Etching of Place d'Youville and Place Royale in Montreal by A.M. Pattison, undated

Old Custom House

Old Custom House Montreal: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of Old Montreal, the Old Custom House (Ancienne Douane) is an enduring symbol of the city’s commercial ascendancy and architectural legacy. Built between 1836 and 1838 by renowned architect John Ostell, this neoclassical landmark played a pivotal role in Montreal’s development as a major North American port. Today, as an integral part of the Pointe-à-Callière Museum complex, it offers visitors a unique window into the city’s layered history and vibrant urban fabric. This comprehensive guide presents the Old Custom House’s rich past, architectural significance, essential visitor information—including hours, tickets, accessibility—and practical travel tips, while also highlighting nearby historical attractions to enhance your visit.

Watercolour painting of Customs House in Montreal

Introduction
Historical Background
- Montreal’s Emergence as a Trade Hub
- The Need for a Custom House
Construction and Architecture
- Design and Architect
- Key Architectural Elements
Historical Significance
- Economic and Symbolic Role
- Preservation and Adaptive Reuse
Setting within Old Montreal
- Urban Context and Surroundings
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility
- Practical Tips
- Photography
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby Attractions
Summary and Final Tips
References

Historical Background

Montreal’s Emergence as a Trade Hub

By the early 19th century, Montreal had established itself as a critical commercial center in British North America, its advantageous position along the St. Lawrence River making it a strategic gateway for goods flowing in and out of the continent. The city’s rapid growth in trade, particularly after the opening of the Lachine Canal in 1825 and the completion of permanent wharves in 1832, necessitated a formal customs facility (Montreal Heritage Databases; Simple Travel and Recreation).

The Need for a Custom House

Before the Old Custom House, customs operations were housed in temporary structures, insufficient for handling the burgeoning volume of trade. Recognizing both practical and political needs, the colonial administration commissioned the purpose-built Old Custom House in the early 1830s—intending it to serve as both a regulatory hub and a visual emblem of British authority (The Design Gesture).

Construction and Architecture

Design and Architect

John Ostell, an English-born architect, brought the neoclassical style to the forefront of Montreal’s public architecture. The Old Custom House, begun in 1836 and completed in 1838, was Ostell’s first major public commission, designed to evoke stability and order through its classical proportions and symmetry (Archiseek; Parks Canada).

Key Architectural Elements

Neoclassical Façade: The building’s main entrance, facing the St. Lawrence River, boasts a portico with four Doric columns and a triangular pediment, symbolizing authority and permanence.
Symmetry & Proportion: Balanced window and door placements, central pediment, and harmonious stonework showcase textbook neoclassical design.
Stone Construction: Locally quarried grey limestone provides both durability and an imposing presence.
Classical Detailing: Features include Tuscan pilasters, Venetian and rounded windows, and a bas-relief of Albion (Britain) in the pediment (Pointe-à-Callière Museum).

The building’s interior originally housed customs offices, secure inspection areas, and storage—all illuminated by large sash windows and finished with functional yet elegant details.

Historical Significance

Economic and Symbolic Role

From its opening in 1838 until 1871, the Old Custom House was Montreal’s primary customs facility, regulating and taxing goods and generating substantial revenue for the colonial government. Its prominent location at Place Royale, near other civic landmarks, reinforced its role as an emblem of British rule and Montreal’s rise as a dominant port (Montreal Heritage Databases; PlanetWare).

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

After customs operations moved in 1871, the building adapted to new administrative uses, including housing the Department of Revenue. Significant expansion in the 1880s maintained stylistic continuity while accommodating growing needs (Pointe-à-Callière Museum). In the late 20th century, the Old Custom House was recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada and incorporated into the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, ensuring both preservation and continued public engagement (Parks Canada).

Setting within Old Montreal

Urban Context and Surroundings

The Old Custom House sits at the intersection of Place Royale and Place d’Youville, anchoring a district renowned for its cobblestone streets and concentration of heritage buildings. It is surrounded by key sites such as Bonsecours Market, Place Jacques-Cartier, and the Old Port, offering visitors a seamless journey through Montreal’s layered history (Tripsavvy: Visiting Old Montreal; Chasing Poutine). The building’s harmonious proportions and dignified presence contribute to the architectural unity of the area.

Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, Accessibility

Hours and Tickets

Hours: The Old Custom House follows Pointe-à-Callière Museum’s schedule—typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours for special events. Always verify on the museum’s website before your visit.
Tickets: Admission is included with Pointe-à-Callière Museum entry (approx. CAD $25 for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and children). Tickets are available online and on-site.

Accessibility

The Old Custom House and museum complex are wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Some historic streets nearby have uneven paving, so comfortable footwear and planning are advised (Tripsavvy: Visiting Old Montreal).

Practical Tips

Getting There: Located at 335 Place Royale (also referenced as 350 Place Royale or 150 Saint-Paul Street West in some guides), a 10-minute walk from Place-d’Armes metro station. Public transit and BIXI bike rentals are recommended due to limited parking.
Guided Tours: Pointe-à-Callière offers guided tours and audio guides covering the Old Custom House and surrounding historical sites.
Photography: Permitted in most areas, but flash and tripods may be restricted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Old Custom House visiting hours?
A: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily (verify on the museum’s website for seasonal or holiday changes).

Q: Is admission separate for the Old Custom House?
A: No, access is included with Pointe-à-Callière Museum tickets.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities.

Q: Where is the Old Custom House located?
A: 335 Place Royale, at the corner of Place d’Youville and Place Royale in Old Montreal.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but check for restrictions on flash or tripods.

Nearby Attractions

Place Royale & Place d’Youville: Historic squares with interpretive panels and vibrant public life.
Old Port of Montreal: Waterfront attractions, boat tours, La Grande Roue de Montréal, and seasonal events.
Notre-Dame Basilica: Renowned neo-Gothic church, a short walk away.
Rue Saint-Paul: Oldest commercial street, lined with galleries, boutiques, and cafés.
Bonsecours Market: Historic market with artisan shops and exhibitions.
Place Jacques-Cartier: Lively plaza with restaurants and street performers.
Pointe-à-Callière Main Pavilion: Explore archaeological remains and permanent exhibitions.
Dining: Local favorites include Jardin Nelson (terrace, live jazz) and bistros along Rue Saint-Paul (Chasing Poutine).

Summary and Final Tips

The Old Custom House is more than a preserved 19th-century building—it is a living testament to Montreal’s growth from a colonial port into a cosmopolitan metropolis. With its neoclassical façade, historical exhibitions, and integration into the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, it provides visitors with a vivid journey through the city’s mercantile and architectural past. For a memorable visit:

Buy tickets online to avoid queues.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring cobblestone streets.
Allow time to visit adjacent landmarks and enjoy Old Montreal’s ambiance.
Download the Audiala app for guided tours and up-to-date information.
Check the Pointe-à-Callière Museum website for current hours, exhibitions, and accessibility.

Experience firsthand how the Old Custom House bridges Montreal’s past and present, offering all visitors a deeper appreciation of one of Canada’s most storied cities (Montreal Heritage Databases; Parks Canada).