Habitat 67

Habitat 67 is a residential complex on the St. Lawrence River in Montréal, designed by Moshe Safdie for Expo 67. Its prefabricated concrete modules stack and jut out in an irregular pattern, with terraces giving the apartments a distinctive form. An organized tour is the way to learn about the design and see inside Safdie’s former apartment. Habitat 67 remains private property, so respect residents’ privacy and check tour availability before making the trip. On a clear day, the setting also gives you views toward downtown Montréal.

A housing experiment for Expo 67

Architect Moshe Safdie designed Habitat 67 for Montréal’s Expo 67. The project grew from ideas he had explored as an architecture student at McGill University. It was conceived as a model housing complex that could bring some of the space and outdoor access associated with suburban homes into an urban apartment setting.

Its concrete modules are prefabricated and arranged in overlapping stacks. The resulting outline is uneven, with sections projecting outward and terraces integrated into the building. The complex remains an active residence, so its architecture is part of people’s homes, not an open public exhibit.

What to expect on a tour

An organized tour gives you a closer look at the building’s design and history. Tours include a visit inside the apartment that once belonged to Safdie. The guided visit lasts about 90 minutes and is offered in English and French. Check the official website and book online before you go, as tour places can fill up in advance.

Access is important to plan around: Habitat 67 is private property, and visitors should follow the rules set for their tour. If you are exploring the area by bicycle, the canal route can make the journey part of the outing. Bus service also reaches the site; the closest metro station is a substantial walk away.