Island of Montreal
Most populous freshwater island in the world.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
The Island of Montreal (French: Île de Montréal) is an island in southwestern Quebec, Canada, which is the site of a number of municipalities, including most of the city of Montreal. It is the most populous island in Canada and the world's most populous freshwater island, serving as the main island of the Hochelaga Archipelago at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers.
- location
- Southwestern Quebec, Canada
- length
- Approximately 50 km (31 mi)
- width
- Up to 16 km (9.9 mi)
- shoreline
- 266 km (165 mi)
- population
- 2,014,221 inhabitants (22% of Québec's population)
- highest_point
- Mount Royal, elevation 233 metres (764 feet)
- notable_feature
- World's most populous freshwater island
Lore & Background
The first French name for the island was l'ille de Vilmenon, noted by Samuel de Champlain in a 1616 map, derived from the sieur de Vilmenon. By 1632, Champlain referred to the Isle de Mont-real, named after Mount Royal. In Kanien’kéha, the island is called Tiohtià:ke tsi ionhwéntsare ('broken in two', referring to the Lachine Rapids) or Otsirà:ke ('on the fire'). In Ojibwe, it is called Mooniyaang, named for the first stop in the great Anishinaabe migration from Dawnland to the Great Lakes.
The island is approximately 50 km long and 16 km wide, with a shoreline of 266 km. It is the second largest island in the Saint Lawrence River after Anticosti Island. Most of its bedrock is Chazy limestone with some Utica shale, and at its centre stand the three peaks of Mount Royal, a volcanic intrusion (not an extinct volcano, contrary to popular belief). The island's topography has been significantly altered by human activity, with historical lakes and watercourses drained or covered over.
The island is a hub for the Québec autoroute system, with highways including A-10, A-15, A-13, A-20, A-25, A-40, A-520, and R-136. Turning right on red on the island is prohibited, and signage at entry points indicates this. The Champlain Bridge and Jacques Cartier Bridge together accommodate 101 million vehicle crossings a year.
Reader's Guide
The Island of Montreal holds significance as the most populous island in Canada and the world's most populous freshwater island, with over 2 million inhabitants. It is the main component of the city of Montreal and the administrative region of Montréal, comprising numerous municipalities. Its location at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers has made it a vital transportation hub, with some of the busiest bridges in the country. The island's name derives from Mount Royal, and its Indigenous names reflect its cultural and historical depth. Human activity has heavily reshaped its geography, including draining lakes and extending shores. The island's bedrock and Mount Royal's volcanic intrusion add geological interest. Its legacy includes being a key site for urban development, transportation networks, and demographic concentration in Quebec.
Did You Know?
- The island is the world's most populous freshwater island.
- Its first French name was l'ille de Vilmenon, noted by Samuel de Champlain in 1616.
- The island's bedrock is mostly Chazy limestone with some Utica shale.
- Turning right on red is prohibited on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Island of Montreal?
It is a large landmass in southwestern Quebec, Canada, that hosts the majority of the city of Montreal along with several other municipalities. The island sits at the meeting point of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers and forms the central piece of the Hochelaga Archipelago.
How big is the Island of Montreal?
The island stretches roughly 50 kilometres in length and reaches up to 16 kilometres at its widest point, giving it a total shoreline of about 266 kilometres. Its highest natural feature is Mount Royal, which rises to 233 metres above sea level.
What makes the Island of Montreal unique globally?
It holds the distinction of being the most populous freshwater island on Earth, with over 2 million residents calling it home. That population alone accounts for roughly 22 percent of all people living in the province of Québec.
Where exactly is the Island of Montreal located?
It sits in the southwestern part of Quebec, Canada, nestled at the confluence where the Ottawa River joins the Saint Lawrence. The island is the main landmass of the Hochelaga Archipelago in that region.
How many people live on the Island of Montreal?
The island is home to approximately 2,014,221 inhabitants, making it the most heavily populated island in all of Canada. Because it is a freshwater body rather than a sea island, it also ranks as the world's most populous island of that type.
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