Club St-Denis 257SE: A rare look inside one of Montreal's historic private clubs

Private clubs in Montreal have historically been, well, private: Often found in discreet, heritage structures in the city's wealthiest areas and populated by the city's wealthiest people, the only way in was either by knowing a member who can either hand over a visitor's pass or being recommended for membership.

Many still exist, only standing out via a small plaque alongside massive doors, like the Mount Royal Club and St James Club for rich anglos, and the University Club of Montreal that's over a century old. Others have closed due to dwindling membership and financial issues, like the 130-year-old Montefiore Club, once an exclusive place for generations of the Montreal Jewish establishment.

Club St-Denis 257SE was one of those: Founded in 1874, it was the preferred meeting place for the French-speaking business and political elite. It was a gentlmen’s club for a long time until opening up to women closer the beginning of the millenium, and was an iconic space for those who knew it. Past members have been said to included Pierre Trudeau's father Charlie, media baron Pierre Péladeau, and a president of Jean-Coutu.