Nelson's Monument: A Historic Landmark in Old Montreal

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Visit the Nelson Monument in Montreal's Place Jacques-Cartier, a historic tribute to Admiral Nelson and a landmark in Old Montreal.

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Nelson Monument

The Nelson Monument, erected in 1809 in Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, commemorates Admiral Horatio Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Designed by Scottish architect Robert Mitchell, it is the city's oldest monument and a reminder of British colonial history.

A brief summary to Nelson Monument

Pl. Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, Ville-Marie, Quebec, CA
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nelson Monument.

Explore Place Jacques-Cartier, surrounding the monument, for shops, restaurants, and street performances.
Visit the Montreal History Museum to see the original Nelson statue that once stood atop the monument.
Take a stroll through Old Montreal to appreciate the historical architecture and ambiance.

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Getting There

Public Transport

To reach the Nelson Monument via public transport, take the Metro to Place-d'Armes station (Orange Line). Walk east along Rue Notre-Dame until you reach Place Jacques-Cartier. The monument will be in the square. A single Metro ticket costs approximately $3.50 CAD.
Walking

If you are in Old Montreal, you can easily walk to the Nelson Monument. Head northeast on Rue de la Commune, then follow Rue Saint-Paul to Place Jacques-Cartier. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.
Driving

If driving, head towards downtown Montreal. Take Autoroute 20 and exit onto Boulevard Robert-Bourassa. Continue onto Rue de la Cathedrale, then turn left onto Rue Saint-Antoine. Follow this road to Place Jacques-Cartier. Parking is available in nearby lots, with fees typically around $2-$4 per hour. Alternatively, the Grand Quay parking offers hourly and daily rates, with high season rates (May 1 to September 30) costing $35 for 0-6 hours.

Discover more about Nelson Monument

Located in the heart of Old Montreal's Place Jacques-Cartier, the Nelson Monument stands as a tribute to Admiral Horatio Nelson, a British naval hero. Erected in 1809, it commemorates his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar. The monument is not only a historical landmark but also a point of contention, reflecting the complex relationship between English and French Canada.The monument was designed by Scottish architect Robert Mitchell and initially featured a statue sculpted from Coade stone. The column itself is made of grey limestone and draws inspiration from Trajan's Column in Rome. The monument's construction followed news of Nelson's death in 1805, prompting Montrealers to raise funds for a memorial.Over the years, the monument has undergone changes and faced controversy. In 1997, the original statue was moved to the Montreal History Museum for preservation, and a replica now stands atop the column. Despite being a symbol of British influence, the monument remains a focal point in Place Jacques-Cartier, surrounded by cafes, shops, and street performers, embodying Montreal's vibrant culture.