Gare Windsor is a former railway station in downtown Montréal, Canada. It was built in 1889 and is still a striking presence on the city's streets, with its Romanesque Revival architecture intact. Today the building is no longer a working station. It serves as an event and office complex, so the visit is about the building itself and the spaces it now hosts rather than about trains.
What to expect
The main reason to come is the architecture. Romanesque Revival is recognisable by its heavy masonry, rounded arches and solid, monumental forms, and the old station shows these qualities clearly. Because the building has been adapted for events and offices, you are likely to see it as a working place rather than a museum, which gives the visit a different feel from a preserved heritage site.
Planning your visit
- It sits in downtown Montréal, so it is easy to combine with other stops in the city centre.
- Its current use as an event and office complex means access depends on what is taking place there, so check ahead if you hope to go inside.
- Exterior viewing requires no planning and suits a short walk or a stop between other sights.
Gare Windsor is a good choice for anyone interested in historic buildings and the way older structures find new uses. Allow time to walk around the outside and look closely at the stonework, then explore the surrounding downtown area at your own pace.