Silo No 5
A colossal monument to Montreal's industrial past, Silo No. 5 stands as a testament to its former glory as a global grain hub.
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Silo No 5
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Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal monument to Montreal's industrial past, Silo No. 5 stands as a testament to its former glory as a global grain hub.
"A majestic, pre-brutalist work of art. Unmistakably Montreal."
📸 Capture the Scale
Use wide-angle lenses to convey the immense size of the silos against the sky .
🚶♂️ Respect Boundaries
Security patrols the area; admire from public spaces to avoid issues .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Monumental Industrial Architecture
Along the St. Lawrence River
Towering silos and intricate rail lines showcase Montreal's industrial past. A majestic, pre-brutalist work of art .
The Scale of Grain Storage
Exterior views
Imagine over five million bushels of grain held here, enough to fill 30 Olympic pools .
Evolution of Construction
Exterior views
Witness the shift from steel to reinforced concrete and square to cylindrical silos over decades .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Perimeter
Understand Its Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Scale
Use wide-angle lenses to convey the immense size of the silos against the sky.
🚶♂️ Respect Boundaries
Security patrols the area; admire from public spaces to avoid issues.
💡 Learn the History
Understand its role in Montreal's grain trade for a richer appreciation.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Scale
Use wide-angle lenses to convey the immense size of the silos against the sky.
🚶♂️ Respect Boundaries
Security patrols the area; admire from public spaces to avoid issues.
💡 Learn the History
Understand its role in Montreal's grain trade for a richer appreciation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the monumental scale and evocative industrial architecture of Silo No. 5, recognizing its historical significance to Montreal's grain trade. While its imposing presence is widely admired, some express frustration with security and the inaccessibility of the interior.
"Visiting Silo #5 was an incredible experience! As someone who loves exploring urban history, this site did not disappoint. The sheer size and scale of the silos are awe-inspiring, and they stand as a powerful reminder of Montreal’s past as a major hub in the grain trade.
Located along the St. Lawrence River, Silo #5 is a striking sight. The complex, with its towering structures and intricate network of rail tracks, offers a unique glimpse into the industrial era. I was particularly fascinated by the different architectural styles of the interconnected buildings, each telling its own story from different periods of expansion.
To the security guy in the car: stop chasing tourists on the other side of the fence! What damage can a guy cause with a camera on hand and simply walking around?"
Tim Chu
"A massive machine for the movement of grain, Silo No. 5, with its 206 silos in three different structures, measures almost a half a kilometre long and reaches up to a height of 66.4 metres. Silo No. 5, was first constructed between 1903 and 1906 as part of the infrastructure program that transformed the Port of Montreal, catapulting it into its position as the world's leading exporter of grain. In its heyday, the silo, which greatly contributed to the industrial development of the port, held over five million bushels of grain or enough wheat to fill 30 Olympic-size swimming pools or make over 230 million loaves of bread.
Constructed, enlarged, and renovated in four stages in 1906, 1914, 1924, and 1959, Silo No. 5 forms a monumental structure embodying the evolution of architectural forms, techniques and materials. As such, it provides a historic and visual timeline as construction materials changed from steel to reinforced concrete and the form of the silos from square to cylindrical to undulating. Over the years, the dust removal system was perfected, storage capacity increased, and mechanical functions were improved and, eventually, automated. In 1963, Elevator "B" and its annexes were linked with "B-1" by an overhead gallery and the entire complex was given the name "Government Elevator No. 5" by which it is now officially known.
However, starting in the 1980s, Silo No. 5's activities decreased in conjunction with the decline of the Port of Montreal's dominance in the handling of grain for export. In addition, the construction of Elevator No. 4, which specialized in handling grain for export, contributed to limiting Silo No. 5's role to grain deliveries for domestic use."
babak tamaddon
"Great place to explore. The building (at least the old part) is almost 115 years old. Not always easy to find a way in but when there's a will there's a way."
Louis Labreche
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silo No. 5 is located along the St. Lawrence River in Montreal. Public transport options like buses or metro can get you close, followed by a walk. Parking might be limited in the immediate vicinity, so checking public transit routes is recommended.
While you can drive near Silo No. 5, parking can be challenging. It's best to research available parking lots in the Old Port or adjacent areas beforehand. The site itself is an industrial complex, so direct car access is restricted.
The most common way to view Silo No. 5 is from the public areas along the waterfront and the Old Port. This offers excellent vantage points for photography and appreciating its scale without needing to enter the restricted industrial zone.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to view Silo No. 5 from the exterior. It's an external landmark that can be observed from public spaces. Access to the interior is restricted and not open to the public.
As an external landmark, Silo No. 5 does not have set opening hours. You can view it at any time from the surrounding public areas. However, for the best photographic light, daytime visits are recommended.
Unfortunately, Silo No. 5 is an active or former industrial site and is not open for public tours or interior exploration. Access is restricted for safety and operational reasons.
There is no admission fee to see Silo No. 5 from the outside. It's a prominent feature of Montreal's industrial heritage visible from public waterfront areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the Old Port waterfront, offering unobstructed views of the entire complex. Experiment with different angles to capture its imposing presence against the sky or river.
Industrial photography, architectural shots, and even dramatic landscape photography work well here. The sheer scale and textures of the silos are very photogenic, especially during golden hour.
Drone usage is typically regulated in urban areas and near industrial sites. It's essential to check current Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws before flying a drone near Silo No. 5.
🎫 💡 History & Significance
Silo No. 5 was a cornerstone of Montreal's rise as a global grain export hub. Its construction and expansion reflect advancements in industrial architecture and logistics from the early 20th century.
Silo No. 5 was initially constructed between 1903 and 1906, with significant enlargements and renovations occurring in 1914, 1924, and 1959, showcasing its evolving role.
In its prime, Silo No. 5 could hold over five million bushels of grain, a staggering amount equivalent to filling 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The decline in Silo No. 5's operations began in the 1980s due to shifts in global grain trade and the rise of specialized elevators, reducing its role primarily to domestic grain handling.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photographers
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the structure. The juxtaposition of the massive concrete silos against the sky or the St. Lawrence River creates compelling compositions. Remember to respect all safety barriers and signage, as interior access is not permitted.
🏛️ History Buffs
Understanding its construction phases, from steel to concrete, and its capacity to hold millions of bushels of grain, offers a tangible connection to the city's economic development. It’s a silent monument to a bygone era of global trade.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Evolution of Silo No. 5
This monumental structure, stretching nearly half a kilometer long, embodies the changing face of port infrastructure. Its various interconnected buildings and annexes, like Elevator "B" and "B-1" linked by an overhead gallery, tell a visual story of adaptation and expansion. The site's development mirrors Montreal's own journey as a major global grain exporter, making it a significant historical and visual landmark.
Beyond its functional purpose, Silo No. 5 is celebrated for its imposing aesthetic. Described as a 'majestic, pre-brutalist work of art,' its sheer scale and robust form evoke a powerful sense of industrial heritage. It stands as a striking example of functional design that has transcended its original purpose to become an iconic piece of Montreal's urban landscape.
Silo No. 5's Role in Montreal's Grain Trade
This industrial giant was more than just a storage facility; it was a symbol of Montreal's economic prowess and its strategic importance in international trade. The efficiency and scale of Silo No. 5 directly contributed to the city's dominance in the global grain market, impacting economies far beyond its immediate vicinity.
However, like many industrial sites, Silo No. 5's prominence waned with changes in global logistics and the rise of more specialized facilities. By the 1980s, its operations decreased, and its role shifted. Despite this, its historical significance as a monument to Montreal's industrial past remains undeniable.
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