Best Things to Do in Old Port Montreal | Activities & Attractions
Montreal is a popular destination for tourists from around the world, and one of the best places to experience the city is Old Port Montreal. This historic part of the city is filled with lively restaurants, charming cafés, dessert shops, boutiques, museums, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Old Port is truly unique; its rich history and cultural heritage make Montreal a special place to visit. Established in 1642, this part of the city features picturesque cobblestone streets, historic stone buildings, stunning architecture, and inviting public squares, all of which contribute to Old Montreal's distinctive European ambiance. Saint-Paul Street and its surrounding avenues offer a particularly enchanting experience for those exploring on foot, with a variety of restaurants, cafés, galleries, shops, and historic structures lining the streets.
As you continue to explore the Old Port, you’ll discover the beautiful Old Port waterfront, which offers a distinctly different experience. Here, you can stroll along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, take in scenic waterfront views, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, explore nearby attractions, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. During the warmer months, the waterfront becomes especially lively, with sightseeing cruises, cycling, pedal boats, outdoor terraces, and plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. In winter, the area takes on a different charm, with seasonal events and entertainment that make the Old Port an enjoyable destination throughout the year.
If you're planning to stay overnight, Old Montreal also has some wonderful hotels, ranging from charming boutique properties in historic buildings to luxurious accommodations. Staying in the area puts you close to restaurants, attractions, the waterfront, and many of the city's most beautiful streets. For some of my favourite places to stay, check out my guide to the best hotels in Old Port, Montreal.
Whether you're visiting Montreal for the first time or you've lived here for years, there's always something new to discover in Old Montreal and the Old Port. From historic landmarks and beautiful architecture to food, shopping, festivals, and outdoor adventures, this is one part of the city where you can easily spend an entire day exploring.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Address: 362 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4-Phone: (514) 325-7888
One of the most popular attractions in the Old Port is La Grande Roue de Montréal, the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada. It offers breathtaking 360° panoramic views from 60 meters above the beautiful Old Port of Montréal. Enjoy spectacular views of the city, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding area from the comfort of your private, climate-controlled cabin. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or as a couple, La Grande Roue is a wonderful way to experience Montreal from a completely different perspective.
🎟️ Ticket Prices
Family Package (4 tickets): $21
Kids ages 5–12: $16.50
Adults: $29.50 each
Montreal Science Centre
Address: 2 De la Commune St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 4B2-Phone: (514) 496-4724
The Montréal Science Centre is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an entertaining and educational activity in the Old Port, especially if you're travelling with children. The Science Centre offers interactive exhibitions and activities where visitors can explore science through hands-on experiences and creative challenges.
Depending on when you visit, you can discover Funny Creatures—A Wildly Hair-larious Photo Safari, explore the Great Canadian North through Nanualuk—Northern Expedition, or take on creative challenges at Fabrik². There are also several other interactive exhibitions, including Explore—Life-Sized Science, Human, Mini Mondo, and Signs of Life.
The Science Centre also hosts daily and seasonal activities, with some activities included. During the summer, visitors can take part in hands-on experiences such as science demonstrations, creative challenges, and activities exploring animals and nature.
🎟️ Ticket Prices
Interactive exhibitions: Adults $37
Children ages 2–17: $27
IMAX® movie: Adults $13.75
IMAX® movie: Children ages 2–17 $12.25
Prices are subject to change, so check the official website before your visit.
Le Bateau-Mouche at the Old Port of Montreal
Address: Horloge - View Port de Montreal, 55 Quai d'accostage, Montréal, QC H2Y 2E2-Phone: (514) 849-9952
One of the best ways to experience the Old Port is from the water aboard Le Bateau-Mouche. Cruising along the St. Lawrence River gives you a different perspective of Montreal, with beautiful views of Old Montreal and the city skyline.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon on the river or a special evening experience, there are several cruise options to choose from. You can enjoy a guided sightseeing river cruise, a weekend river brunch cruise, or make your evening extra special with a 3- or 5-course dinner cruise, complete with dinner and dancing.
There are also 20+ different cruise and boat tour options available, making it easy to find an experience that suits your schedule and interests. This is a great activity for couples, families, visitors, or anyone who wants to see Montreal from a different angle.
🚢 Click here to explore the different cruises and purchase your tickets
Voiles en Voiles
Located in: Vieux-Port de Montréal-Address: Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1G6- Phone: (514) 473-1458
If you're looking for something a little more adventurous in the Old Port, Voiles en Voiles is a fantastic outdoor adventure park designed for both families with children and adults looking for a little more excitement. Set around impressive life-size pirate and royal ships, the park combines fun, physical activity, and adventure in a unique setting.
There are aerial courses at different heights and difficulty levels, making it possible for younger children and experienced adventurers to find something suited to them. You can also enjoy the All Aboard course, climbing walls,a bouldering wall, inflatable games, a carousel, and other interactive activities.
The great thing about Voiles en Voiles is that you don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy it. There are easier courses for beginners, while older children, teenagers, and adults can take on higher and more challenging obstacles. The park recommends aerial activities from age 3, with specific adult accompaniment requirements depending on the height and difficulty of the course.
⭐ Why Visit Voiles en Voiles?
👨👩👧👦 Fun for the whole family: With activities designed for different ages and abilities, parents and children can enjoy the adventure together.
🏴☠️ A unique pirate-themed experience: Climb, swing, balance, and explore life-size ships while becoming part of your own pirate adventure.
💪 Get active while having fun: The aerial courses and climbing activities turn exercise into an exciting outdoor experience.
🎢 More than just a ropes course: With inflatable games, a carousel, bouldering, climbing, and other activities, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
🎟️ Tickets & Passes
Voiles en Voiles offers several ticket options depending on the activities you want to enjoy. Daily admission starts at $4.99 + tax for non-participating visitors, while activity packages are available for individuals and families. Seasonal passes are also available for visitors who plan to return throughout the season. Prices and packages can change, so it's best to check the official website before visiting.
Écorécréo (Pédalos-Pedal Boating) - Vieux-Port de Montréal
Address: Bassin Bonsecours, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 0B4- Phone: (514) 465-0594
Looking for a fun way to explore the Old Port at your own pace? Écorécréo offers recreational equipment rentals that let you discover Montreal while getting outdoors and enjoying the waterfront. Whether you're visiting as a family, spending the day with friends, or looking for something fun to do as a couple, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Depending on the season and location, you can rent quadricycles, pedal boats, bikes, kayaks, ice skates, cross-country skis, and more. During the warmer months, hopping on a quadricycle or pedal boat is a great way to explore the Old Port while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
🚲 Quadricycle Rental Rates
3-Seater Quadricycle: $26.99 for 30 minutes | $39.99 for 1 hour
6-Seater Quadricycle: $56.99 for 30 minutes | $79.99 for 1 hour
Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride along the waterfront or an activity the whole family can enjoy together, Écorécréo is a great option for adding a little exercise and fun to your Old Port adventure.
🌐 Click here for rental options, prices, and more information
Tyrolienne MTL Zipline
Address: Hangar 16, 363 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1J2- Phone: (514) 947-5463
If you're looking for something super cool and a little more adventurous to do in the Old Port, consider trying the Tyrolienne MTL Zipline! Since 2015, MTL Zipline has been offering an exhilarating urban zipline experience, and the cool part is that it is the only urban zipline in Montreal, making it a unique way to experience the city.
What makes this attraction so much fun is that you're not simply riding a zipline—you get to fly over the Old Port and take in the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's waterfront from above. Once you're secured into your harness and ready to go, you'll soar across the area for an unforgettable bird's-eye view of one of Montreal's most popular destinations.
It's a fantastic activity for families, friends, couples, or anyone looking to add a little adrenaline to their day in Old Montreal. And if you're nervous about trying a zipline for the first time, don't worry—the experience is designed to be approachable while still giving you that exciting rush of flying above the waterfront.
🎟️ Tickets range from approximately $25 to $29 per person.
🎥 Video: $15.00 extra
Capture your zipline adventure and take home a video of your experience flying over the Old Port! Whether you're an adventure seeker or simply looking to try something different, MTL Zipline is one Old Port attraction you won't soon forget!
SOS Labyrinthe - Vieux-Port de Montréal
Address: 360 Rue de la Commune Est Hangar 16 - Entrée, Rue Quai de l'Horloge, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4-Phone: (514) 499-0099
Get ready for 2 kilometres of fun! If you're looking for an activity that will have the whole family laughing, exploring, and trying to find their way, SOS Labyrinthe is a must-visit attraction in the Old Port of Montreal. This giant indoor maze is filled with surprises, challenges, and treasures around every corner, making it just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids.
The fun comes from exploring the maze and figuring out which way to go. You never quite know what you'll encounter around the next corner, making SOS Labyrinthe a wonderful choice for families, friends, and groups looking for something different to do in Old Montreal.
🎟️ Individual Ticket Prices
👧 Children ages 4–12: $20.95
🧑 Teens ages 13–17 / Students: $23.95
👨 Adults ages 18–59: $24.95
👵 Seniors ages 60+: $23.95
👨👩👧👦 Group Packages
Team of 3: $59.95
Team of 5: $94.95
Food, Souvenirs & Small Stalls Line the Old Port Walkway
One of the things I love about exploring the Old Port is that you don't have to go far to find something delicious to snack on. Along the waterfront walkway, you'll find ice cream shops, candy stalls, smoothie stands, cookie vendors, lemonade stands, and other small businesses offering plenty of tempting treats along the way.
The stalls and small businesses are conveniently scattered along the walkway, making it easy to stop for a quick snack, browse local offerings, and support small businesses while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Old Port. Treat yourself to a cool ice cream, grab a refreshing lemonade or smoothie, and indulge in a freshly baked cookie as you continue your leisurely stroll along the waterfront.
Whether you're visiting with the kids, enjoying a day out with friends, or simply taking a leisurely walk along the St. Lawrence River, be sure to leave a little room for a sweet treat along the way! 🍦🍪🍋
The Old Port of Montreal is one of those places where you can easily turn a simple afternoon outing into an entire day of fun. With millions of visitors coming through each year, the waterfront is constantly filled with people exploring, taking photos, enjoying the restaurants and small food stalls, shopping for souvenirs, and experiencing the many attractions that make this part of Montreal so lively. From riding La Grande Roue de Montréal and flying over the waterfront on the MTL Zipline to getting lost inside SOS Labyrinthe, challenging yourself at Voiles en Voiles, enjoying a river cruise, visiting the Montréal Science Centre, or simply relaxing with an ice cream while walking along the St. Lawrence River, there is something here for almost everyone.
After you've worked up an appetite exploring all the activities, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants in and around Old Montreal where you can sit down and enjoy a well-deserved meal. Some of my favourite restaurants to visit after exploring the Old Port include The Keg Steakhouse + Bar, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Jardin Nelson, Modavie, and Jacopo. Whether you're craving a delicious steak, looking for a beautiful outdoor terrace, hoping to enjoy live music with your meal, or in the mood for fresh Italian pasta, these restaurants are wonderful options for ending your Old Port adventure.
🏨 Where to Stay in Old Montreal
Not sure where to stay in Old Montreal? Check out my top picks for highly rated and affordable hotels in Old Port, Montreal. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, my guide can help you find a great place to stay close to the area's restaurants, attractions, and waterfront.
✈️ Click here for more hotel options in Old Port, Montreal
Things to Do in Old Port, Montreal
🏛️ Visit the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica.
🌊 Stroll along the beautiful Old Port waterfront.
🛍️ Explore charming boutiques, art galleries, and local shops.
🍽️ Dine at popular restaurants like Maggie Oakes, Sabrosa, BEVO Bar + Pizzeria, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, and The Keg Steakhouse + Bar.
☕ Discover cozy cafés, bakeries, and delicious dessert shops.
🧪 Visit the Montréal Science Centre.
🪂 Experience the excitement of MTL Zipline.
🚢 Take a scenic river cruise or enjoy seasonal events along the waterfront.
Discover wonderful cafes, bakeries, and bubble tea shops in Montreal, Old Port, Chinatown, and Monkland Ave.
If you're passionate about exploring new cafes, bubble tea shops, and bakeries in Montreal, take a look at some of my recent visits throughout the city. Uncover the finest mochi, lattes, donuts, and more. You'll find hidden gems that offer unique twists on classic treats, ensuring each outing is a delightful adventure for your taste buds. Share your favorites with friends and make it a fun group outing!
