Background

Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier

A majestic Montreal monument honoring Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a Father of Confederation, with stunning bronze sculptures and historical significance.

4.6

The Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier, located in Montreal's Mount Royal Park, honors a key figure in Canadian history. Cartier, a Father of Confederation, is celebrated through this grand monument featuring 18 bronze figures and allegorical representations of Canada's early provinces. The monument, designed by sculptor George William Hill, is a prominent landmark and a site for cultural gatherings.

A brief summary to Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier

Local tips

  • Visit during the warmer months to witness the vibrant Tam-Tams drum circle, a Montreal cultural phenomenon.
  • Explore the monument's detailed sculptures to learn about the figures and events significant to Canadian history.
  • Take a stroll through Mount Royal Park after visiting the monument for panoramic views of Montreal.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Mont-Royal Metro station, head west on Avenue du Mont-Royal Est, then turn left onto Parc Avenue. Continue south on Parc Avenue until you reach the monument on your right, near the intersection with Avenue Duluth Est. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus 11 towards Ouest or bus 107 towards est from metro station Mont-Royal and get off at the stop near the monument on Parc Avenue. The monument will be visible on the east side of Parc Avenue. A single fare for public transport is $3.75 CAD.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From downtown Montreal, a taxi or ride-sharing service to the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument will typically cost between $12 to $20 CAD, depending on traffic and surge pricing. The journey usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Ask your driver to drop you off near the intersection of Parc Avenue and Avenue Duluth Est.

Unlock the Best of Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier

The Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier stands as Montreal's most imposing monument, honoring Sir George-Étienne Cartier (1814-1873), a French-Canadian statesman and one of the Fathers of Confederation. Located on the edge of Mount Royal Park, the monument was conceived in 1911 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cartier's birth, with construction beginning in 1912 and inauguration on September 6, 1919. The monument reaches almost 31 meters (101 ft) in height and features 18 bronze statues by sculptor Joseph Brunet. Crowning the monument is the allegorical figure of Glory, holding a laurel wreath poised to crown Cartier, who stands below holding a document inscribed with “Avant tout soyons canadiens” (Above All, be Canadian). A bronze banner displays “Ô Canada, mon pays mes amours” (O Canada, my country, my love), the title of a patriotic song written by Cartier in 1835. The monument's sculptures tell a story of Canadian Confederation. Figures representing the original provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick are featured, with additional figures on the back representing provinces that joined later. The north side depicts Legislation, while the south side highlights Cartier's efforts in promoting education. Four recumbent lions guard the monument, symbolizing the power and protection. Today, the monument is a gathering place, most notably for the weekly Tam-Tams drum circle festivals during warmer months.

Popular Experiences near Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier

Popular Hotels near Monument to Sir George-Étienne Cartier

Select Currency