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Le Fort de la Montagne: A Glimpse into Montreal's Past

Explore Montreal's historic Fort de la Montagne: Discover 17th-century towers, learn about First Nations missions, and enjoy panoramic city views.

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Le Fort de la Montagne, also known as Fort des Messieurs or Fort Belmont, is a historic site in Montreal featuring the remaining structures of a 17th-century fortification. Constructed in 1685, the fort originally served as a mission and a defensive outpost. Today, visitors can explore the two remaining towers and learn about the site's role in the city's early history.

A brief summary to Le Fort de la Montagne

  • 2065 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Ville-Marie, Quebec, H3H 1G6, CA
  • +1514-935-7775

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the site involves some walking and exploration.
  • Check for any special events or exhibitions that might be happening during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Le Fort de la Montagne via public transportation, take the Metro to Atwater station. From Atwater station, take bus 150 towards downtown. Get off at the stop on Sherbrooke St W near the Collège de Montréal, where Le Fort de la Montagne is located. As of July 2025, a single fare is $3.75 CAD.

  • Walking

    If you are near Mount Royal Park, you can walk to Le Fort de la Montagne. Head down towards Avenue des Pins from the park entrance. Turn right on Avenue des Pins and walk towards Rue Sherbrooke. Turn left onto Sherbrooke Street and continue walking until you reach 2065 Sherbrooke St W. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes from the park entrance.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Montreal. A short taxi ride from downtown Montreal to Le Fort de la Montagne will typically cost between $10 and $15 CAD, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

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Discover more about Le Fort de la Montagne

Le Fort de la Montagne offers a captivating glimpse into Montreal's rich history. Built in 1685 by the Sulpician order, the fort was initially established to protect a mission for local Indigenous peoples, including Iroquois, Huron, and Algonquin. François Vachon de Belmont, a Sulpician priest, oversaw the construction of the fort to shield the mission from potential threats. Originally, the fort consisted of four bastions connected by ramparts and palisades. However, most of the fortifications were demolished in the mid-19th century during the construction of the Collège de Montréal. Today, only two of the original towers remain, standing as a testament to the site's historical significance. These 13-meter-high stone towers, built in 1694, are among the oldest structures on the Island of Montreal. Over the years, the towers have served various purposes. The west tower once housed a school run by Marguerite Bourgeoys, while the east tower served as a residence for nuns of the Congregation of Notre-Dame. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1970, recognizing its importance in Canadian history. Restoration work was carried out on the towers between 1984 and 1986, and they were classified as provincial historical monuments in 1974. Visitors to Le Fort de la Montagne can explore the historic towers and learn about the mission's role in the evangelization of First Nations. The site also offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape, making it a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts.

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