Discover Pointe-Claire: History, Culture and Nature

Pointe-Claire offers historic buildings, cultural attractions, green spaces and a variety of connections to Lac Saint-Louis. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are most interested in architecture and local history, cultural activities or trails in nature.

History and Architectural Heritage

Saint-Joachim Church is a neo-Gothic work by architect Victor Bourgeau and is significant to Pointe-Claire’s cultural and religious heritage. The Pointe-Claire windmill also tells the story of the area: it was built in 1709 and is classified as a heritage building. Only about twenty windmills remain in Québec; the one in Pointe-Claire is among the oldest.

The designated Pointe Claire site offers views of the South Shore, Montréal and Mount Royal. Its unique combination of architectural elements provides a vivid picture of the three-hundred-year development of the institutions of this Montreal parish. On the south side of Saint-Joachim Church, the site also has a semi-public path and small areas for quiet reflection.

The Village of Pointe-Claire is the historic heart of the city. This local context complements the individual buildings with a view of the history of the village as a whole.

Cultural Attractions and Art

Since it opened in 1963, the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre has been at the heart of cultural life in Pointe-Claire. Its offerings include cultural events. Stewart Hall’s Artothèque showcases art by local artists from Pointe-Claire and neighbouring communities. Individuals and businesses can buy or rent original works of art at affordable prices. The specific selection of works changes over time.

Younger visitors can also enjoy art and cultural offerings of their own. The Artothèque MiNi is a creative space for children aged twelve and under. Selected works from the Artothèque MiNi are displayed in the Coin jeunesse at the Stewart Hall Cultural Centre. The Coin jeunesse also offers a variety of activities and exhibitions for children and teenagers.

Trails and Nature in Parc naturel Terra-Cotta

Parc naturel Terra-Cotta is an urban woodland of nearly 40 hectares, with a diverse range of plant and animal life. Its five walking trails have a combined length of 4.4 kilometres. The trails are suitable in both summer and winter for experienced hikers as well as occasional walkers. Snowshoeing is also possible in the park in winter. Seasonal activities differ: the trails are described as suitable for both seasons, while snowshoeing is specifically mentioned for winter.

The park’s natural attractions include teaching gardens devoted to monarch butterflies and bees. If you plan to visit these in particular, check the condition of the individual gardens before your visit, as it may change. The trails and teaching gardens offer different ways to experience the park: physical activity on the walking trails, on the one hand, and insights into butterflies and bees, on the other.

Waterfront Areas and Other Options

Parc Edgewater is on the shore of Lac Saint-Louis, on Chemin du Bord-du-Lac – Lakeshore, at the entrance to the Village of Pointe-Claire. A multi-use path runs through the park and can be used by cyclists. As trail conditions may change, check them before planning a ride. Pointe-Claire also enjoys privileged access to Lac Saint-Louis. Boat access points include Chalet Grande-Anse and Parc Alexandre-Bourgeau.

Pointe-Claire has a total of 35 walking trails. Separately, the city lists 64 scenic viewpoints with panoramic views. These two figures describe different ways to experience the area; they do not mean that every walking trail leads to a viewpoint.

Valois is another focal point: the village is a commercial district with shops, boutiques, restaurants and activities for a range of interests. Alongside historic and nature-related attractions, the district’s offerings are another aspect to consider when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Baie-D'Urfe, Hampstead, Dollard-Des Ormeaux.

Back to the main travel overview: Montreal.