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When the largest bell in North America begins to thunder over Place d’Armes, legions of pigeons create a spectacle reminiscent of St Peter’s Square in Rome. Meanwhile throngs of pilgrims and visitors flock daily to this compelling architectural masterpiece (see Basilique Notre-Dame).

This striking modern building, married with the more ancient Place Royale setting, vibrates with activity throughout the year, as visitors digest one cultural exhibition treat after another on display inside and outside this museum (see Musée Pointe-à-Callière).

Erected between 1684 and 1687 as the home of the Sulpician religious order, the St Sulpice Seminary is the oldest surviving building in Montréal. This remarkable historic edifice remains an icon of the institutional architecture that was employed in Nouvelle-France. The Sulpicians’ exterior clock above the main doorway is the oldest of its kind in North America, dating from 1701 (see Séminaire St-Sulpice).

Two famous names in Canadian history have beautiful squares directly across from each other. Place Jacques-Cartier (see Place Jacques-Cartier, Montréal) celebrates the French discoverer of Canada (see Jacques Cartier), while Place de la Dauversière honors Jerome le Royer, Sieur de la Dauversière of La Flèche in Anjou, France. Dauversière was the Royal Tax Collector whose idea it was to build a colony here, eventually called Ville-Marie.

In 1653 Marguerite Bourgeoys arrived in Ville-Marie to open a school, which began in a stable assigned to her by the Sieur de Maisonneuve. By 1655 she was head of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame and oversaw the construction of Canada’s first stone church in 1675. The chapel that remains dates from 1771. It is known as the “Sailors Chapel,” given its portside location and model ships hanging throughout.

Montréal’s town hall was a gracious Second Empire-style edifice built between 1872 and 1878 by architect Henri-Maurice Perrault (1828–1903). Damaged by fire in 1922 it was rebuilt a year later in Beaux-Arts style, inaugurated in 1926 and is still used for its original function. It is possible to visit the interior and City Council sessions, open to the public on Monday nights at 7pm. It offers one of the most extravagant sights each evening when its array of lights illuminate the night sky (see Hôtel de Ville, Montréal).

This elegant stone home was originally constructed to house the Governor of Montréal, Claude de Ramezay (1657–1724) and his 16 children. Once the Ramezay family departed it was thereafter known as the Maison des Castors (beavers) because it was home to the Compagnie des Indes (West Indies Company) and their burgeoning fur trade with Europe. In 1775 General Richard Montgomery lived here with his band of rebellious Americans while they made a failed attempt to capture the city for the US. It has been a museum since 1895, with artifacts illustrating the early settlement of Québec, from tools to uniforms to historic documents. Of particular note is the Nantes Salon, lavishly decorated by 18th-century French architect, Germain Boffrand (see Château Ramezay, Montréal).

Built on the site of John Molson’s British American Hotel, this greystone Neo-Classical building has a rich history. It once housed the Parliament of Canada, Montréal’s temporary City Hall and was even a theatrical venue for Charles Dickens when he acted at the Theatre Royal in 1842. Today it is home to a smart shopping center, and its plethora of designer boutiques, art exhibitions and souvenir shops attract a continuing influx of visitors under its shining dome (see Marché Bonsecours, Montréal).

Exquisitely preserved artifacts of the 19th-century upper-middle-classes and their lifestyle are commemorated at Sir George-Étienne-Cartier’s house, now a National Historic Site. Cartier was one of the Fathers of Canadian Confederation and his impeccable home, in which he lived from 1848 to 1871, provides an insight into the mores of his social class at that time. Using the Victorian decor as a backdrop for theatrical re-enactments, the on-site performing troupe enlivens the home and its detailed history (see Sir George-Etienne-Cartier National Historic Site, Montréal).

Fortin (1888–1970) is regarded as one of the most influential landscape artists of the 20th century and his fluid portrayals of his native Québec Province, capturing its unique light, fill this tiny museum, which is housed in a former 19th-century stone warehouse. This is the largest permanent collection of his works in the world. Also on display are contemporary works by local artists.