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July 27, 2026Sources cited
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Westmount, Quebec

Westmount is a city on the Island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec, Canada, enclosed by the city of Montreal.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Westmount is a city on the Island of Montreal in southwestern Quebec, Canada, enclosed by the city of Montreal. It is a primarily residential municipality on the western and southwestern slopes of Mount Royal, known for its parks, historic homes, and independent city government. In the 2021 census, its population was 19,658.

History

Westmount was first incorporated in 1874 and was officially renamed Westmount in 1895. Its development was shaped by its location on Mount Royal and its growth as an affluent suburb of Montreal.

Geography

The city lies on the western and southwestern slopes of Mount Royal on the Island of Montreal. It is surrounded by Montreal and contains parks, tree cover, and residential neighbourhoods.

Demographics

Westmount’s population was 19,658 in the 2021 census, down slightly from 2016. It is widely described as a bilingual community and has long been associated with a prosperous, English-speaking elite, though it is now more diverse.

Heritage and landmarks

Westmount contains many historic homes and civic buildings, and part of the city forms the Westmount District National Historic Site of Canada. Notable civic and cultural landmarks include parks, libraries, and heritage streetscapes.

Key facts

  • Westmount is an enclave within the city of Montreal on the Island of Montreal.
  • It occupies about 4.02 square kilometres on the slopes of Mount Royal.
  • The city had a population of 19,658 in the 2021 Canadian census.
  • Westmount is known for being a primarily residential, well-forested urban municipality.
  • It is the site of the Westmount District National Historic Site of Canada.
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Canadian context

Westmount is a notable Canadian city in Quebec that illustrates the development of affluent Victorian suburbs in urban Canada and is recognized for its historic district designation.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Westmount located?
Westmount is on the Island of Montreal in Quebec, Canada, on the western and southwestern slopes of Mount Royal.
Is Westmount part of Montreal?
Westmount is enclosed by Montreal, but it is an autonomous municipality with its own city government.
What is Westmount’s population?
Westmount had a population of 19,658 in the 2021 Canadian census.
When was Westmount incorporated?
The municipality was first incorporated in 1874 and was renamed Westmount in 1895.
What is Westmount known for?
It is known for its historic residential character, parks, tree-lined streets, and heritage architecture.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westmount
    Supports: Location, enclave status, 2021 population, incorporation history
  2. City of Westmount — https://westmount.org/en/city/discover-westmount/about-the-city
    Supports: Area, geography, residential character, city description
  3. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/westmount
    Supports: History, incorporation, rename date, community character
  4. Parks Canada — https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=13040
    Supports: Westmount District National Historic Site of Canada, heritage significance, location within Westmount
  5. Queen's University Strathy Language Unit — https://www.queensu.ca/strathy/westmount
    Supports: Independent municipality and city council
  6. Tourisme Montréal — https://www.mtl.org/en/experience/tale-two-mountains
    Supports: Geographic location, residential character, boundaries, historical development