Place Viger

Place Viger Montreal Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Place Viger and Its Significance in Montreal

Situated at 700 rue Saint-Antoine Est, on the boundary of Old Montreal, Place Viger stands as a testament to the city’s architectural prowess and layered history. Designed by Bruce Price and completed in 1898, this landmark originally served as both a railway station and luxury hotel—a rare dual function in North America. Commissioned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and named for Montreal’s first mayor, Jacques Viger, the building’s French châteauesque style symbolizes Montreal’s cosmopolitan aspirations. Today, Place Viger has been revitalized as a mixed-use urban campus, blending offices, residences, and the Hyatt Centric Montréal hotel, while its landscaped grounds reconnect the site to Montreal’s urban fabric. This guide provides essential information on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, historical context, and practical tips to enhance your experience at one of Montreal’s most important heritage sites (Simple Travel and Recreation; Place Gare Viger; IMTL.org).

Historic Gare Viger train station and C.P.R. hotel in Montreal around 1901

Place Viger in Montreal around 1900 showing historic buildings and street scene

Historic Place Viger building in Montreal around 1904 with street scenes

Historic Place Viger Hotel and Station in Montreal

Historic C.P.R. station Chateau Viger in Montreal circa 1901

Drawing of Canadian Pacific Station facade, also known as Place Viger, Montreal

Original floor plan of Canadian Pacific Station known as Place Viger in Montreal

Accident at Place Viger station in Montreal shown in a historical newspaper photo

Front view of Viger Station building at Viger Square, Montreal, at the corner of St. Paul and Rue Notre-Dame

Facade of Place Viger Station building at Viger Square in Montreal

Introduction
History and Architectural Significance
Place Viger’s Role in Montreal’s Urban Fabric
Decline, Restoration, and Modern Use
Visiting Place Viger: Practical Information
Guided Tours and Haunted Experiences
Visitor Experience and Photography Tips
Events and Seasonal Activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
References

History and Architectural Significance

Commissioned by William Cornelius Van Horne, president of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Place Viger was envisioned as a combined railway terminal and luxury hotel. Built between 1897 and 1898, it was designed by Bruce Price—known for the Château Frontenac and Banff Springs Hotel—who brought the French châteauesque style to the heart of Montreal. The building’s steeply pitched roofs, turrets, and intricate stonework, constructed from Scottish orange brick and local Montreal gray stone, reflect a blend of international flair and regional identity (IMTL.org; Place Gare Viger).

Its dual-purpose design was inspired by similar British concepts but was unique in the Canadian context. The structure also featured direct access to Viger Square, Montreal’s first public garden, providing guests and travelers with an oasis in the city (Wikipedia; Touristlink).

Place Viger’s Role in Montreal’s Urban Fabric

Strategically located near Montreal’s commercial and financial core, Place Viger complemented Windsor Station, handling northern and eastern routes. Its proximity to city hall, the port, and other key institutions positioned it as a vital node for travel and social life, and reinforced its role as a hub for the city’s Francophone elite (Wikipedia).

The building’s grandeur and social importance attracted dignitaries, including members of the Royal Family, and hosted major events, reinforcing its status as a symbol of French Canadian identity and cosmopolitan Montreal (Place Gare Viger; Avenues.ca).

Decline, Restoration, and Modern Use

With the city’s commercial core shifting northwest and the onset of the Great Depression, the hotel closed in 1935, followed by the station’s closure in 1951. The building was later repurposed for offices, and the surrounding Viger Square was destroyed to make way for the Ville-Marie Expressway, leaving the site isolated and neglected (Wikipedia).

A major turning point came in the 21st century. Acquired by the Jesta Group in 2012, Place Viger underwent extensive restoration, carefully preserving its heritage features while transforming it into a mixed-use campus. Today, it houses creative office spaces (notably Lightspeed’s headquarters), the Hyatt Centric Montréal hotel, and more than 320 rental apartments. The campus also features a new Viger Tower, retail spaces, and one of the largest private courtyards in Montreal, fostering community and innovation (Place Gare Viger; Canadian Executive Network; Newswire).

Visiting Place Viger: Practical Information

Visiting Hours

Grounds and Courtyard: Open daily, generally from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. These hours may vary by season and during special events.
Interior Access: The interior is occupied by offices, residences, and the Hyatt Centric Montréal. Public access to offices and residences is restricted, but the hotel lobby and retail areas are accessible during business hours. The hotel operates 24/7 for guests.

Tickets and Entry

General Access: The exterior, courtyard, and public spaces are free to visit.
Guided Tours & Events: Tickets may be required for special exhibitions, guided tours, or seasonal events. Check the official Place Viger website or local tourism listings for details.

Accessibility

Mobility: The campus is fully accessible, with barrier-free entrances, elevators, and accessible washrooms.
Transit: Easily reached via public transit—Champ-de-Mars and Berri-UQAM metro stations are nearby. Several bus routes serve the location.
Parking: Limited street and paid parking are available nearby; public transit is recommended.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall for gardens in bloom and outdoor events.
Dining: On-site cafés and restaurants offer local cuisine; explore Old Montreal for additional options.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, camera, and curiosity for history and architecture.

Nearby Attractions

Old Montreal: Historic streets, shops, and museums.
Notre-Dame Basilica: Renowned Gothic Revival church.
Old Port: Waterfront promenade and cultural venues.
Viger Square: Public gardens, art installations, and community events.
Quartier des Spectacles: Montreal’s entertainment district.

Guided Tours and Haunted Experiences

For a unique perspective, Haunted Montreal offers guided haunted tours focusing on Place Viger’s mysterious history. Public tours are available in English every Sunday at 3 pm and in French on the last Sunday of each month at 4 pm. Private group tours can be arranged. Tickets must be purchased in advance (Haunted Montreal Tours).

Visitor Experience and Photography Tips

Architectural Highlights: Capture the building’s ornate turrets, copper roofs, and elaborate brickwork. Early morning and late afternoon provide optimal lighting.
Landscaped Spaces: The pedestrian-only courtyard and Viger Square offer greenery and public art, ideal for relaxation and photos.
Accessibility: The grounds and public areas are wheelchair-friendly.

Events and Seasonal Activities

Viger Square frequently hosts free public events, including outdoor concerts, film screenings, and festivals. The area is designed for socializing, with ample seating and shaded areas. Check local event calendars and the official Place Viger website for current schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Place Viger?
A: The grounds and courtyard are open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Interior access is limited to hotel guests and retail customers.

Q: Is there an entry fee or ticket required?
A: No entry fee is required for the exterior or public spaces. Tickets are needed for guided or haunted tours and special events.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, haunted tours are offered regularly via Haunted Montreal, and other guided tours may be available seasonally.

Q: Is Place Viger wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the site is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

Q: What are the best times for photography?
A: Early morning and late afternoon for optimal light and fewer crowds.

Summary and Recommendations

Place Viger exemplifies Montreal’s ability to blend historic preservation with modern urban life. From its 19th-century origins as a dual-purpose railway hotel to its current incarnation as a vibrant campus, Place Viger offers something for everyone—striking architecture, green spaces, cultural events, and contemporary amenities. Whether enjoying a meal, joining a haunted tour, or simply strolling through the gardens, visitors will find the site both captivating and accessible.

Be sure to check current visiting hours, event listings, and guided tour availability before your visit. Download the Audiala app for personalized travel recommendations and real-time updates. Place Viger stands as a proud symbol of Montreal’s past, present, and future—a must-see for locals and tourists alike (Avenues.ca; Canadian Executive Network; Wikipedia).

References and Further Reading

Images and maps are recommended to enhance your visit, with alt tags such as “Place Viger historical building exterior” and “Viger Square in Montreal.”