288, rue Saint-Jacques

The Molson family has been an integral part of Montreal’s history for generations. While they are best known for their brewing legacy, I was surprised to learn that the Molsons were also prominent figures in banking—even issuing their own currency for a time.

During the early 20th century, Montreal was Canada’s leading financial hub, outpacing Toronto in transaction volume. The Molson Bank, founded in the 1850s, quickly became a key player in this thriving economic landscape. By its peak, it operated 125 branches, supporting merchants and communities not only in Montreal but across various regions of Canada. In 1925, the bank merged with the Bank of Montreal, ending an important chapter in the city’s financial history.

The bank’s head office, built in 1864, still stands proudly at the corner of St-Jacques (formerly St. James) Street and Saint-Pierre Street—in the heart of what was once Canada’s Wall Street. Another notable Molson Bank branch, dating from 1903, survives in the St-Rémi district, at 5001–5011 Notre-Dame Street West. Though perhaps not worth the walk for casual visitors, it’s a hidden architectural gem for those interested in the city’s financial past.

Today, while the former head office has been repurposed, you can still admire its architectural details, including the original clock and the engraved Molson Bank name, preserving the memory of a family that helped shape Montreal beyond beer.

Harry Markland Molson, a Montreal businessman and heir to the Molson family fortune, died in the Titanic disaster in 1912. He joined the board of the Molson Bank after inheriting his uncle John H.R. Molson’s estate.

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