History and Geography

Kirkland was originally settled in the late 17th century by French colonists, who established a farming community in what is now known as the Saint-Charles-Borromée parish. Over time, the area evolved into a small village with a population of around 1,000 residents. In the 1950s and 60s, the village underwent rapid development, with new residential neighborhoods, schools, and community centers springing up to accommodate a growing population.

Today, Kirkland is a thriving suburban community situated on the western edge of the Island of Montreal. It is bordered by the municipalities of Beaconsfield to the north, Pointe-Claire to the east, Dollard-des-Ormeaux to the south, and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue to the west. The neighborhood is roughly rectangular in shape, with its boundaries defined by Saint-Charles Boulevard to the east, Highway 40 to the south, the Trans-Canada Highway to the west, and the city of Pierrefonds-Roxboro to the north.

Culture and Community

Kirkland is known for its tight-knit community and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood has a strong sense of civic pride, and residents are actively involved in local affairs, from volunteering at community events to advocating for environmental initiatives. The Kirkland Municipal Council is made up of seven elected officials who work together to make decisions about local services, infrastructure, and community development.

One of the many attractions in Kirkland include the Cineplex Odeon cinemas, numerous shopping options including Walmart and others, and the many beautiful municipal parks. 

Kirkland is also home to several annual festivals and celebrations, including the Kirkland Arts Festival, which showcases the work of local artists and craftspeople, and Kirkland Day, which features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.

Education

Kirkland is known for its excellent schools, which consistently rank among the top-performing institutions in the province of Quebec. The neighborhood is home to several public elementary and secondary schools, as well as private schools and specialized institutions like the Alexander von Humboldt German International School.

One of the most highly regarded schools in Kirkland is Académie Marie-Claire, a French-language primary school that has earned a reputation for academic excellence and strong community engagement. The school offers a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music lessons, and cultural events.

Finally Kuper Academy is a top ranked elementary and secondary school option centrally located in Kirkland. 

For those seeking more books, documents and other educational resources, physical and digital, be sure to check out the Kirkland Municipal Library. 

Recreation and Green Space

Kirkland is blessed with an abundance of green space, including almost 30 parks and green spaces. One of the most popular parks in the neighborhood is Ecclestone Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and a large outdoor swimming pool. The park is also home to the Kirkland Recreation Center, which offers a variety of programs and activities for people of all ages.

There are numerous arenas, skating rinks, sports facilities, and bike paths to keep citizens active throughout the year. From beach volleyball to pickleball, soccer and ice skating, Kirkland has it all. 

Public Transport

Kirkland is well connected to the rest of Montreal through a variety of public transport options. The neighborhood is served by the STM bus system, with several bus lines running through the area. The 200 and 201 bus lines connect Kirkland to the Côte-Vertu metro station, which provides access to the rest of Montreal’s subway system.

In addition to the bus system, Kirkland also has a commuter train station, which is part of the exo network. The station, located on the Vaudreuil-Hudson line, provides commuters stress-free and easy access to downtown Montreal, as well as other communities along the western edge of the island. It will also soon be home to the new REM station connecting the suburb to downtown Montreal and the South Shore.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood with excellent schools and amenities, Kirkland is an excellent choice. While prices in the area may be higher than in some other parts of Montreal, the neighborhood’s spacious homes, large lots, and high-quality schools make it a popular choice for families. With its many parks, community centers, and easy access to Montreal’s attractions, Kirkland is an ideal place to call home.

If you’re thinking about making a move to Kirkland, contact us today.