter in Montreal’s identity (Wikipedia; Puckstruck; Montreal Gazette).

Introduction
Origins and Construction
Role as Home of the Montreal Canadiens
Key Events and Milestones
Transition and Decline
Final Years and Destruction
Cultural and Social Significance
Visiting the Mount Royal Arena Site and Nearby Attractions
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion & Visitor Recommendations
References and Further Reading

Origins and Construction of Mount Royal Arena

Mount Royal Arena (French: Aréna Mont-Royal) was constructed in record time following the destruction of the Jubilee Arena in 1919 (Wikipedia). Located at Mount Royal Avenue and St. Urbain Street, the arena was built to ensure the Montreal Canadiens could continue their NHL season. The building process was so rapid that it opened partially unfinished on January 10, 1920, with the Canadiens defeating the Toronto St. Patricks 14–7 (Geocities). The arena featured a two-story, 60,000-square-foot brick structure, seating 3,000 initially and later expanding to accommodate up to 10,000 with standing room. Its natural ice surface, lacking mechanical refrigeration, would later prove to be a critical limitation (Wikipedia).

Role as Home of the Montreal Canadiens

From 1920 to 1926, Mount Royal Arena was home to the Montreal Canadiens, one of hockey’s most storied franchises (Wikipedia; fr.wikipedia). The arena hosted legendary players such as Howie Morenz, Aurièle Joliat, and Georges Vézina. Newsy Lalonde’s six-goal game in 1920 remains a record. Mount Royal Arena’s natural ice surface, however, meant inconsistent ice quality, ultimately prompting the Canadiens to seek a more modern venue with artificial ice (Wikipedia).

Key Events and Milestones

Mount Royal Arena was the site of historic sports moments, including the Canadiens’ 1924 Stanley Cup win (though the deciding game was played in Ottawa due to ice issues) (Geocities). The arena set attendance records for its time and later became Montreal’s first indoor public skating rink, also hosting professional wrestling and community events (Geocities).

Transition and Decline

The opening of the Montreal Forum in 1924, with artificial ice and modern amenities, marked Mount Royal Arena’s decline (Wikipedia). After the Canadiens moved in 1926, the arena was converted into an auditorium, hosting performances by figures such as Enrico Caruso and speeches by Dr. Norman Bethune (Wikipedia). By 1938, it was further repurposed into a commercial space (Geocities).

Final Years and Destruction

Mount Royal Arena’s story ended when the building was destroyed by fire in 2000 (Wikipedia). The site is now occupied by a supermarket, with no physical markers remaining (Wikipedia).

Hockey Heritage and Community Identity

Mount Royal Arena was more than a sports venue; it was a cultural touchstone and social gathering place for Montrealers (Puckstruck). Its steep seating and vibrant crowds fostered an intimate atmosphere that amplified the city’s hockey passion. The arena unified diverse communities and energized local commerce, especially on game days (Wikipedia).

Multipurpose Venue and Urban Evolution

After hockey, the arena hosted concerts, community events, and later served as a commercial space, reflecting Montreal’s adaptability and resilience (Wikipedia). Its transformation illustrates the city’s layered history and ongoing reinvention.

Legacy and Influence

Mount Royal Arena’s limitations—especially its reliance on natural ice—influenced the design of future Montreal arenas, leading to the development of the Montreal Forum and, later, the Bell Centre (Puckstruck). While the original structure is gone, its story persists in local memory, walking tours, and museum exhibits.

Visiting the Mount Royal Arena Site and Nearby Attractions

Location and Accessibility

The former arena site is at Mount Royal Avenue and St. Urbain Street, within the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood. Today, a supermarket occupies the location, but the surrounding area is easily accessible by public transit, including the Mont-Royal Metro station and several bus lines (Mint Notion).

Exploring the Neighborhood

Plateau-Mont-Royal: Enjoy the neighborhood’s vibrant cafés, historic row houses, street art, and local markets.
Mount Royal Park: Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering trails, city views, and seasonal activities (Tourisme Montréal).
Nearby Landmarks: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, McCord Stewart Museum, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory.

Hockey Heritage Experiences

Bell Centre: Home of the Canadiens, with a team museum and guided tours (Bell Centre).
Montreal Forum: The Canadiens’ later home, now a mixed-use complex.
Walking Tours: Some local guides offer tours highlighting Montreal’s hockey history and the arena’s former site (Montreal Gazette).

Practical Visitor Tips

Dress Comfortably: Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Language: French is primary, but English is widely understood.
Public Transit: Use the Metro or BIXI bike rentals for easy travel.
Food and Restrooms: The area offers many dining options and public facilities, particularly in Mount Royal Park.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for pleasant weather and festivals (Mint Notion).
Accessibility: The area is walkable and mostly accessible; some park trails may be steep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit Mount Royal Arena today?
A: The arena was demolished and later destroyed by fire; the site now houses a supermarket. However, the location and surrounding neighborhood are accessible to visitors.

Q: Are there markers or museums dedicated to the arena?
A: There are no physical markers at the site, but local museums and some walking tours provide historical context (McCord Stewart Museum).

Q: What are the visiting hours and ticket prices?
A: No tickets or hours apply to the site itself. Nearby attractions have their own schedules and fees.

Q: What else can I do in the area?
A: Explore local cafés, parks, museums, and take part in cultural festivals (MTL.org).

Conclusion & Visitor Recommendations

Mount Royal Arena’s enduring legacy is woven into Montreal’s identity as a hockey city and cultural hub. Though the arena has vanished, its influence is felt in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood, local museums, and the city’s sporting culture. By exploring the area, visiting nearby attractions, and engaging with Montreal’s vibrant communities, visitors can connect with this remarkable chapter of Canadian history. For a richer experience, consider using the Audiala app for curated tours and cultural updates.

References and Further Reading

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