In the 18th century, the city of Montreal banned the construction of wooden buildings inside its fortified perimeter. This action resulted in the poorest inhabitants being forced to sell their lots of land and move into the “suburbs”. The growth of the suburbs and the demolition of the original city walls original, which began soon after 1800, slowly forged the former fortified town and the suburbs into one entity. A real new city was taking shape with its own river front and port, military esplanade, a new market that would later be turned into Place Jacques-Cartier, monuments and great public buildings, such as the monument to Admiral Nelson, a courthouse and Bonsecours Market.

The growth of the city and increasing wealth presented opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs. In 1898 Joseph Moreau erected a four-story building close to the bustling port and opened the Hotel Le Relais.

In 1911, Joseph Moreau transferred the hotel to two of his children, Joseph and Maria, who immediately rented the hotel to Napoleon Geoffroy. The hotel was also known as a tavern. It was in fact, a favorite hangout for many of the port workmen and sailors.

In 1920, the hotel was rented to Ernest Henry Girard. Along with his brother, he would renew the lease until 1960 when they finally purchased the hotel, still under the corporate name Hotel Le Relais, from Joseph Moreau.
From 1972 to 1998, the hotel went through several owners and names. The lack of stability and resulting disrepair forced the closing of the hotel.

In 2000, it was given a new lease of life. Major renovations ensured a 21st century functionality to the hotel but yet did not encroach on the charm left by its rich history. Now named L’Hotel Champ-de-Mars, we hope to continue the building’s tradition of providing great service and comfort to all those who come to live the experience that is Montreal.

The Hotel Champ-de-Mars is located at the eastern main entrance of the Old Port of Montreal, on 756 and 764 Berri Street. The street’s name is said to come from Simon Després, known as Le Berry, a wealthy landowner who was killed by Iroquois in 1663. The northern façade of the hotel is bordered by St-Louis Street, formerly the main road of the little suburb St-Louis, which had developed just outside the fortifications during the 1740’s. The southern façade of the hotel is bordered by the Parc de Ville-de-la-Flèche, which commemorates Jérôme Le Royer de la Dauversiere’s town of origin. He is the founder of the Société Notre-Dame, an integral force behind the foundation of Montreal in 1643.

The Hotel Champ-de-Mars is also located near Place Jacques-Cartier, one of the liveliest spots in Montreal, where, for generations, people have gathered and reveled. Place Jacques-Cartier named after the famous explorer owes its existence to Jean Baptiste Périnaud’s conveyance to Jean-Baptiste Durocher, dated back to 1803, where it is specified that the square should always be kept as a public market. The city of Montreal is to this day bound by this clause.

Nowadays, the Old Port of Montreal is laid out to maximize the convenience and pleasure of visitors. Here, they can enjoy adventurous trips on the river, continuous street animation and performances, expositions, the Imax Theater, the iSi center and bicycle paths all along the riverfront. During the winter months, visitors can admire ice sculptures, skate, explore aboard horse drawn carriages and take part in a great deal of other activities and festivities.