We're fans of sprawling urban parks. There's nothing like having a beautiful swath of green space close to all the conveniences of the city to provide the yin and yang of a balanced life. That's why Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal) is one of our favorite Montreal attractions. Designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead, who famously created New York's Central Park, Mont Royal has it all, with miles of hiking trails, a scenic lake perfect for paddle-boating, a sculpture garden, and not one but two belvederes - structures located on a high terrace designed to give visitors commanding views of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. If you happen to visit on a Sunday between May and September, check out the Tam Tam Jam, a group of amateur drummers who play hand drums (tam-tams) on the east slope of the mountain. Dancing is encouraged, and you just might witness a mock battle between medieval-style fighters that use foam weapons. Yeah, you might say there's a counter-culture vibe. Starwood has eight Montreal properties, including the stylish W Montréal.