Old Montreal

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) is the historic core of Montreal on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and contains architecture dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. The district is a major cultural and tourist precinct with museums, churches and preserved streets.

The large 19th-century Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port riverfront and historic squares such as Place Jacques-Cartier. Streets are lined with restored masonry buildings now occupied by shops, restaurants and cultural institutions; guided walks and boat tours on the river are common visitor activities. The area is a centre for festivals and public events throughout the year.

The neighbourhood developed from the original French colonial settlement and expanded under British rule, with many surviving buildings reflecting commercial and civic life of the 18th and 19th centuries. Conservation and adaptive reuse have preserved the historic streetscape while supporting contemporary uses.

Old Montreal sits adjacent to the modern downtown core of Montreal in the borough of Ville-Marie, along the St. Lawrence River; it is within walking distance of central business districts and transport hubs.

• Getting around: Cobblestone streets and narrow lanes are best explored on foot; many streets close to vehicles, making walking tours and guided historical walks convenient ways to see the area.

What to See #

• Notre-Dame Basilica: A large neo-Gothic basilica completed in the early 19th century and known for its ornate interior, stained glass and pulpit.
• Old Port: The historic waterfront area along the St. Lawrence River with promenades, docks and activity spaces that once served as the city's main port.
• Place Jacques-Cartier: A civic square lined with heritage buildings, restaurants and open-air stalls that acts as a focal point for visitors exploring the district.