Tour Telus
Tour Telus, also known as Place Telus, is a 34-storey office tower at 630 René-Lévesque Boulevard West in Montreal’s downtown financial district. Built in the early 1960s, it is an example of International Style modernist architecture and represents the city’s shift toward modernization and cosmopolitanism during a period of rapid urban renewal that included events such as Expo 67 (Redbourne Place Telus Flyer; Wikipedia).
The building is integrated with Montreal’s Underground City (RÉSO) and is close to major transit hubs. It is an active office building rather than a regular public-tour attraction, but its exterior and central location make it a landmark in Montreal’s architectural history (IMTL Tour Telus; Skyscraper Center).
History and architecture
Originally called CIL House (Tour CIL) and later Maison Trust Royal, Tour Telus was conceived in the late 1950s and built in the early 1960s. Its development accompanied the financial district’s move from St. James Street to the revitalized Dorchester Boulevard West, now René-Lévesque Boulevard. It joined pioneering skyscrapers such as Place Ville-Marie and the CIBC Tower. Canadian Industries Limited, the building’s anchor tenant, reflected the era’s corporate-driven urban growth (Wikipedia).
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), led by Gordon Bunshaft, designed the tower. Its minimalist geometry, glass-and-aluminum curtain wall and open floor plates reflected International Style principles of transparency and efficiency. The design drew inspiration from Bunshaft’s earlier work, including Lever House in New York (Wikipedia).
The tower rises 135.6 meters over 34 storeys. Dominion Bridge Co. built its steel frame, and Shector Barbacki Shemie & Associés Ltée served as general contractor. Column-free interiors allowed flexible office layouts, while the curtain wall brought daylight into the building (Redbourne Place Telus Flyer).
A major retrofit in 2024 upgraded the building’s energy efficiency, amenities and digital infrastructure. Work included oversized double-pane windows, collaborative spaces, a conference centre and high-tech facilities. The building holds BOMA Silver and WiredScore Gold certifications (Redbourne Place Telus Flyer).
What to see
Tour Telus’s architectural features include:
- A 34-storey steel-frame structure.
- A glass-and-aluminum curtain wall and floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows.
- Column-free interiors and flexible office layouts.
- A modern conference centre, collaborative lounges, exterior seating, upgraded locker rooms, and food and beverage options.
- BOMA Silver and WiredScore Gold certifications.
The tower is a visual marker of mid-20th-century urban renewal within Montreal’s financial district. It is integrated with the Underground City and close to Sainte-Catherine Street and Place Ville-Marie. It is also referenced in architectural literature and stands in a sector recognized for exceptional heritage value (IMTL Tour Telus).
For images, architectural plans and virtual tours, see:
Practical visiting information
Visiting hours and tickets
Tour Telus does not offer regular public tours or ticketed access to its upper floors; access there is limited to tenants and authorized guests. The lobby and retail areas are generally accessible Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and are free to enter during business hours. Special events or open-house days may occasionally offer limited public access. Check the official property management website or local event listings for updates.
Some architectural walking tours may include the building’s exterior, but guided tours of Tour Telus are not regularly available. Check with local tour providers.
Accessibility and transport
Tour Telus has elevators, ramps and facilities for visitors with disabilities. Its central location provides access to Montreal metro and bus routes and the Underground City network. The building is 50 meters from Montreal Central Station and close to Square-Victoria metro station and the South Shore bus terminal (Mapcarta).
Tips
MTELUS doors typically open one hour before events, and its box office is open from 12 PM to 8 PM on event days. Confirm details with the official venue website. Tickets can be purchased through the MTELUS website or authorized sellers.
For MTELUS events, practical details include multiple bars, a cloakroom, accessible restrooms and wheelchair accommodations. Public transit is an option; arriving early allows time for security checks, and the venue’s visitor information recommends dressing for comfort.
MTELUS hosts major festivals including the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs. Tickets and accommodations should be booked early during these periods (destiexplorers.com).
Nearby places
Around Tour Telus are Place Ville-Marie, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Sainte-Catherine Street shopping, Bell Centre, Quartier des Spectacles and Old Montreal (Timeout Montreal). Cafés, restaurants and urban parks are also nearby.
MTELUS
MTELUS, formerly the Métropolis, is at 59 Rue Sainte-Catherine E in the Quartier des Spectacles (Mapcarta – MTELUS). Saint-Laurent metro station is nearby, and the area is accessible by public transit (destiexplorers.com).
Opened in 1884 as the Théâtre Français, MTELUS has become a concert and event venue while retaining its historic character. It is known for its intimate atmosphere, acoustics and combination of industrial and historic architectural elements (allevents.in; montreal-theater.com).
Frequently asked questions
Tour Telus
Can the public visit the upper floors?
No. Access is limited to tenants and authorized guests, though special events may occasionally offer restricted access.
Are there guided tours?
Not regularly. Some architectural walking tours may include the exterior; check with local tour providers.
Is there an admission fee?
The lobby and retail areas are free to enter during business hours. Otherwise, entry is restricted.
Is Tour Telus accessible?
Yes. The building has elevators, ramps and accessible facilities.
What attractions are nearby?
Place Ville-Marie, Sainte-Catherine Street, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Old Montreal and Bell Centre.
MTELUS
When do doors open?
Typically one hour before events; check the event details.
How can I buy tickets?
Online through the official site or authorized partners.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. It has designated seating and amenities for people with disabilities.
Are guided tours available?
Not regularly, but they may be available during select or VIP events.
What are the best transport options?
Saint-Laurent metro, public transit, taxis or rideshares.
