Discover hidden gems among the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, our ground zero for some of the best attractions and activities
Visiting Old Montreal is a one-stop-shop for some of the best things to do in this city, and walking through the neighbourhood alone is one of the city’s best attractions. The near-400-year history of the area reveals itself as you wander through its cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and shadows of its towering structures that once served as some of the most important facilities of the Port of Montreal.
The distinct charm of this area can be chalked up to its charismatic architecture, ease of walkability and the diversity of bars, restaurants, museums and boutiques that line its streets in all directions. Any given walkthrough will help remind you that Montreal once stood as the economic heart of Canada, painting a beautiful portrait of the wealthy financial institutions once backed by Scottish and British merchants. There’s so much more than meets the eye: Here is a list of a few of the most fun and fascinating things to do in Old Montreal.
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The historic area of Montreal has played a big part in the local third wave coffee scene, as independent cafés serving the city’s best coffee have set up shop in high-ceilinged industrial spaces, former banks (otherwise known as the most romantic coffee shop in Montreal) and even in a high-end clothing store. The rapid growth and evolution of third wave coffee looks good on Montreal.
Scaling the 192 steps of the Old Port Clock Tower can offer a glorious view of the entire harbour, as well as an impressive glance at the city skyline and the Saint-Lawrence River. This replica of the Big Ben in London was an important feature of the port due to its function as a clock (what else?), but also served as a memorial to the sailors who lost their lives at sea during wartime.
On the western edge of the Old Port located at the mouth of the Lachine Canal lies Bota Bota, a spa installed on an anchored boat in the shadow of Silo No. 5, a massive grain silo that is also part of ongoing discussion for redevelopment. This renowned spa (one of the best spas in the city) offers a variety of packages for those interested in going for a soak or just soaking in the sun, all with a spectacular view of the historic district and an on-site restaurant for your convenience.
If you’re new to the city, we recommend booking a walking tour with a professional tour agency to really get to know the ins and outs of the area. But a self-guided tour from one neighbourhood to the next is also an easy thing to pull off in one of the most walkable cities in the world—by foot or by bixi bike.
One of the Old Port’s newest attractions is the 60-metre tall Ferris wheel that remains open year-round thanks to its temperature-controlled cabins. A true feat of engineering, the Grande Roue de Montréal stands as Canada’s largest observation wheel and offers another opportunity to view the city and its surroundings from an aerial perspective. There are discounts for families, as well as a yearly pass for true fanatics.
If you’re on the hunt to learn more about the city and its foundation, look no further than museums such as Pointe-à-Callière, which provides an archeological insight into Montreal’s past, or the sociohistorical Centre d’Histoire de Montreal, now serving its final year in a former firefighter station across from Place d’Youville. There’s also Chateau Ramezay, located across from the Montreal City Hall and adjacent to Place Jacques-Cartier, which offers several portrayals of the city’s history as well as a wonderful French colonial garden in its backyard.
For a more artistic perspective, head over to the Phi Centre (or any number of the stellar art galleries in town) to catch one of its interactive exhibits, concerts or film screenings, or swing by the DHC/ART Foundation for Contemporary Art (you’ll know which one it is by the red, third-storey window). Yoko Ono’s GROWING FREEDOM is at centre stage this summer as the city celebrates the 50th anniversary of the famous bed-in at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, where John Lennon composed the anti-war song Give Peace a Chance. Admission here’s free, a luxury that’s best not squandered.
Saint-Paul Street, with its dozens of trendy restaurants and stunning lofts, prestigious art galleries and boutiques—including the lovely Maison Pepin—all act as the main thoroughfare and is where most tourists find themselves as they stroll the dimly lit streets in warm, summer evenings. You'll also find some of the best shopping in Montreal here.
