Dominion Square Building

Take a look at the beautiful structure in the corner: that’s the Dominion Square Building, a true architectural icon in downtown Montreal. It was built in the 1930s in a Beaux-Arts style—which, like eclecticism, blends different architectural styles and eras. This 12-storey structure was designed as an indoor shopping arcade, a concept that was groundbreaking back then. The way it was constructed allowed to cleverly avoid the many building permit regulations of the early 20th century. Not only did it feature two levels of retail space and two underground parking levels, but it also introduced Montreal’s very first escalators. Plus, you could access the shops from any side of the building. It may seem normal to you today, but in 1930, this was the most modern you could get! At the time, it was also the largest office building in the country. Today, it’s a heritage property in Quebec and also home to the city’s official visitor centre—handy if you need any tips for your stay.