Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal, Canada

Visit duration: 30 min Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Place Jacques-Cartier

Place Jacques-Cartier is a square in Old Montreal and one of the entrances to the Old Port. Its site was once the formal garden of the Château Vaudreuil, built in 1723 for the Marquis de Vaudreuil; after the château burned down in 1803 the space became a public square known as New Market Place. In 1809 Montreal's oldest public monument, Nelson's Column, was raised there, and in 1847 the square was renamed after Jacques Cartier, the explorer who claimed Canada for France in 1535.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

The square is a broad, divided street that slopes steeply down from Montreal City Hall and rue Notre-Dame to the waterfront and rue de la Commune. In the high tourist season it hosts many street artists and kiosks, and at Christmas it is lined with lit trees. Restaurants line both sides all year, several with Parisian-style terraces for a drink or a meal in the open air, and the square is closed to cars in summer.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

Common questions

What does Tourisme Montréal suggest at Place Jacques-Cartier?

After visiting Notre-Dame Basilica, head to the square to enjoy street performers from a lively outdoor terrace.

Where it is

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Nearby

Within 4 min on foot

1 hr 30 min
2 min walk
château Ramezay
- Must see · Heritage site
- Museum
1 hour
2 min walk
Bonsecours Market
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45 min
4 min walk
Chapel of Our Lady of Help, Montreal
- Must see · Heritage site
- Historic site