McTavish reservoir

McTavish Reservoir is an underground water storage facility built into natural rock walls that holds millions of gallons to supply the city. The grounds above feature pump houses in Châteauesque style and a sports field that shape the appearance of the site.

A major fire in mid-19th century Montreal revealed critical gaps in the city's water supply, prompting authorities to build this facility. Construction between 1852 and 1856 established a reliable water system to prevent future disasters.

The grounds serve as a meeting place where McGill University students and local residents gather for recreation and community activities. People from the neighborhood use this space regularly, making it part of daily life in the area.

The grounds open in early evening and stay accessible until late night, providing green space near the McGill campus. The site is straightforward to navigate and requires no special arrangements to explore the public areas.

The rock cliff of the reservoir has become a popular winter ice climbing destination for adventurous visitors. This unexpected use of industrial infrastructure transforms the site into something beyond a simple water facility.