417, rue Berri

Dalhousie Station: The Starting Point of a National Journey

Dalhousie Station is the oldest surviving railway station in Montreal, and a key landmark in Canada’s transportation history. It was from this very station that the first transcontinental train to Vancouver departed in 1886, marking a monumental moment in the unification of the country by rail.

Built in 1884, Dalhousie Station is located just a short distance from Viger Station—a deliberate urban decision. As Montreal grew rapidly, so did the demand for transportation, and Dalhousie quickly reached its capacity. The construction of the larger Viger Station in 1898 was a direct response to this need for expansion.

By the late 19th century, much of the passenger traffic had already begun shifting toward Windsor Station due to its accessibility, and later to Viger Station. Yet, Dalhousie Station remained operational, not for passenger service, but for freight and warehousing, taking advantage of its proximity to the Port of Montreal—a strategic location for managing goods and trade. It continued to serve this purpose well into the 1960s, and remained in use for warehousing until 1984.

In 2004, the square surrounding the former station underwent restoration, highlighting the site’s historical significance. Illuminated rail lines now embedded in the ground pay tribute to the area’s railway heritage and preserve the memory of Montreal’s early industrial dynamism.

Today, the historic station has found a new purpose as the home of Cirque Éloize, blending its rich past with a vibrant cultural present.

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