Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site
Take a trip back In time with a visit to Sir George- Etienne Cartier National Historic Site
For those with a keen interest in Canadian history and Canadian historical sites, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the restored house museum of politician and Father of Confederation, Sir George- Etienne Cartier, in Montreal.
This renowned politician who was born on September 6, 1814 and died on May 20, 1873 started his career as a lawyer in Quebec. He was exiled in 1837 because of his involvement in the Lower Canada Rebellion, but Sir George- Etienne Cartier was allowed to return one year later. After another ten years of practising law he gave up his practice and ran for office as a Reformer and was elected to the Legislative Assembly of the province of Canada.
In 1864, Cartier along with John A Macdonald and George Brown formed the Great Coalition. The purpose of the coalition being to end to the political instability of the province, one of the first steps in the movement towards the Confederation.
Sir George- Etienne Cartier was a great catalyst for change in Montreal and today his home stands as a museum which is open to the public.
.The home with its Victorian interiors has been superbly restored to match the Montreal Bourgeoisie style around the 1860's. Besides getting a glimpse into the life of Sir Cartier, people come to the Museum in order to take a trip back in time. The museum is the only place in Montreal which has been restored to its former Victorian glory, a must see for those with a keen interest in history both from a tourist and historian perspective.
The West House has been restored to true Victorian luxury. It is the only Victorian-era interior that can be viewed by the public in Montreal. The rooms of George-Etienne Cartier's two daughters show their memories and segments from their lives through their diaries. This gives you alook into the lives of the youth of their era and economic status.
Facts For Your Visit
Official Website: Sir George-Etienne Cartier National HIstoric Site
Fee: Yes
Address: 458 Rue Notre Dame E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1C8, Canada
Phone: (514) 283-2282
Official Website: Sir George-Etienne Cartier National HIstoric Site
Reviews
Rated out of 5
National historic site 1800’s. We came here many years ago and it seems there are some updates. You’ll learn a lot about Canadian history and how it became a country. There’s a slide show in the old window that shows how life was back then. It’s not very big but lots of details about Sir Cartier’s life, personal and political. They have Victorian Christmas enactment in December. There are 2 games you can do. Kids 17 and under: free
Sue Trad - 9 months ago
National historic site 1800’s. We came here many years ago and it seems there are some updates. You’ll learn a lot about Canadian history and how it became a country. There’s a slide show in the old window that shows how life was back then. It’s not very big but lots of details about Sir Cartier’s life, personal and political. They have Victorian Christmas enactment in December. There are 2 games you can do.
Kids 17 and under: free
Nice place to learn about one of Canada's founding fathers and see some period furnishings. The staff was very friendly and the rooms were well-restored. However, there was not a lot of description, especially on the second floor, about the rooms' history/usage/relation to Cartier, which would be disadvantageous if you do a self-guided tour. On the plus side, there are many interactive elements for kids and adults alike. Next time I'd take a guided tour for a better experience.
Andrew Yin - 5 months ago
Nice place to learn about one of Canada's founding fathers and see some period furnishings. The staff was very friendly and the rooms were well-restored. However, there was not a lot of description, especially on the second floor, about the rooms' history/usage/relation to Cartier, which would be disadvantageous if you do a self-guided tour. On the plus side, there are many interactive elements for kids and adults alike. Next time I'd take a guided tour for a better experience.
Alida Mazzullo - 10 months ago
Heidi S - 5 months ago
If you're interested to learn about the bourgeosie's so called superior way of life back in old days, you can drop by Cartier's house.
Rita Hokayem - 1 year ago
If you're interested to learn about the bourgeosie's so called superior way of life back in old days, you can drop by Cartier's house. 
Accommodations near Sir George-Etienne Cartier National HIstoric Site:
Directions
| Metro Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Line 2 - Orange | Champs-de-Mars |
How to get to Sir George-Etienne Cartier National HIstoric Site by Metro
By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 to Champs-de-Mars. Follow the pedestrian tunnel to the Gosford street exit (south) and walk up hill to Notre-Dame Street and turn left. Continue along Notre-Dame Street to the site at Berri Street.
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Photo Gallery
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Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site and Museum cc licensed photo by Isabelle Gilbert via Wikipedia -
Photo Credit: Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site -
Photo Credit: Duc C. Nguyên -
Photo Credit: Sue Trad -
Photo Credit: Andrew Yin -
Photo Credit: Andrew Yin
