What Édouard-Montpetit is
Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit and the adjacent metro station are part of Montreal’s academic, cultural, and urban landscape. The boulevard is a major east–west thoroughfare through the boroughs of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Outremont, closely associated with the Université de Montréal.
Édouard-Montpetit station serves the STM Blue Line and is planned to connect with the Réseau express métropolitain (REM). At 72 metres underground, it is Canada’s deepest subway station. Its design incorporates Mount Royal’s natural geology, and its elevators and other accessibility features make it an important transit gateway.
History
The boulevard and station are named for Édouard Montpetit (1881–1954), a Quebec lawyer, economist, and educator born in Montmagny. He was Quebec’s first formally recognized economist in higher education and helped develop the province’s social sciences, economics, and political science. He held roles including secretary general and dean at the Université de Montréal, and his writing and advocacy for public education helped lay the groundwork for Quebec’s modernization.
The former Maplewood Avenue was renamed boulevard Édouard-Montpetit in 1967, the same year a monument to Montpetit was unveiled on the university campus. The area grew alongside the Université de Montréal’s expansion in the 1920s and 1930s, attracting students, academics, and professionals.
What to see
Monument to Édouard Montpetit
Sculpted by Sylvia Daoust, the monument was unveiled at the Université de Montréal in 1967. It commemorates Montpetit’s contributions and the boulevard’s renaming. The monument is accessible during campus visiting hours.
Boulevard and university surroundings
The boulevard’s architecture ranges from early 20th-century apartment blocks to modern university buildings. Its position on Mount Royal’s southern slope offers scenic views and access to green spaces. The Université de Montréal is known for its Art Deco campus and academic events.
The university and other educational institutions along the boulevard serve thousands of people daily. Cafes, bookstores, and cultural venues serve students and faculty. The area, historically Francophone and middle-class, has become more diverse, with international students, professionals, and families contributing to its multicultural character.
Cégep Édouard-Montpetit in Longueuil and a high school in east Montreal also bear Montpetit’s name.
Édouard-Montpetit station
The station is at the intersection of boulevard Édouard-Montpetit and avenue Vincent D’Indy, beside the Université de Montréal’s Marie-Victorin Pavilion and the CEPSUM sports complex. Its exposed Mount Royal bedrock connects the station’s design with the surrounding geology. Monumental mosaics by artist Manuel Mathieu add to its interior.
A pedestrian tunnel links the Metro and REM, and five high-speed elevators connect the surface and platforms. REM trains are planned to provide access to downtown Montreal, Brossard, and Deux-Montagnes.
Practical visiting information
Hours and admission
- Campus and monument Generally open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Metro Operates approximately from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM.
- REM Planned service hours are similar, with frequent trains throughout the day.
- Admission The boulevard, public spaces, and monument are free to visit. Some museums or venues may charge admission; check with individual sites.
Getting there and tickets
The area is served by several bus routes and the Université-de-Montréal Metro on the Blue Line. Multiple bus routes also serve Édouard-Montpetit station.
Standard STM fares apply. Tickets and OPUS cards are available at vending machines or through the STM app; mobile payment is also an option. REM fares are integrated with STM fares for transfers. Fare types include adult, student, senior, and reduced passes.
Accessibility and station amenities
The area has ramps and pathways for people with mobility challenges. At the station, elevators and escalators connect all levels, with step-free access, tactile paving and audio features, and wide fare gates. Seating includes options for people with reduced mobility.
Station amenities include restrooms near the main concourse, free Wi-Fi throughout, CCTV and on-site staff, and bicycle racks and shelters.
Tips
The main station access is on boulevard Édouard-Montpetit. The Marie-Victorin Pavilion entrance was scheduled to reopen in January 2025. Pedestrian tunnels connect the Metro and REM; bus routes may be relocated during construction, so check STM service updates.
Construction may affect access through late 2024, and REM testing in summer 2025 may cause early closures. Check the REM Service Status page for updates.
No guided tours are offered at the station itself, but the university and Mount Royal offer guided experiences. Luggage storage is not available at the station; Gare Centrale is suggested as an alternative.
Nearby places
Mount Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, has trails and city views. Local cafes and eateries offer Montreal-style bagels, and nearby parks can be used for picnics; alcohol in parks is permitted only with a meal.
University exhibitions, Mount Royal festivals, and major city events may affect transit schedules. Local cafes and cultural venues are also within walking distance.
Frequently asked questions
What are the station’s visiting hours?
Metro service typically runs from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM. Check STM and REM sites for updates.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available at station vending machines, with OPUS cards, through the STM app, or via mobile payment.
Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
Yes. The station has elevators, tactile paving, wide fare gates, and step-free access.
Are guided tours offered?
There are no tours at the station itself, but the university and Mount Royal offer guided experiences.
Can I store luggage at the station?
No. Gare Centrale is suggested as an alternative.
