Préfontaine

Prefontaine Montreal: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Préfontaine, nestled in Montreal’s Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, is a vibrant neighborhood where rich history, extensive green spaces, and cultural dynamism converge with modern amenities. This detailed guide provides everything you need for an enriching visit—covering historical context, accessibility, visiting hours, ticketing, local attractions, practical tips, and essential travel resources. Whether your interests lie in Montreal’s historical sites, urban parks, or immersive community experiences, Préfontaine’s unique heritage and connectivity make it an outstanding destination (CultMTL; Biographi.ca).

Préfontaine’s strategic location along the Green Line Metro connects you to city landmarks like Old Montreal, the Olympic Park, and the Montreal Botanical Garden, while its commitment to green initiatives, accessible transit, and inclusive urban planning enhances every visit (STM Official Site; Montreal Tourism Official Site; Projet Montréal; The Nature of Cities).

Prefontaine Montreal Metro station signage

Prefontaine Metro Station in Montreal with yellow illuminated ceiling and blue tiled walls

Introduction
Historical Background
Visitor Essentials
Préfontaine in Montreal’s Urban Fabric
Préfontaine Metro Station Guide
Visiting Préfontaine: Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals & Interactive Media
Links & References

Historical Background

Indigenous Roots & Early Settlement

Long before European arrival, the Préfontaine area was a seasonal gathering and trading site for Indigenous peoples such as the Iroquois, Huron, and Algonquin, who relied on the St. Lawrence River’s resources for commerce and cultural exchange (CultMTL).

Urban Expansion & Industrialization

Founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, Montreal’s eastward expansion incorporated present-day Préfontaine. The area’s rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was fueled by immigration and industrialization, especially after Hochelaga-Maisonneuve’s annexation in 1883 (The Canadian Encyclopedia; Biographi.ca).

Raymond Préfontaine’s Legacy

Raymond Préfontaine, a transformative mayor, modernized the neighborhood with infrastructure projects, street lighting, and park development, helping to shape Hochelaga into a thriving urban district (Biographi.ca).

Public Health Milestones

The Centre Raymond-Préfontaine was established following the 1885 smallpox epidemic, serving as a public health institution for over a century. Its history highlights Montreal’s longstanding commitment to community well-being (QLF Montreal History PDF).

Metro Modernization

Opened in 1976, Préfontaine Metro Station brought new connectivity and architectural innovation, with its natural light and integration into Parc Raymond-Préfontaine. The station exemplifies Montreal’s reputation as a UNESCO City of Design (IMTL).

Architectural Heritage

Préfontaine features early 20th-century architecture, such as St. Mary’s Memorial Hall, and preserved residential and industrial buildings, contributing to Montreal’s heritage conservation (Walk Montreal; CultMTL; QLF Montreal History PDF).

Initially a working-class enclave, Préfontaine has evolved into a diverse, multicultural community, balancing tradition with progressive urban development (Biographi.ca).

Visitor Essentials

Préfontaine Metro Station

Address: 2900 Rue Ontario Est, Montreal, QC
Hours: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM daily (STM Official Site)
Accessibility: Elevators and ramps throughout the station
Tickets: Purchase at vending machines, online, or via the OPUS card system

Key Attractions

Parc Raymond-Préfontaine: Urban park with playgrounds, walking paths, public art, and community events
St. Mary’s Memorial Hall: Architectural highlight ideal for photography
Nearby Sites: Old Montreal, Maisonneuve Market, and Parc La Fontaine accessible by metro

Guided Tours & Events

Take part in walking or biking tours led by local organizations, and check event calendars for seasonal festivals and community gatherings (Tourisme Montréal).

Travel Tips

Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring historic streets
Visit in spring or summer for festivals and lush parks
Use public transit or BIXI bikes for sustainable travel

Top Photography Spots

Préfontaine Metro Station’s light-filled interior
Parc Raymond-Préfontaine’s gardens and sculptures
Historic facades along Rue Ontario Est

Préfontaine in Montreal’s Urban Fabric

Connectivity & Mobility

Préfontaine’s strategic location near major thoroughfares and the Green Line Metro ensures convenient access to downtown and other neighborhoods. Robust bus routes and cycling paths further support sustainable travel (Projet Montréal).

Green Initiatives

Parc Préfontaine forms part of Montreal’s “quartiers verts” initiative, enhancing urban biodiversity and active transportation (The Nature of Cities).

Community & Culture

Community gardens, local markets, and public spaces foster social interaction and cultural exchange. Local festivals and events bring the neighborhood to life (Canadian Train Vacations).

Housing & Urban Renewal

A mix of historic and modern housing supports a broad demographic, promoting inclusivity and economic resilience (Projet Montréal).

Participatory Planning

Residents actively engage in shaping the neighborhood, resulting in innovative urban solutions and high community satisfaction (The Nature of Cities).

Sustainability Goals

Urban agriculture, local food markets, and eco-friendly mobility reinforce Préfontaine’s role in Montreal’s sustainability agenda (Projet Montréal).

Urban Challenges

The neighborhood continues to balance densification, heritage preservation, and affordability, serving as a model for sustainable urban development.

Préfontaine Metro Station: Architecture, Art, Accessibility

Préfontaine Metro Station, designed by Henri Brillon, stands out for its open-tunnel design and natural light. It features “Relier” by Catherine Sylvain, integrating public art with transit. The station is fully accessible, equipped with elevators, and operates daily according to Green Line hours (STM Info; Wikipedia).

Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 12:30 AM (night bus after hours)
Accessibility: Elevators, step-free access, 35 outdoor bike stands
Ticketing: Single fares (CAD $3.50), day passes, student/senior discounts, OPUS cards (STM Ticketing)

Nearby Attractions & Points of Interest

Attraction	Distance	Highlights	Link
Parc Raymond-Préfontaine	On site	Urban park, events, playgrounds	STM Info
Marché Maisonneuve	~1 km	Public market, local foods, architecture	Dream Plan Experience
Olympic Park & Stadium	~2 km	Sports, concerts, iconic architecture	Official Olympic Park Site
Montreal Botanical Garden	~2.5 km	Themed gardens, Insectarium	Botanical Garden Official Site
Biodome	~2.5 km	Ecosystems, family activities	Biodome Official Site
Parc Morgan	~1.2 km	Gardens, playgrounds, relaxation	N/A
Promenade Ontario	~0.5 km	Cafés, shopping, public art	N/A

Visiting Préfontaine: Practical Tips

Hours & Entry

Parc Préfontaine: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM, year-round, free entry
Metro Station: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM (1:30 AM Saturdays), no additional entry fee beyond metro fare

Transportation & Accessibility

Metro: Green Line (every 3–8 minutes) (The Metro Rail Guy)
Bus: Multiple STM routes, frequent service (Montreal Travel Blog)
Bike: BIXI stations nearby; over 750 km of bike paths (MTL.org)
Car: Limited street parking ($3/hour), lots ($9–$18/day); transit or biking preferred

Activities & Nearby Sites

Urban park amenities: walking/cycling paths, playgrounds, sports fields, public art
Community events: yoga, outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals
Access to Old Port, Notre-Dame Basilica, other historical sites via metro

Local Dining

Sample Montreal bagels, poutine, and local specialties at independent cafés and bistros around Préfontaine and Promenade Ontario (Dream Plan Experience).

Safety & Budgeting

Emergency: 911
ATMs & Banking: Widely available
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Cards/Cash: Credit/debit accepted; small cash recommended
Tipping: 15–20% in restaurants

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the operating hours of Préfontaine Metro Station?
A: 5:30 AM – 1:00 AM daily; night bus service thereafter.

Q: Is Préfontaine accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, both the metro station and park offer elevators and step-free access.

Q: Are there entrance fees for Préfontaine or the park?
A: No, entry is free. Metro fares apply for transit.

Q: Can I rent bikes nearby?
A: Yes, BIXI bike-sharing stations are available.

Q: What are some nearby attractions?
A: Marché Maisonneuve, Olympic Park, Montreal Botanical Garden, and more.

Visuals & Interactive Media

Entrance of Préfontaine Metro Station in Montreal

Green space and public art in Parc Raymond-Préfontaine

Historic early 20th-century building facade on Rue Ontario Est, Préfontaine

Internal and External Links

Summary & Call to Action

Préfontaine is a compelling fusion of Montreal’s historical roots, urban innovation, and vibrant community spirit. From its Indigenous and industrial origins to its present-day green spaces and accessible transit, Préfontaine appeals to history buffs, urban explorers, and families alike (Biographi.ca; CultMTL). The metro station serves as a gateway to parks, markets, and cultural events, while the neighborhood’s sustainability efforts and participatory planning stand as a model for modern cities (Projet Montréal; The Nature of Cities).