1160 avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal (formerly 1160 rue de la Gauchetière)

Windsor Station – A Monument to Montreal’s Railway Legacy

Montrealers have long held a deep attachment to Windsor Station. More than just a transportation hub, it stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s industrial rise, historical importance, and architectural strength. With its solid grey stone, wide arches, and imposing presence, the building exudes personality—rugged, commanding, and dignified. Its architecture reflects a time when Montreal was asserting itself as a dominant transportation and economic center, not just locally but across Canada.

Windsor Station played a pivotal role in this rise. Following the completion of the Trans-Canada Railway in 1886 and the earlier construction of Dalhousie Station in 1884, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)—founded in 1881—recognized the need for a more centrally located terminal and headquarters to match the booming rail industry. The result was Windsor Station, commissioned in 1887, with the first train departing in 1889. Over the years, the station was expanded three times, with contributions from several architects including Bruce Price, the Maxwell brothers, and the firm of Painters.

Next to the station, a generous green space—once a showcase of the area’s beauty—still borders what is now known as Square Dorchester and Place du Canada (formerly Dominion Square). This proximity added elegance and grandeur to the daily experience of travelers.

For nearly a century, Windsor Station was a beacon of movement and opportunity. It was a gateway for countless immigrants arriving in Canada in search of a better life, land, and opportunity. It also played a crucial role during both World Wars, supporting Canadian military efforts with troops and materials. But as the automobile industry grew in the mid-20th century, the dominance of rail travel declined. Suburban train service to the Laurentians ceased in 1981, and the opening of Lucien-L’Allier Station in 1991 marked the end of Windsor Station’s function as a railway terminal.

Since then, the building has found a new purpose. Its once-busy platforms are now part of the Bell Centre, home to the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. The station’s grand concourse is now quiet, repurposed for shops, restaurants, and event spaces. In 2009, it became the property of Cadillac Fairview, continuing its life as a space for business and gathering—though no longer for travel.

Still, the exterior remains a landmark. With its medieval church–like arches and bold stone façade, Windsor Station stands out distinctly in the modern cityscape. It may no longer serve trains, but it continues to serve as a proud reminder of Montreal’s storied past.

St. George Anglican Church is across de la Gauchetière street.

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