The site originally functioned as the Saint Antoine Cemetery from 1799 until 1854.
Over 70,000 bodies were exhumed and relocated to Notre-Dame-des-Neiges Cemetery before the square's development.
The square was named Dominion Square until 1989 to honor the creation of the Dominion of Canada.
The Boer War Memorial, installed in 1907, was the first monument in Montreal dedicated to soldiers who died in a foreign war.
It contains a cenotaph that serves as a central focal point for municipal Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The square is situated at the intersection of two major historic districts of the city.
Dorchester Square is a historic public square in downtown Montreal, originally established in the 19th century on the site of the former Saint Antoine Cemetery. The park functions as a key urban green space flanked by high-rise commercial buildings and prominent historical architecture. It contains several monuments, including the Boer War Memorial and the statue of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. The square is physically connected to Place du Canada, forming a unified site that reflects the city's Victorian-era urban planning. It serves as a central hub for pedestrian traffic and outdoor public gatherings during the summer months. The park is characterized by its formal landscaping, paved walkways, and mature trees providing shade. It sits directly across from the Sun Life Building, a significant example of neoclassical architecture.
From the center of the square looking toward the Sun Life Building to capture the contrast between the historic monument and the neoclassical skyline.
Visit the adjacent Place du Canada to view the full scope of the combined public space.
Look for the interpretive plaques installed on-site that detail the transformation from graveyard to public park.
Combine your visit with a walk through the neighboring Sun Life Building lobby.
Do not mistake it for the larger parks in the city; this is a compact urban square intended for transit and rest rather than recreation or sports.
