Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel, building in Quebec, Canada
Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel is a restaurant and hotel located in Old Montreal within a building from 1688, featuring thick stone walls and wooden plank floors that preserve its historical character. The interior blends historic elements such as wrought-iron fixtures and fireplaces with modern comfort, while the restaurant specializes in French cuisine made with local ingredients.
Built in 1688 by a French soldier named Etienne Truteau as a private residence, the building later became an inn for traveling visitors. In 1754 it received an alcohol license under British rule, becoming the first location in North America to do so, and after serving briefly as a private mansion in the 1800s, it returned to operating as an inn in the early 1900s.
The inn bears the name of Saint Gabriel and reflects the French Catholic tradition that shaped early Quebec's history. Its rooms tell stories of past uses, such as the Truteau room that once housed a printing press for the newspaper Le Patriote, or the Velvet room with its origins as a fur trading post.
The inn is located in Old Montreal with narrow streets and historic buildings that are easily walked, and parking is available nearby for visitors. Evening hours are ideal for visits, as you can explore the area during the day and return for dinner.
The building is linked to a ghost story in which the spirit of a girl who died in a long-ago fire is said to be heard, sometimes playing piano late at night. These tales have long fascinated both guests and staff, adding to the sense of history that lingers within its walls.
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