Pointe-à-Callière

Pointe-à-Callière is an archaeological museum in Old Montreal that spans seven interconnected underground pavilions. These display findings that trace Montreal's story from its first inhabitants through the colonial period.

Montreal was founded at this location in 1642, and the foundations of the original Fort Ville-Marie remain preserved here. French and British structures were built successively afterward, creating layers that now overlay one another.

The name honors the site's founding history and connects memories of indigenous peoples, French settlers, and British colonists. Visitors encounter artifacts from different eras that show how various communities shaped this location over time.

Access is via Rue de la Capitale, and the underground passages are straightforward for visitors to navigate. Budget enough time to explore the different exhibition levels and view the multimedia presentations.

Beneath the museum lies an archaeological vault with multiple layers of Montreal's past, including an ancient hearth from indigenous peoples. These stacked layers allow visitors to literally descend through different time periods.

Location: Ville-Marie

Part of: Old Montreal

GPS coordinates: 45.50278,-73.55417

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42