A landmark of the Montreal landscape, Mount Royal attracts over five million visitors every year. The green heart of the city, this heritage park offered a rich but fragmented experience, partly due to an outdated signage system. To respond to this need for unification and modernization, the Ville de Montréal commissioned Principal Studios and PXP to design a new signage identity worthy of the site.

Inspired by the great city parks, the new signage features a modular, sustainable approach that is deeply respectful of Mount Royal's natural environment and heritage. The objective was clear: to create signage that is functional, accessible and aesthetically pleasing, while blending harmoniously into the landscape.

The system developed is part of an approach to accessibility and discoverability. Designed to respond to the diversity of visitor profiles - walkers, sports enthusiasts, tourists, motorists or emergency services - the new signage relies on a clear, intuitive iconographic language in addition to a rigorous graphic grid, and a clear hierarchy of information that promotes understanding and ease of direction. Universal pictograms facilitate navigation, regardless of the user's language.

These visual elements are set out in a coherent family of steles, strategically placed throughout the park and offering several levels of information adapted to individual needs.

Flexibility was also at the heart of the project. Some installations incorporate interchangeable cards, allowing information to be updated according to season or event. An ingenious system of modular slats ensures long-lasting durability, while reducing the ecological footprint of the street furniture. The materials chosen, as well as the color palette, guarantee optimal legibility without disturbing the natural aesthetics of the site.

In this way, the new signage goes beyond a simple directional role. It becomes a mediation tool, encouraging discovery of the park while directing visitors to the marked trails and contributing to the protection of sensitive areas. By combining thoughtful design, sustainability and landscape integration, Principal and PXP propose a contemporary vision of signage, aligned with the ecological and cultural values of Mount Royal.