The site is within the Golden Square Mile, which was the richest neighbourhood in Canada when the school opened in 1887.

The institute received funds from Anne Scott and Donald Smith, 1st Baron Strathcona and Mount Royal, as well as other prominent residents of Montreal.

[2][1] The school's curriculum was designed to prepare girls for higher education, although only a small minority actually went to university.

In September 2020, it was announced that Trafalgar and McGill University would be partnering on the CoLab, which will integrate teacher training, classroom practice and research in one place.

[6] Trafalgar will be situated at Purvis Hall at the corner of Peel Street and Pine Avenue, close to the McGill campus.