McTavish Reservoir

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

---

The McTavish Reservoir in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is a large underground water reservoir built between 1852 and 1856 to supply the city with water, especially after a major fire highlighted the need for reliable water storage.

Initially open-air, it held 13.5 million gallons and was expanded twice, ultimately holding 37 million gallons. In 1957, the reservoir was covered, and its surface was transformed into Rutherford Park, a recreational space with walking paths and green areas.

The reservoir is notable for its Châteauesque-style pump-houses built in 1932, which still operate to supply water from the St. Lawrence River through aqueducts. It sits on the southern slope of Mount Royal, adjacent to McGill University, and includes an automated weather station. Over the years, the site has undergone upgrades for security and infrastructure, but it remains a vital part of Montreal’s water system and a scenic urban green space with cliffs used for ice climbing.