Nelson's Monument on Notre Dame Street in Montreal, circa 1870

Place De La Dauversière

Place De La Dauversière, Montreal: A Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Place De La Dauversière is a tranquil, historically rich public square nestled in the heart of Old Montreal. Named after Jérôme Le Royer de La Dauversière, a central figure in the founding of Montreal, this square serves as both a contemplative urban oasis and a living monument to the city’s origins. Whether you are a history enthusiast, casual visitor, or local resident, Place De La Dauversière offers a unique opportunity to connect with Montreal’s colonial roots, architectural heritage, and vibrant community life (grandquebec.com, chateauramezay.qc.ca, mtl.org).

Old house at the corner of Notre-Dame Street and Place Jacques-Cartier, historic Montreal

Historic house built in 1750 by merchant Jacques Lemoine Despins at the corner of Notre-Dame and Saint-Charles streets, photographed around 1900

Historic photo of Place Jacques-Cartier market around 1905 showing expanded market area after demolition of Lemoine Despins house

Historical Overview
Visiting Information
Nearby Attractions
Events and Activities
FAQ
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Historical Overview

Early Origins and Founding

The story of Place De La Dauversière is intertwined with the founding of Montreal itself. Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples and known as Hochelaga, the area was first visited by Jacques Cartier in 1535 and later renamed Mount Royal (historyweblog.com). In 1642, French settlers established Ville-Marie—a mission settlement envisioned as a model Christian community and center for evangelization, under the auspices of the Société de Notre-Dame de Montréal. Jérôme Le Royer de La Dauversière, though he never set foot in New France, played a vital role in securing the land and resources necessary for the colony’s establishment (grandquebec.com).

A pivotal event in the city’s early history commemorated at the square is the “Grande Recrue de 1653” (Great Recruitment of 1653), which brought over 100 new settlers from France, ensuring the survival and growth of the fledgling colony (Waymarking: La grande recrue de 1653).

Evolution of the Site

By the mid-18th century, the site was home to the Lemoine-Despins residence, symbolizing the city’s growing prosperity (vieux.montreal.qc.ca). In the 19th century, it passed into the hands of James McGill, whose legacy continues through McGill University. The property later merged with Château Ramezay, and over time, plans for government buildings were abandoned in favor of cultural preservation. By the late 19th century, the area faced redevelopment controversies before ultimately being acquired by the city, which protected the Château Ramezay as a museum (chateauramezay.qc.ca).

Transformation into a Public Square

Throughout much of the 20th century, the area served as a parking lot, reflecting changing urban priorities (fr.wikipedia.org). In 1997, the city undertook a significant transformation, landscaping the site and officially naming it Place De La Dauversière to honor one of Montreal’s primary founders. A commemorative stele and a statue of former mayor Jean Drapeau were installed, linking the site’s historic past with modern civic identity (grandquebec.com).

Monuments and Urban Design

The square features terraces, flowerbeds, and commemorative art installations, all designed to evoke a sense of history and tranquility. Its central stele, created by Manon Asselin and Katsuhiro Yamazaki, features citations from the original founding documents, underscoring the missionary intent of Montreal’s founders (fr.wikipedia.org). The square is framed by significant landmarks, including Place Jacques-Cartier, Montreal City Hall, and Château Ramezay, and it retains a distinctive ambiance through its blend of historic and contemporary urban elements (slideshare.net).

Visiting Information

Hours and Admission

Place De La Dauversière is open to the public year-round, 24 hours a day, with no admission fee. The square’s accessibility and free entry make it ideal for spontaneous exploration. Nearby sites like Château Ramezay Museum may have specific hours and ticket requirements—typically open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (chateauramezay.qc.ca).

Accessibility

The square is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, with paved, gently sloping walkways. Accessible public transportation options include the nearby Champ-de-Mars Metro station (with elevators) and several bus lines. While the square itself is fully accessible, some adjacent cobblestone streets may be uneven (curbfreewithcorylee.com).

Getting There

Metro: Champ-de-Mars station (Orange Line) is a 5-10 minute walk away.
Bus: Several city routes serve Old Montreal.
Bike: BIXI bike stations are nearby.
Car: Limited street parking; nearby lots recommended.
On Foot: Located near Place Jacques-Cartier, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Montreal City Hall (montreal.ca).

Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for blooming gardens and outdoor events (mtl.org).
Photography: Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and fewer crowds.
Comfortable Footwear: Cobblestone streets can be uneven (mintnotion.com).
Weather Preparation: Sun protection in summer; warm layers in winter.
Language: French is official, but English is widely spoken.

Nearby Attractions

Place Jacques-Cartier: Lively square with street performers and cafes (mtl.org).
Château Ramezay Museum: Colonial-era museum adjacent to the square (chateauramezay.qc.ca).
Montreal City Hall: Historic government building across the street.
Notre-Dame Basilica: Iconic Gothic Revival church a short walk away.
Bonsecours Market: Local artisan market and cultural venue.

Events and Activities

While Place De La Dauversière is primarily a space for relaxation and reflection, it occasionally hosts cultural events, public art installations, and serves as a stop on guided walking tours of Old Montreal (overyourplace.com). During major city festivals, the square’s proximity to Place Jacques-Cartier means it is often part of the broader festivities (mtl.org).

Family-friendly scavenger hunts and interpretive tours frequently include the square, making it a dynamic educational destination (guidatour.qc.ca).

FAQ

Is Place De La Dauversière free to visit?
Yes, it is a public space with no admission fee.

What are the best hours to visit?
Anytime, as it is open 24/7, but daylight hours are safest and most pleasant.

Is it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, the square is fully accessible, though nearby cobblestone streets may require extra care.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, many Old Montreal walking tours include the square.

Are public restrooms available?
No restrooms in the square itself; facilities are available in nearby cafes, museums, and metro stations.

What dining options are close by?
Numerous cafes and restaurants are within walking distance, including outdoor terraces popular in summer (dreamplanexperience.com).

Conclusion and Recommendations

Place De La Dauversière embodies Montreal’s layered history—serving as a testament to the city’s founding vision, colonial development, and modern revitalization. Its green space, historic monuments, and accessibility make it an ideal stop for visitors seeking both relaxation and a deeper understanding of Montreal’s heritage. Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Château Ramezay, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Place Jacques-Cartier for a rewarding historical experience.