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Château Ramezay

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Historical site
—°18
Château Ramezay (Canada)

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Château Ramezay in Old Montreal is one of the city's oldest buildings and a key witness to colonial history. It was built in 1705 for Claude de Ramezay, then Governor of Montreal, as his private residence. The building is a prime example of French colonial architecture, featuring thick stone walls and a steep roof. During the American invasion from 1775 to 1776, the Château served as the headquarters for the Continental Army, hosting figures such as Benjamin Franklin during his diplomatic mission. In 1862, it became the first building in Quebec to be designated as a historic monument. Today, it houses a museum that chronicles five centuries of history in Montreal and the province. Visitors can explore the Governor's Garden, a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century French-style urban garden featuring heirloom plants. The museum's collection includes artifacts from the fur trade era, French rule, and the early British period.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-35131922211791-7
Rain mm72687695931099598881148198

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Château Ramezay is a museum showcasing interiors with historic furniture and exhibits. The visit includes both the indoor rooms and the walled garden behind the house.
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Typical hours
Typical opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, with extended hours in summer. Mondays the museum is usually closed except on holidays.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in the exhibit rooms to protect the artifacts. In the garden, photos are permitted anytime. Commercial photography requires a permit.
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Time needed
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a thorough tour of the museum and garden. For a deeper exploration of Montreal's history, you can allocate more time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Place d'Armes and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The museum is located in Old Montreal, accessible by metro (Place-d'Armes station) or bus. Parking in the area is limited, so public transport is recommended.
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Insider tip
Join one of the guided tours to learn more about the house's history and its residents. Admission is often discounted on the first Sunday of the month.

Geography

Coordinates
45.50900, -73.55300

Facts

  • The residence was completed in 1705 for Claude de Ramezay.
  • It served as the American Continental Army headquarters in 1775.
  • Benjamin Franklin stayed at the Château during a mission in 1776.
  • It was the first building in Quebec to be protected by law in 1862.
  • The building was converted into a history museum in 1895.
  • The Governor's Garden was redesigned in 2000 based on 18th-century plans.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Old MontrealOld Montreal<1 km · SWExplore →
Montreal Olympic StadiumMontreal Olympic Stadium2 km · EExplore →
La RondeLa Ronde3 km · NExplore →
Saint Joseph's OratorySaint Joseph's Oratory7 km · SExplore →
TerrebonneTerrebonne11 km · SEExplore →
BouchervilleBoucherville12 km · NExplore →
KahnawakeKahnawake14 km · SExplore →
LongueuilLongueuil15 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Château Ramezay (18)

Sir George-Étienne Cartier NHS🏛 museum

The national historic site of Sir George-Étienne Cartier, a Canadian Father of Confederation, in Montreal.

Château Ramezay🏛 museum

Château Ramezay is a museum in Montreal housed in a historic manor from 1705.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:30-18:00💶

Maison Papineau🏺 historical

Maison Papineau is a manor in Montreal that belonged to Patriote leader Louis-Joseph Papineau.

Hôtel de Ville de Montréal🏺 historical

Montreal City Hall is the seat of the city's government, a historic building in Second Empire style.

USINE C🎭 culture

Former factory, now a cultural centre in Montreal's Centre-Sud neighbourhood.

MTELUS🎭 culture

Historic concert hall in Montreal, known for rock and pop concerts.

♿

Église Saint-Pierre-Apôtre⛪ religious

19th-century Catholic church in Montreal in Gothic Revival style.

♿

Society for Arts and Technology🎭 culture

Centre for digital art and technology in Montreal.

♿

Parc Émilie-Gamelin🌳 park

Parc Émilie-Gamelin is a public square in Montreal, also known as Place Émilie-Gamelin.

Parc La Fontaine🌳 park

Parc La Fontaine is a large urban park in Montreal named after Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-00:00

Parc Miville-Couture🌳 park

Small park in Montreal's Centre-Sud neighbourhood with a playground.

♿

Écomusée du Fier Monde🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the social history of Montreal's working-class districts.

🕒 We 11:00-20:00; Th,Fr 09:30-16:00; Sa,Su 10:30-17:00💶

Place des Vestiges🏺 historical

An archaeological site showcasing remnants of Montreal's early fortifications.

Église Sainte-Brigide de Kildare⛪ religious

A Catholic church named after Saint Brigid of Kildare, located in Montreal.

♿

Saint-Louis-de-France⛪ religious

A Catholic church dedicated to Saint Louis, King of France.

Quai de l'Horloge📍 landmark

A historic quay in the Old Port of Montreal featuring the Clock Tower.

Clock Tower📍 landmark

The Clock Tower in the Old Port of Montreal, a landmark memorial.

🆓

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Château Ramezay?
A former governor's residence from 1705, now a history museum.
Is there a garden?
Yes, the Jardin du Gouverneur is a lovely French-style garden and free to visit.
Where is the museum located?
In Old Montreal, directly across from the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville).
Are audio guides available?
Yes, they are available in several languages, including English and French.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the museum and garden.
Château Ramezay: where is it located?
Château Ramezay is located in Canada.
Château Ramezay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sir George-Étienne Cartier NHS, Château Ramezay, Maison Papineau.
Château Ramezay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Château Ramezay: why is it worth visiting?
Château Ramezay in Old Montreal is one of the city's oldest buildings and a key witness to colonial history.
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