Place Jacques Cartier, named after the French navigator who initiated the colonization of Canada, is located in Old Montreal. It was created on the site of buildings that burned down during the fire of 1803 as the main market square. Trade rows were built here, hotels, workshops and shops were located around. In 1809, Nelson's Column was erected on the square in memory of the outstanding English naval commander. There is also a monument to the hero of the war for the French colonies, Jean Vauquelin. Near Place Cartier rises the building of the Montreal City Hall. After the opening of the new Bonsecours main market in Montreal, the shopping malls were removed from Jacques Cartier Square, it became more spacious. Now it is a popular tourist area with many hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, street artists and musicians.
Place Jacques Cartier, as part of the territory of Old Montreal, was declared a historical heritage of the province of Quebec in 1964.