Manoir Papineau Gardener’s House
Montebello, 1855


The Gothic Revival architectural style flourished in the 19th century and left a distinctive mark across Quebec, particularly in churches, public buildings, and even private residences. This style emphasized pointed arches, intricate woodwork, steeply pitched roofs, and tall windows, often with stained glass, to evoke the grandeur and spiritual connection of medieval Gothic architecture.

Gothic Revival architecture in Quebec features pointed arches, steep roofs, and intricate details, blending urban grandeur and rural charm. Notable examples include cathedrals like Rimouski’s Saint-Germain, with elegant spires and tracery, and smaller churches such as Montebello’s chapels, which showcase wooden craftsmanship. Many rural churches, like Saint-Jean-Baptiste in L’Isle-Verte or Saint-Pierre in Sorel-Tracy, emphasize verticality and stained glass, reflecting the style’s spiritual ambiance. Anglican churches, such as St. James in Trois-Rivières and St. George’s in Drummondville, combine steep roofs and wood interiors, illustrating local adaptations. Gothic Revival enriches Quebec’s architectural landscape, from grand façades to quiet chapels.

Themes Across Locations

In Quebec, the Gothic Revival adapted to both urban and rural contexts:

• Urban Areas: Larger churches and public buildings feature elaborate stone construction and intricate stained glass.
• Rural Areas: Wooden interpretations of Gothic Revival are common, with simpler forms and local craftsmanship.

Quebec’s Gothic Revival architecture reflects the influence of both British and French traditions, underscoring its unique historical and cultural identity.

Sainte-Émilie Church
Leclercville, 1863




Saint-Germain Cathedral
Rimouski, 1859




Saint-Nom-de-Marie Church
Sainte Marie, 1859




Assumption Cathedral
Trois-Rivieres, 1858




La-Décollarion-de-Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church
L’isle erte, 1855




Papineau Memorial Chapel
Montebello, 1855




Saint-Patrice Church
Rivière-du-Loup, 1855




Saint-Alexandre Church
Saint-Alexandre, 1853




Saint-Roch Church
Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, 1853




St-Paul Anglican Church
Dubswell, 1853




Messiah Anglican Church
Sainte-Anne de Sabrevois, 1848




Saint-Charles Borromée Church
Deschambault Grondines, 1842




Anglican Church St Bartholomewès
Riviere du loup, 1841




Saint-Hilaire Church
Mont-Saint-Hilaire, 1837




Saint-Mungo Church Brownburg-Chatham, 1836


St-George’s Church
Drummondville, 1833




St-James Anglican Church
Gatineau, 1824




Christ Church Sant-André
Dargenteil, 1821




Christ Church
Sorel-Tracy, 1784

Westmount Park Church
1929

Beyond the Icons

In Part 1, we explored the key features and most iconic examples of Gothic Revival architecture in Montreal, including landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica and Christ Church Cathedral. For Part 2, we delve deeper into the less-celebrated but equally fascinating structures, exploring how Gothic Revival left its mark on the city’s neighborhoods, institutions, and hidden gems.

Gothic Revival in Everyday Spaces

While the grand churches and public buildings often take the spotlight, Gothic Revival’s influence extends to smaller churches, educational institutions, and even civic structures. These buildings exemplify how the style permeated Montreal’s architectural DNA in the 19th century, touching every facet of urban life.

Lesser-Known Gothic Revival Gems in Montreal

1. St. Jude’s Anglican Church

Tucked away in Montreal’s South-West district, St. Jude’s is a modest yet charming example of Gothic Revival architecture. Built in the late 19th century, it features pointed arch windows and a steeply pitched roof, embodying the romantic simplicity of the style.

Interesting Detail: Though smaller in scale, St. Jude’s interior showcases finely crafted wood paneling and modest stained-glass windows that reflect its community-centric focus.

2. Villa Maria School

Originally constructed as a convent in 1854, Villa Maria School showcases Gothic Revival’s influence on institutional architecture. The imposing structure features pointed arches, decorative stonework, and steep roofs reminiscent of medieval abbeys.

Why It’s Noteworthy: This building demonstrates how Gothic Revival was adapted for educational spaces, blending grandeur with functionality.

3. Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Chapel

This lesser-known chapel on St. Catherine Street stands out with its Gothic Revival-inspired façade, though its interior blends styles from different periods. The tall spires and pointed arches create an ethereal presence in the bustling downtown area.

Unique Feature: A mix of Gothic Revival with Art Nouveau details, making it a rare hybrid.

4. St. Stephen’s Anglican Church

Located in the neighborhood of Lachine, St. Stephen’s is another hidden treasure of Gothic Revival design. Built in 1878, it features buttresses and intricate stone tracery, lending it an old-world charm that contrasts with its suburban surroundings.

Fun Fact: The church has been a centerpiece for Lachine’s community life for over 140 years.

5. Grey Nuns Convent

While the Motherhouse of the Grey Nuns is often discussed, smaller associated buildings around Montreal also exhibit Gothic Revival features. These understated structures, with their lancet windows and carved detailing, reflect the architectural consistency of the era’s religious institutions.

Architectural Variations in Montreal

Gothic Revival in Montreal wasn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. While major buildings adhered to traditional European Gothic principles, smaller or less prominent structures often featured adaptations to suit local needs and budgets:

Simplified Gothic Elements: In neighborhood churches and schools, Gothic features like pointed arches and steep gables were used without the ornate embellishments of larger landmarks. Hybrid Styles: Many buildings combined Gothic Revival with Romanesque or Victorian styles, creating unique architectural hybrids. Preservation of the Uncelebrated While iconic Gothic Revival buildings like Notre-Dame Basilica are meticulously preserved, many smaller structures face challenges due to limited resources or declining use. Efforts by local heritage organizations have been crucial in raising awareness about the importance of these architectural treasures. Community Advocacy: Groups in neighborhoods like Mile End and Lachine have successfully lobbied for restoration projects, ensuring these historic buildings remain a part of Montreal’s cultural fabric.

A Broader Legacy

Montreal’s Gothic Revival architecture extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It speaks to the city’s religious, educational, and cultural evolution, reflecting the aspirations and values of its builders. From grand basilicas to neighborhood chapels, these structures tell a story of a city rooted in tradition while embracing growth and diversity.


Saint Edouard Church
1909




Saint Francois de Sales Church
1851




Saint Jacques Cathedral
1860




Saint Joachim de Pointe Claire Church
1885




Saint Joseph Church
1861




Saint Laurent Church
1837




Saint Sauveur Church
1865




Saint Viateur d’Outremount Church
1911




St Georges Anglican Church
1870




St James United Church
1889




St Jax Montreal
1864




St John’s United Church
1896




St Matthias Church
1912




St Patrick’s Basilica
1847




Trafalgar Lodge
1848




Union United Church
1907




Victoria Hall
1925




Westmount City Hall
1922




Wilson Chambers Building
1869