Historic walk in Old Montréal Preview

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Louis-Joseph Papineau National Historic Site

You are standing in front of the house that belonged to Louis-Joseph Papineau, a prominent politician in George-Étienne Cartier's life. In the 1830s, Papineau was a popular politician and one of the leaders of the Patriot movement, a group that advocated responsible government. At that time, the political climate in Montréal was very tense. This house was attacked twice by mobs of extremists opposed to the political reforms demanded by the Patriot Party.

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Bonsecours Market

This impresive building was built in 1847 to serve as a public market. At the time, it was one of the largest buildings in Canada. The Cartier's servants regularly shopped there to prepare the meals for the family, in addition to buying supplies from the higher class stores on Notre-Dame Street.

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The Rasco Hotel

In George-Étienne Cartier's day, the Hôtel Rasco was one of the most elegant hotels in the city. From 1853, although he owned several buildings in the neighbourhood, Mr. Cartier stayed more often at this hotel than at his own house on Notre-Dame Street. Cartier was thus free to meet anyone he wanted, including a certain Luce Cuvilier. Even though this affair was known in political circles, there was surprisingly never a public scandal about it. Perhaps Cartier was too powerful to be criticized on this matter.

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George-Étienne Cartier's Office

Here you are in front of George-Étienne Cartier's legal office. This building is quite unique in Old Montréal. Note the white plaster covering the stone of the façade. This type of cladding was very common in New France. Yet it was built in 1785, 25 years after the conquest of Canada by Great-Britain during the Seven Years’ War. Several building practices from the French regime persisted under the British regime, only to fade in the 19th century as techniques, materials, and fashion changed.

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Lucien-Saulnier building

You are now in the heart of Montréal's legal district. It was in this neighbourhood that lawyers like George-Étienne Cartier came to plead their clients' cases.

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The Château Ramezay

The Château Ramezay was originally built more than 300 years ago by Claude de Ramezay, Governor of Montréal, and rebuilt over 260 years ago. As you can see by looking at the plaque beside the door, this residence has had many functions during his existence. For example, between 1856 and 1878, it was the site of Montréal's first normal school.

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Place d'Armes

Take a moment to look at this statue, erected in 1895. It is of Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, a French officer. Along with Jeanne Mance, he founded Ville-Marie in 1642. The city was later renamed Montréal, and Monsieu Maisonneuve became its first governor.

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Place Jacques Cartier

Welcome to Place Jacques Cartier. Named in 1847 to honour the French explorer who claimed the northeastern territory of America on behalf of the King of France, François 1st, in the early 16th century. But, look closely! It is not Jacques Cartier at the top of the column! That honour goes to Horatio Nelson, the British Admiral who defeated Napoleon's fleet in 1805

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Notre-Dame Basilica

The church you are standing in front of is the Notre-Dame Basilica. It was inaugurated in 1829 to replace the old Notre-Dame church which had become too small for the needs of the growing city. The two towers were completed in the 1840s.

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Seminary of Saint-Sulpice

The Saint-Sulpice Seminary is the oldest building in Old Montréal. The oldest part was built between 1683 and 1688. For a long time, the religious group that inhabited this seminary was the most powerful in the city. The Sulpicians were a group of priests from Paris that bought the Island of Montréal in the first years of the colony. Their spheres of interest reached far beyond spiritual matters. Being the lords of Montréal, they were notably large landowners. They were also involved in business, politics, real estate, education and even transportation. The influence of the Sulpicians gradually diminished after the abolition of the seigniorial system in the mid-19th century.

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Bank of Montreal

Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817. It is the oldest banking institution still in operation in Canada. This branch was built between 1845 and 1847 to serve as the bank's headquarters. Its façade, reminiscent of ancient temples, evokes the image of a stable and rich institution. Several other banks on Saint-Jacques Street also incorporated antique columns into their architecture at this time.

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Start the tour

Welcome to the start of the self-guided tour Cartiers' quarter!Today, you will discover Old Montréal as it was in the middle of the 19th century. The route begins right here in front of the house of George-Étienne Cartier, on Notre-Dame Street. Head to the next stop on the map to find the home of another very influential Montréal politician at that time.

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