Place Ville-Marie

You’re now crossing through the Ville-Marie complex, surrounded by towering skyscrapers reflecting each other in endless panes of glass. Standing here, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed—like you’ve stepped into a forest of mirrors. But what most people don’t realize is that building this place was both an engineering challenge and a stroke of genius that helped shape downtown Montreal. Let me explain. This site used to be a 15-meter-deep trench filled with railway tracks and active train lines. Not exactly prime real estate, right? So the idea was to fill the gap and build a massive structure directly over it—one that could handle constant vibrations, all while keeping train traffic running throughout the construction.The name “Place Ville Marie” originally referred to the cruciform tower itself, but over time it came to designate the entire complex. This clever arrangement—one main tower and three companion buildings—was a creative response to Montreal’s height restriction laws: no structure in the city can be taller than Mount Royal, which peaks at 234 meters above sea level. So instead of going up, the architects spread out. You’ve probably already noticed the huge metal ring seemingly floating above the plaza. It’s a public art installation designed by the firm Claude Cormier et Associés, created to mark the 60th anniversary of Place Ville Marie. Weighing 23 tons and stretching 29 meters in diameter, the ring came with a hefty price tag: $5 million! If you’re looking for a fun photo, try climbing onto the small ledge beside it and jumping while a friend snaps a picture from the other side. You’ll end up with a unique shot of yourself leaping through the heart of Montreal’s iconic ring.

And if you’re still feeling a little dwarfed by all these glass towers, there’s a simple fix: head up to the 46th floor of the observatory—accessible from the underground level. There’s a fee, but the reward is worth it: a sweeping 360° view of the city, complete with audioguides and interactive panels that tell you more about the neighbourhoods stretching out below.