Saint-Louis

Tucked away in Montreal’s Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood is Saint-Louis Square. It’s a charming urban oasis. Saint-Louis Square isn’t just any square. It holds a special place in the heart of Montreal. It’s a beloved gathering spot for locals and a must-see destination for visitors. Saint-Louis Square stands on the site of the city’s old reservoir. This reservoir served Montreal until 1852. After the Great Fire of 1852, the McTavish reservoir replaced it. The square itself was born in 1876. It’s named after two entrepreneurial brothers. Their names were Emmanuel Saint-Louis and Jean-Baptiste Saint-Louis. At the heart of Saint-Louis Square is a magnificent cast-iron fountain. This fountain, created by Jordan L. Mott, is one of Montreal’s oldest public fountains. It features two basins, stacked one atop the other. Interestingly, these fountains were built using parts ordered from the J.L. Mott Iron Works catalog. Each fountain was a unique composition. Saint-Louis Square is also a place that celebrates literature and the arts. You’ll find busts of two prominent Quebec poets here. One honors Octave Crémazie. It was unveiled in 1906, near the former home of another famous poet, Émile Nelligan. Almost a century later, in 2005, a bust of Nelligan himself joined Crémazie’s. The square is surrounded by beautiful Victorian-style homes. These add to the square’s unique charm. One of these homes has a special connection to cinema. The apartment at 3614 Laval Street was used in the filming of “Wait Until Dark”. The opening scene of this 1967 thriller was shot there. Even the character’s name, “Louis,” is a nod to Saint-Louis Square. As you stroll through Saint-Louis Square, take a moment to soak it all in. Appreciate its history, its beauty, and its vibrant energy. It truly is a gem of Montreal.