Old Port of Montreal Tours and Activities

Photo provided by © Old Port of Montréal Corporation Inc., A.P.E.S.
Old Port of Montreal
Old Port of Montreal
Old Port of Montreal
Old Port of Montreal


Historic architecture, modern attractions and an exciting calendar of festivals make it impossible to get bored at this lively and scenic riverfront space.

The Old Port of Montréal is an excellent place to start your journey around the city’s historic area.Locals and tourists alike flock to the port in their millions every year, drawn by its mix of fascinating history and contemporary culture.

Look for signs of the port’s impressive age. It dates back to the 17th century and many beautiful historic buildings are still dotted around the area. It is due to the port’s prominent role in facilitating trade, initially largely in fur, that Montréal grew into the thriving city it is today.

The Montréal Clock Tower is one of the most conspicuous older buildings along the riverfront. The construction of the bright white tower finished in 1922. Use its unmistakable form to orient yourself as you explore the port. Climb its 192 steps to be rewarded with glorious views of the city. Afterward, relax with a cold drink on the little urban beach just in front of the tower.

Another sight you can’t miss is the Montréal Science Centre. Stroll past it after night falls to admire the pretty reflections its bright lights cast on the water. Come during the day to discover the wide range of interactive exhibits that make this museum such a hit with all ages.

Make the most out of the ever-changing menu of outdoor activities offered in and around the port. In the warmer months, soar above the city on a zip line or take to the water in a pedal boat, a speedboat or a yacht. Or ensure you take home a great catch by heading out on a guided fishing tour.

Visit the Natrel ice rink at the right time of year and you’ll find yourself in a winter wonderland. When the conditions are right, the artificial ice rink here is supplemented by a natural one. Skate this wide-open space against the gorgeous backdrop of the Montréal skyline.

Get the subway to Champ-de-Mars, Place d'Armes or Square-Victoria and you can be at the Old Port of Montréal in just minutes. Exploring this picturesque area is a highlight of any trip to Montréal.

Plan a trip to see Old Port of Montreal

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Saint-Sulpice
 Liv MTL - Plaza
Liv MTL - Plato

Tours & day trips

See all 157 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 53 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 21 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 14 activities

Water activities

See all 10 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Old Port of Montreal

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

Hotel Bonaventure Montreal

4 out of 5
900 rue De La Gauchetiere West, Montreal, QC
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Hotel Chrome Montreal

Hotel Chrome Montreal

3 out of 5
215 Boulevard René-Lévesque Est, Montreal, QC
Hotel Chrome Montreal
Hotel Monville

Hotel Monville

4 out of 5
Montreal
Hotel Monville
Hotel Place d'Armes

Hotel Place d'Armes

4.5 out of 5
55, Saint-Jacques West, Montreal, QC
Hotel Place d'Armes
Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Montreal Centre

Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Montreal Centre

3 out of 5
50 René-Lévesque St. West, Montreal, QC
Travelodge Hotel by Wyndham Montreal Centre
Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa

3.5 out of 5
1240 Drummond Street, Montreal, QC
Best Western Plus Montreal Downtown-Hotel Europa
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

Hotel Le Cantlie Suites

3.5 out of 5
1110, Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC
Hotel Le Cantlie Suites
Hotel Faubourg Montreal

Hotel Faubourg Montreal

3 out of 5
155 Rene Levesque Boulevard East, Montreal, QC
Hotel Faubourg Montreal
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel

Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel

4 out of 5
1201 Boulevard Rene-Levesque West, Montreal, QC
Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Old Port of Montreal

Discover the charm of Old Port of Montreal with a variety of activities including free walking tours through Old Town, exploring vibrant art galleries, and enjoying the unique Old Port Original Tours. For those seeking adventure, cycling tours offer a delightful way to experience the area. Don't miss the lively theatre performances, live music events, and seasonal festivals that bring the Old Port to life!

Shopping

In Old Port of Montreal, you can enjoy shopping at Bonsecours Market, only 483m away, offering local crafts and souvenirs. For a larger experience, visit Complexe Desjardins, located 1.1km away, featuring diverse shops and entertainment options. Eaton Centre, 1.6km away, also boasts a variety of stores.

Recreation

At Bota Bota, Spa on a Boat, indulge in rejuvenating treatments while enjoying the serene waters of the St. Lawrence River. For an energetic vibe, the Bell Centre hosts thrilling sports events. Alternatively, the Mount Royal Club offers exclusive luxury amenities for a refined wellness experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, located 1.6km from the Old Port of Montreal. For winter enthusiasts, Mont Saint-Bruno Ski Resort, 11.6kms away, offers excellent skiing. Alternatively, hike the scenic Sentier du Bocage, situated 12.9km from the Old Port.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Old Port of Montreal! Take a romantic ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal, enjoy a captivating show at St. Denis Theatre, or catch a film at Cinematheque Quebecoise for a perfect blend of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Old Port of Montreal

Old Port of Montreal offers a rich tapestry of attractions for every type of traveller. Explore historic buildings and beautiful cathedrals, or relax in lively piazzas. This area provides a unique blend of culture, city life, and family-friendly experiences. Don't miss the chance to wander through the old port and appreciate its charm, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a taste of Montreal's vibrant history.

  • Notre Dame Basilica: Experience the stunning architecture and rich cultural vibes of Notre Dame Basilica, a remarkable cathedral that features breathtaking stained glass windows and intricate woodwork. Just 483m from Old Port, it offers a serene escape into Montreal's history.
  • Montreal Convention Centre: Located 805m away, the Montreal Convention Centre is a bustling hub for family entertainment. With various events and exhibitions, it's an ideal spot for both fun and engagement for visitors of all ages.
  • Jean-Drapeau Park: Stretching 1.6km from Old Port, Jean-Drapeau Park is a beautiful outdoor space perfect for families. Enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the city skyline amidst lush greenery.

Best time to go to Old Port of Montreal

The best time to visit Old Port of Montreal can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Old Port of Montreal falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Old Port of Montreal falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January15.8°F (-9.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February18.0°F (-7.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July70.7°F (21.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December25.0°F (-3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Port of Montreal

Visiting Old Port of Montreal can be budget-friendly with several saving tips. Enjoy free attractions such as McGill University, Montreal Casino, and Sainte-Catherine Street. For accommodation, consider visiting from January to March when prices are lower, avoiding the peak summer months. Tuesdays are generally the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to find the best deals, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Keep an eye out for special offers and great rates to enhance your budget-friendly experience in Montreal.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Old Port of Montreal are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Old Port of Montreal is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Port of Montreal is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay in Old Port of Montreal with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.