Discover the rich past of the downtown area with this historical tour

Montreal is a city whose rich history is beautifully displayed in its many heritage buildings. The downtown area has a history on par with the world’s most important metropolises and its current commercial and architectural orientations still bear the mark of this history. To help you fully appreciate this, we’ve put together an informative and fascinating historical tour that will lead you to make some wonderful discoveries!

The Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul

In 1918, two congregations decided to unite under the name “Church of St. Andrew and St. Paul.” This Protestant place of worship is the largest in Quebec. Its organ is the largest still in use on the island of Montreal. The current Gothic-style building was erected in 1932 at the corner of Sherbrooke and Redpath streets. This is a wonderful way to start this historical tour.

3415 Rue Redpath 

Maison Alcan

An important symbol of Montreal’s commercial exploits, the Maison Alcan Heritage Complex site is a collection of historic buildings located in the Golden Square Mile. In the mid-1970s, the mining giant resisted a campaign to move its headquarters from Montreal to Toronto. Maison Alcan still exists thanks to the efforts of then CEO David Culver. Today, the place has many works of art on its walls that you can enjoy during your visit. Maison Alcan is also home to Zú, a creative hub that supports and propels entrepreneurs using technology to revolutionize the creative industries. 

118 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest

Christ Church Cathedral

This Gothic Revival church built in 1859 is located just above the Promenades Cathédrale shopping centre. The stone building has a cross-shaped layout and a gable roof with a square tower topped by a spire. It is of course listed as a heritage building. Keep your phone handy when you visit, as you will want to take a photo of this jewel of downtown’s architectural heritage.

635, Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest

The Belgo Building

Inaugurated in 1912 as a store, this magnificent building underwent a major transformation in 1958. Over the years, the Belgo building in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles has become an art centre that hosts nearly 25 galleries. In fact, it is known for hosting one of the largest concentrations of contemporary art galleries in Quebec and Canada. This building has truly evolved in the most beautiful way!

372 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest

The Marriott Château Champlain Hotel

Completed for the Expo 67 event, the Marriott Château Champlain is the tallest hotel in Montreal. It was designed by two Quebec architects, Jean-Paul Pothier and Roger D’Astous. The latter was even a student of the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The building is recognizable by its iconic windows echoing Windsor Station’s arches next door. At the time, this building brought Montreal into the modern era.

1050 Rue De La Gauchetière Ouest

Saint-Patrick’s Basilica

This place of worship contributed to the growth of the Irish community in Montreal. This neo-Gothic style basilica even hosted the baptism of one of the greatest poets in Quebec’s history, Émile Nelligan. The church is also known for its chimes and ten bells, the oldest of which, Charlotte, was installed in 1774.

460 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest

Mary Queen of the World

Located at the corner of De La Cathédrale Street and René-Lévesque Boulevard, the Mary Queen of the World Basilica-Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Montreal. For many years, it was the largest church in Quebec. It is well worth the trip to see this scaled-down replica of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

1085 Rue De La Cathédrale

St. George’s Anglican Church

Built in 1870, this Anglican temple is a jewel of neo-Gothic architecture. Its interior includes magnificent woodwork and a piece donated by Westminster Abbey in honour of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to keep the church in good condition. More reason to pay a visit.

1101 Rue Stanley

The Guaranteed Pure Milk Bottle

This water-filled monument, in the shape of a milk bottle, is a poetic, even playful, emblem that contrasts with other buildings downtown. An important witness to the former presence of the food industry in the city centre, this pint evokes above all the traditional way of delivering milk. Its restoration has enabled it to be revalued as a symbol in the city’s landscape. A must-see!

1025 Rue Lucien-L’Allier

La maison Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine

Former Quebec Premier Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine lived in this house for over thirty years. Built in 1849, it has recently been restored to its original appearance. Even the marks of projectiles thrown at the façade by rioters in April 1849 have been preserved. A visit to this house is the perfect way to conclude this historical journey!

1395-1401 Avenue Overdale

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