Located on Notre-Dame Street in Old Montreal, directly opposite Montreal City Hall, Château Ramezay invites you to step inside Quebec's oldest private history museum. Built in 1705 as the residence for Claude de Ramezay, then-governor of Montreal, this historic manor holds the distinction of being the first building proclaimed as a historical monument in Quebec and a National Historic Site of Canada. Over the centuries, its rich history evolved as it served as the fur-trading Compagnie des Indes, British governors' official residence known as Government House, and the site for Université de Montréal's first Faculty of Medicine in 1878.
Notably, in 1775, it became the Canadian headquarters for the Continental Army, where Benjamin Franklin stayed overnight in 1776 while seeking American Revolutionary War troops. Converted into an historical museum and portrait gallery in 1894 by the Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, the château showcases an impressive collection of around 30,000 objects mostly donated by local residents, ranging from manuscripts, printed works, and numismatic items to paintings, prints, furniture, and ethnological pieces. You can also explore the award-winning Governor's Garden, added during extensive indoor and outdoor restorations.
Having welcomed over a million visitors, this captivating landmark offers an authentic look into Canada's history.
What to see at château Ramezay
- Quebec's oldest private history museum and its first proclaimed historical monument.
- Historical Continental Army headquarters where Benjamin Franklin stayed overnight in 1776.
- Collection of roughly 30,000 objects including art, manuscripts, furniture, and numismatic items.
- Beautiful Governor's Garden, recipient of the National Award of Excellence from Landscape Architects of Canada.
Visiting tips
Take time to appreciate the outdoor Governor's Garden, which earned a National Award of Excellence following its inauguration in 2000.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
château Ramezay is easy to reach on Montreal’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Chapel of Our Lady of Help, Montreal. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Montreal travel guide.
See the full Montreal travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.