Welcome
to the Golden
Square Mile
A neighbourhood that offers up different treasures every day, and around every bend.
Watch the video
Welcome
A NEIGHBOURHOOD
WORTH
EXPLORING
Here, luxuries big and small are at your fingertips. In just a few minutes on foot you can find...
TUNE IN TO
THE
NEIGHBOURHOOD
To better immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Golden Square Mile, have a listen to these exclusive podcasts that will help you discover the soul of the neighbourhood.
Historic Homes
Guide Françoise Bâby takes us on a tour of some of the most iconic residences of the Golden Square Mile.
Those that have gone
before
The most prestigious families in Canada populated this neighbourhood. Now it’s your turn to walk in their footsteps.
Prince Arthur, namesake of the famed street in the Quartier Latin, was the 3rd son of Queen Victoria. He admittedly loved Canada and spent a lot of time in Montreal.
While there, he resided mostly in the Ogilvie Mansion – known then as the Rosemount – which was built in 1848 by architects Hutchison & Steele. Demolished in 1944, the property gave way to the lovely public park, parc Percy-Walters.
The James Ross House is the work of great American architect Bruce Price, to whom we owe, most notably, the château hotels of the Canadian Pacific Railway, including the renowned Château Frontenac.
The last palatial residence to be built in the Golden Square Mile in the 1890s, in the 1920s it became the setting for some of Montreal’s most lavish soirées. Its owner, James Ross, an engineer originally hailing from Scotland, made his fortune building the Canadian Pacific Railway.
John Redpath, who emigrated from Scotland at the age of 20, quickly made his fortune in construction. At the age of only 44, he purchased an enormous estate on Mount Royal, noting, with satisfaction: “I have left my house in town and am residing on the Des Rivieres property on the mountain, which I purchased last fall... the situation is delightful, and my time is occupied in improving the property which suits my tastes to live private and retiring.”
His magnificent residence, known as Terrace Bank, was the work of architect John William Hokins. It was demolished in 1911.
A walker’s
wonderland
THE URBAN FOREST, Victoria street
Flanking the museum, an ephemeral park space provides a colourful rest area for people strolling along Sherbrooke Street. This beautiful little spot is reminiscent of the many urban garden initiatives in the neighbourhood, including around the Concordia campus, on De Maisonneuve Street.
The view from the McTavish promenade
Braving the climb up McTavish means discovering an exceptional urban landscape. Along the way, take some time to sit back with a good book or a coffee. And, once you’ve reached the top, at the threshold of Olmstead’s park, you can take in the breathtaking panorama below.
DU MUSÉE AVENUE
Du Musée Avenue, which runs along the west side of the first Museum of Fine Arts building, hosts vibrant, free festivities all summer long. Paintings on the ground, thematic street furniture, interactive installations – year after year, artists are invited to lend their playful touch to this transitory urban canvas.
A SUNNY BREAK ON THE MCGILL CAMPUS
If you never dare to pass through the Roddick Gates, you’ll miss out on this peaceful haven in the heart of the city. Whether in the shade of hundred-year-old trees, or on the tiered terraces with their vegetable gardens, this beautiful campus – open to all – abounds with charming hidden corners.
REDPATH CRESCENT
Unknown to most, Redpath Crescent is worth the visit. Architecture enthusiasts will come across majestic mansions on their path – most designed by the original architects of Montreal – and then enjoy hiking along the trails that wind around Mount-Royal, right next door.
