Is Westmount worth visiting for tourists?

Yes, it is highly recommended for those interested in architecture and gardens. It offers a unique look at Montreal's English heritage and contains some of the most beautiful public spaces in the province.

Can I enter the Westmount Conservatory for free?

Yes, admission to the Westmount Conservatory is free for the public. It is a popular spot for photography and quiet reflection, though hours vary by season.

What is the best time of year to see the gardens in Westmount?

Late spring (May and June) is best for tulips and lilacs, while the summer months showcase the famous Floral Clock in full bloom. Autumn offers spectacular foliage, especially at the Summit.

Is the Westmount walking route difficult?

The route is mostly easy and flat until the final leg. The walk up toward Summit Circle involves a steady incline that some may find moderately challenging.

Are there places to eat along the Westmount walking route?

Yes, the intersection of Sherbrooke Street and Victoria Avenue has several cafes, bakeries, and upscale restaurants perfect for a break.

What is the most famous landmark in Westmount?

The Westmount Public Library and the adjacent Conservatory are considered the most iconic landmarks due to their age and architectural beauty.

Is Westmount a separate city from Montreal?

Westmount is an independent municipality with its own city hall and services, though it is located entirely within the island of Montreal.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the refined elegance of Westmount, an independent enclave within Montreal renowned for its lush green spaces and heritage architecture. This self-guided walking route invites you to explore a neighborhood that feels more like a manicured English village than a North American city. As you traverse this neighborhood stroll, you will encounter some of the most significant civic landmarks in Quebec, ranging from Tudor-style halls to Victorian glasshouses. The journey begins at the majestic City Hall and winds through the heart of the community, showcasing how the city has preserved its botanical and literary heritage for over a century. This walking route Montreal locals and visitors alike enjoy highlights the unique 'city within a city' status of Westmount. You will spend time in Westmount Park, a sprawling landscape designed in the tradition of Frederick Law Olmsted, and visit the Westmount Public Library, which holds the distinction of being the first municipal library in the province. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the mix of Neo-Gothic, Tudor-Revival, and Victorian styles that define the local streetscape. The experience is not just about buildings; it is a deep dive into the garden culture that has defined Westmount since the 19th century. From the intricate floral clock to the exotic species housed in the historic Conservatory, the botanical elements are as much a part of the architecture as the stone and brick. For those seeking a peaceful escape, this self-guided walk offers a perfect balance of nature and history. The final leg of the journey takes you toward the higher elevations of the neighborhood, culminating at Summit Circle. Here, the urban forest provides a canopy for some of the most impressive residential architecture in Canada. Whether you are interested in the quiet hush of a century-old reading room or the vibrant colors of a tropical greenhouse, this route provides a comprehensive look at the stately character of Westmount at your own pace.

Highlights

The Tudor-Revival splendor of Westmount City Hall

Quebec's first municipal library, a red-brick Victorian masterpiece

The historic Westmount Conservatory and its tropical plant collection

The iconic Floral Clock in the heart of Westmount Park

High-end architecture and boutiques along Sherbrooke Street

Panoramic views and bird sanctuaries at Summit Circle

Tour Stops (6)

Westmount City Hall

Welcome to Westmount City Hall, a building that looks more like a grand English manor than a municipal office. Completed in 1922, this Tudor-Revival structure was designed by architect Robert Findlay, who was responsible for many of the neighborhood's most prestigious homes. Notice the crenelated towers and the stone masonry, which reflect Westmount's desire to maintain a distinct British-inspired identity separate from the rest of Montreal. The building serves as a symbol of the community's autonomy. Take a moment to admire the surrounding lawn, which sets the tone for the 'garden city' philosophy you will encounter throughout this self-guided walk.

Westmount Public Library

You are standing before the Bibliothèque publique de Westmount, a landmark of immense cultural pride. Opened in 1899 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, this was the first tax-supported municipal library in Quebec. The red brick and ornate detailing are classic Victorian. Inside, the library retains much of its original charm, featuring high ceilings and warm wood finishes. It has long served as the intellectual heart of the community. As you look at the building, consider how it represents the late 19th-century movement to make knowledge and literature accessible to the general public in a beautiful, permanent setting.

Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouses

Adjacent to the library is the Westmount Conservatory, a breathtaking Victorian glasshouse built in 1927 by the renowned firm Lord & Burnham. This structure is a local treasure, housing a lush collection of tropical plants, orchids, and a serene waterfall. The architecture of the glass panels allows for a year-round summer experience, regardless of the Montreal winter outside. It was originally designed to provide a place of beauty and relaxation for residents. Take a deep breath and enjoy the humid, floral-scented air. The transition from the library’s brick to the conservatory’s glass represents the neighborhood's dual commitment to education and botanical beauty.

Parc Westmount

Step into Westmount Park, 26 acres of carefully planned green space. Established in 1892, the park's winding paths and stream-fed ponds follow the naturalistic style popularized by the designers of New York's Central Park. One of the most famous features here is the Floral Clock, which has been ticking since 1926 and is replanted every year with thousands of colorful blooms. The park serves as a communal backyard for the neighborhood, hosting everything from quiet picnics to local cricket matches. It is a perfect example of how urban planning can successfully integrate nature into the daily lives of city dwellers.

Rue Sherbrooke Ouest & Avenue Victoria

This intersection marks the commercial and social hub of Westmount. Sherbrooke Street West is lined with high-end boutiques, art galleries, and cafes that cater to the local community. Nearby, you will see Victoria Hall, a neo-Gothic community center that hosts concerts and exhibitions. The architecture here is a bit more varied, showing the evolution of the neighborhood from a residential retreat to a self-sufficient urban center. This is an excellent spot to observe the local pace of life—refined, quiet, and distinctly upscale. The blend of historic stone buildings and modern storefronts highlights Westmount's ability to modernize while respecting its heritage.

Summit Circle

To reach your final stop, you have moved toward the 'Upper Level' of Westmount. Summit Circle surrounds the Summit Woods, an urban forest and bird sanctuary at the top of Westmount Mountain. This area offers a stark contrast to the manicured parks below, providing a rugged, natural environment with some of the best views of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River. The homes here are among the most architecturally significant in the city, ranging from mid-century modern masterpieces to sprawling stone estates. It is a peaceful conclusion to your walk, offering a moment of reflection high above the bustling city streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

A complete walk covering the major landmarks and the Summit takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is about 3.5 kilometers, but the elevation gain toward the end adds to the time.