Jacques Cartier Bridge : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to our Jacques Cartier Bridge Travel Guide, a resource to help you explore the iconic bridge spanning the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to the South Shore. We’ve compiled interesting facts and information to share some of the history and marvels of this incredible bridge. We will take you through the intriguing history of Jacques Cartier Bridge, from its construction in 1930 to the most recent renovations; and provide tips and resources for planning a visit to the bridge and the surrounding area. We hope you’ll find this guide useful, and that it will spark your curiosity to learn more about Jacques Cartier Bridge. Let’s get started!

Interesting Facts About Jacques Cartier Bridge

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1. The Jacques Cartier Bridge is the only suspension bridge connecting the Island of Montreal and the South Shore of the St. Lawrence River.

2. The bridge is 3,158 meters (10,383 feet) long and stands 105m (344 feet) above the St. Lawrence. It links the city of Montreal to Longueuil.

3. The bridge was designed and built by the Canadian bridge engineering company of Phillips and Drill, and was completed in March 1930.

4. The bridge is named for the explorer Jacques Cartier who crossed the St Lawrence River in 1535 and is considered to be the founder of New France.

5. From 1936-1996 the Jacques Cartier Bridge was a toll bridge, but as of 1996 it has been a free bridge.

6. In 1978, a project to light up the bridge in various colors was created. This was the first public lighting of a bridge in Canada.

7. The bridge has been used as a filming location for movies, TV shows and music videos – including “Bon Cop, Bad Cop”, “Shameless”, and “Skyscraper”, and for the music video for “Call Out My Name” by Canadian singer The Weeknd.

8. In 1999, 100,000 balloons were released from the bridge as part of a celebration of the new millennium.

9. On June 30, 2009 the bridge celebrated its 79th Anniversary with a spectacular fireworks show.

10. The bridge was added to the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 2019.

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History & Information About Jacques Cartier Bridge

The Jacques Cartier Bridge is a steel truss bridge, connecting Montreal, Quebec with the South Shore suburb of Longueuil. The project was first announced by the provincial government in 1931, and the bridge was officially completed in 1930. Its main span is a suspension bridge, supported by two gigantic and iconic pylons, creating an important gateway into Montreal from the south.

The construction of the Jacques Cartier Bridge was part of a larger project of modernizing the city’s infrastructure, and it was the first large-scale engineering project in Montreal since the construction of the Victoria Bridge in 1859. Described as “the Colossus of the St. Lawrence”, the Jacques Cartier Bridge was designed to link Montreal and the South Shore in an unprecedented way, and will continue to serve future generations of Montrealers in that manner.

The bridge has gone through several renovations and restorations over the years, including strengthening the structure and replacing the steel cables. In 2002, it was given a facelift by refurbishing the towers and pylons and repainting them in the modern colors of blue and silver that are seen today. In 2013, the Jacques Cartier Bridge was further improved to offer safer pedestrian and cyclist crossings, with the addition of a dedicated path and walkways.

Today the Jacques Cartier Bridge is an important part of Montreal’s identity, offering a view of the city from its Mont Royal viewpoint and connecting people and communities from both sides of the St. Lawrence. It’s a symbol of Montreal’s engineering prowess, and is an enduring connection between the two cities.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Jacques Cartier Bridge

Jacques Cartier Bridge is an iconic symbol of Montreal and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Quebec. If you plan to visit the bridge, here is a guide for what you’ll need to know before your visit.

Getting There:
Jacques Cartier Bridge is easily accessible by car, public transit, bike, and foot. The bridge is located along the Saint Lawrence River, near downtown Montreal.

Car:
Willing drivers can access the bridge via the Autoroute 10 and Autoroute 20.

Public Transit:
Various bus services offer transportation to the bridge, including several Montreal-area buses, the Airporter bus, and the bus system provided by Grii Montréal. Additionally, the metro station at Berri-UQAM is located nearby.

Bike:
Cyclists can access the bridge by bicycle via Jacques Cartier Bridge Bike Path, which connects to numerous nearby parks, rivers, and trails.

Walk:
Jacques Cartier Bridge is easily accessible on foot. There are several pedestrian walkways leading to the bridge.

What to Do:
Here are a few tourist attractions to experience while visiting Jacques Cartier Bridge:

• Old Port of Montreal: Located along the Saint Lawrence River, the Old Port offers public markets, interactive attractions, and beautiful waterfront views.

• Montreal Clock Tower: Take a guided tour of the impressive Montreal Clock Tower to learn about its history and marvel at the intricate architecture.

• Science Centre: Explore interactive exhibits, science shows, and educational activities at Montreal’s Science Centre.

• Observatoire Place Ville-Marie: Climb to the top of Montreal’s tallest tower, the Observatoire Place Ville-Marie, and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.

• Montreal Aquarium: Visit the Montreal Aquarium and see over 10,000 aquatic species.

When to Visit:
The best time to visit the Jacques Cartier Bridge is from April to October when the weather is warm and the days are long. The bridge is usually busy with tourists in the summer months.

Safety Tips:
Jacques Cartier Bridge has a few safety tips for visitors to follow when visiting the bridge. Make sure to wear bright clothing at night so you’re visible, and stay away from the edges of the bridge. Visitors should also be mindful of their personal belongings and stay aware of their surroundings.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Jacques Cartier Bridge

Q: When was the Jacques Cartier Bridge built?
A: The Jacques Cartier Bridge was built in 1930 and opened to the public on May 14th of that year.

Q: What materials were used to construct the Jacques Cartier Bridge?
A: The Jacques Cartier Bridge is comprised of steel girders, reinforced concrete and limestone stonework.

Q: Who designed the Jacques Cartier Bridge?
A: The bridge was designed by Canadian civil engineer and architect, Giovanni Vigle.

Q: How long is the span of the Jacques Cartier Bridge?
A: The bridge has a span of 549 metres (1,801 ft).

Q: How many lanes does the Jacques Cartier Bridge have?
A: The bridge has four lanes for vehicles and a separate lane dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians.

Q: Who owns and operates the Jacques Cartier Bridge?
A: The bridge is owned and operated by the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Inc., a federal government agency.

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