Pointe-aux-Trembles

Between the St. Lawrence and Rue Notre-Dame, Pointe-aux-Trembles’ windmill has a cylindrical stone tower thirteen metres high with four levels. Built in 1719 to grind grain, it carries a conical roof covered in cedar shingles. The rotating roof allowed the sails to be turned towards the wind. The former Chemin du Roy runs beside the building, which remained in operation until 1861. The mill received heritage protection in 1983 and became City of Montréal property in 2001.

Beside the Rivière des Prairies, Bout-de-l’Île park once offered picnic and play areas, a beach, walking paths and a restaurant. Companies organized outings for their employees there, and school groups also visited. Between the St. Lawrence and the tram terminus, Hôtel Bureau, a Second Empire building topped by a pavilion, welcomed visitors with a banquet room and beach cabins. Today, Maison Antoine-Beaudry occupies a waterfront setting in Parc Marcel-Léger and presents exhibitions, performances, talks and outdoor activities.

Key places

• Pointe-aux-Trembles windmill : four-level stone tower.
• Notre-Dame Street, former Chemin du Roy : road beside the mill.
• Former Bout-de-l’Île park : riverside recreation and group outings.
• Former Hôtel Bureau : hotel between the river and tram terminus.
• Antoine-Beaudry house and Marcel-Léger park : waterfront cultural venue.