Old Montreal

district, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Also known as: Vieux-Montréal

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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Old Montreal, also known as Vieux-Montréal, is the historic heart of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It offers a glimpse into the city's rich past with its cobblestone streets and diverse architectural styles, some dating back to the 16th century.1

Founded as a missionary settlement called Ville-Marie in 1642 by Paul de Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve, it later became a crucial fur-trading center due to its strategic location on the St. Lawrence River. This advantageous position facilitated trade routes to the Great Lakes and beyond, making it a vital transportation hub.23

Despite being overtaken by Toronto as Canada's largest metropolitan center in the 1970s, Old Montreal remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, known for its charm and historical significance.14

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Montreal
Character of the city
…the historic centre known as Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), which provides a window into the city’s rich history with its cobblestone streets and architectural styles ranging from the 16th century to the present.
Read More
…the historic centre known as Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), which provides a window into the city’s rich history with its cobblestone streets and architectural styles ranging from the 16th century to the present.
Read More