Dreaming of a European neighborhood without crossing the Atlantic? Welcome to Square Saint-Louis. This isn’t just a park. Square Saint-Louis is a journey through time and art.
Originally, this site held Montreal’s first water reservoir. It served its purpose until 1852. Later, the McTavish reservoir replaced it. In 1876, the space transformed into the Square Saint-Louis. It was named after two entrepreneurial brothers. Their names were Emmanuel Saint-Louis and Jean-Baptiste Saint-Louis. They erected thirteen buildings around the square.
Look around. Notice the Victorian-style houses that frame the park. These colorful facades make it a favorite backdrop for tourists. These houses went up between 1850 and 1910. They reflect the elite’s passion for this style.
Many artists have called Square Saint-Louis home. The tragic poet Émile Nelligan spent his childhood here. His bust stands in the park. It is a tribute to his life and work. Nelligan lived at 3683, rue Laval. The opera Nelligan was born in this district. André Gagnon, the composer, once lived in the Nelligan family home.
Octave Crémazie, a national poet, also has a monument here. It was unveiled in 1906. Louis Fréchette, another poet, presented it to a crowd of 30,000.
In the 1960s, artists and hippies moved here. They bought these Victorian homes for very little. Pauline Julien and Gérald Godin were famous for their parties. They welcomed visiting poets. Réjean Ducharme was a regular. He drove a taxi at night and stopped by for coffee in the morning. They inspired his work L’hiver de force.
Dany Laferrière also found inspiration here. He wrote his first novel on a park bench. It was titled How to Make Love to a Negro Without Getting Tired. He lived nearby with a roommate. That roommate became the main character in his novel.
At the heart of Square Saint-Louis, admire the cast-iron fountain. Jordan L. Mott designed it. It is one of the city’s earliest public fountains. The fountain has two basins. One sits above the other.
The square faced challenges too. The Aberdeen school once stood here. A controversy arose in 1913. Students went on strike because of an antisemitic teacher.
Today, Square Saint-Louis remains a vibrant place. It’s a place where art, history, and community come together. It reminds us of Montreal’s rich cultural past. Take a moment to soak it all in. Feel the echoes of artists and poets. Let Square Saint-Louis inspire you.