Lion of Belfort

The Lion of Belfort is a granite sculpture in Dorchester Square depicting a reclining lion resting on an architectural pedestal. The monument sits at the eastern side of Rue Metcalfe and includes a reconstructed drinking fountain at its base.

The monument was unveiled in 1897 during Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations as a gift from the Sun Life Assurance Company to the city. It emerged during an era when Montreal marked important bonds with Europe through public memorials.

The lion represents Canada's connection to French resilience and stands as a symbol of respect for the defense of Belfort. Visitors walking through Dorchester Square encounter this sculpture as a focal point that links Montreal to a broader European history.

The sculpture sits in a public square and is freely accessible from all sides for viewing and photography. The reconstructed fountain at the base adds visual interest and remains functional as a period feature.

The sculpture is a scaled reproduction of the famous Lion of Belfort in France, measuring roughly one-tenth the size of the original work. This proportioning allowed the monument to honor the French creation while fitting appropriately within Montreal's urban landscape.