Old Photographs of McGill College Street (1914-1990)

January 1, 2026 Dalia Nardolillo History, The City

McGill College Street has long been recognized for its distinctive blend of urban architecture and natural scenery. Situated at the foot of Mount Royal, the avenue became an important visual corridor and gathering space as Montreal expanded in the early 20th century. Lined with shops, cafés, and cultural institutions connected to nearby McGill University, the street quickly developed a lively character that encouraged strolling and public life.

By the mid-20th century, redevelopment projects—including the construction of Place Ville Marie—reshaped the district’s skyline. Wide sidewalks, open sightlines, and modern buildings gave McGill College Street a grand, spacious feel uncommon in many downtown areas. The area became known for its interplay of light, glass, and stone, set against the natural rise of Mount Royal.

In the decades that followed, the street evolved into a popular promenade and gathering space. Seasonal events, public art installations, and pedestrian-friendly design helped maintain its appeal, making it a place where everyday city life and scenic views come together.

1914 – Photograph of construction work at the corner of Notre-Dame and McGill Streets.
1914 – Photograph showing excavation work at the corner of Notre-Dame and McGill Streets. Two workers are visible in the foreground, one of whom is standing on a wooden scaffold.
1920 – Photograph of the McGill College Building.
1924 – Photograph of Notre-Dame Street, looking east toward McGill Street.
1928 – View north toward McGill University from the north end of Sherbrooke Street.
1930 – Construction site on Cathcart Street, between University Street (Robert-Bourassa Boulevard) and McGill College Avenue.
1930 – Photograph of Commissaires Street (now Commune Street) looking east, from McGill Street.
1930 – Photograph of McGill Street heading north, taken from Notre-Dame Street.
1930 – Wooden fence on the construction site on Cathcart Street, between University Street (Robert-Bourassa Boulevard) and McGill College Avenue.
1936 – Photograph of the Savings Bank of the City and District of Montreal (777 Sainte-Catherine Street West, at the corner of McGill College Avenue)
1937 – Photograph of the Peter Redpath Museum. It shows the Three Nudes fountain and, on the right, Molson Hall of the McGill College Building.
1937 – Photograph taken on the campus of McGill University (805 Sherbrooke Street West)
1940 – Photograph of a drawing showing skaters on McGill Street around 1890.
1943 – File illustrating the intersection of Sherbrooke Street West and Mansfield Street.
1966 – Photograph showing the site of the former parliament building from 1849, destroyed by arson, located at the intersection of McGill Street and Place d’Youville, on the west side.
1969 – Photograph of McGill University’s pavilions. Mount Royal can be seen in the background.
1975 – Photograph of the sign for McGill University’s Percival Molson Stadium, located at 475 Pine Avenue.
1984 – Saint Paul Hotel- 355 McGill Street.
1984 – Views north of McGill Avenue, from Place Ville-Marie.
1990 – View toward the northeast, probably taken from the roof of the tower located on Sherbrooke West, between Peel and Stanley Streets. The McGill campus can be seen in the background.

Find more photos from the Montréal archives on their website.

 

About Dalia Nardolillo 29 Articles
Dalia, a photojournalist hailing from Montreal, is deeply passionate about documenting events and sharing stories about people's lives. She is on track to graduate from Concordia University with a degree in journalism and a minor in art history. Currently, Dalia holds the position of Editor-in-Chief at her school's newspaper, The Concordian. Following graduation, she aims to secure a full-time reporting job at a major news outlet.

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