Even after visiting Montreal more than half a dozen times, the Old Port always seems to sneak its way into my trip plans. Located along the eastern shoreline of the St. Lawrence River, this historic riverside area is one of the city’s most famous tourist destinations. Whenever I’m in the city, I always love coming down here to take in all the sights and activities.
On my late-spring 2025 trip, I ventured back to the Old Port of Montreal (Vieux Port) to see what’s new. To my delight, many of my prior favourites were still kickin’. From riding La Grande Roue de Montréal to enjoying patio appetizers & drinks on a patio at the Bonsecours Market, I still found plenty to do around the Old Port. (Along with a couple new additions!)
But is this über-touristy area in Old Montreal for everyone? Well, that’s up to you.
In this quick & easy guide, I lay out all of Old Port’s main activities & attractions for travelers. I’ve included everything you need to know about each to help you decide which are worth checking out on your next trip to Quebec’s biggest city —and which you might want to skip.
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Let’s start with the Old Port’s most famous tourist attraction: La Grande Roue de Montréal. This 60-metre-high Ferris wheel is the tallest in Canada. And as a traveler who loves to see cities from above (and is, ironically, also afraid of heights), I knew I had to splurge to give this one a go.
There are a few different ways to experience the observation wheel. On my first visit, I opted for the “regular” ride ($28). The standard package dishes out three revolutions on La Grande Roue de Montréal, lasting about 18 minutes in total.
The views from the observation wheel are magnificent. When I reached the top, I was able to peer down at Old Montreal and over to Downtown from my climate-controlled gondola. Look to the north to catch a sweeping vista of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, Clock Tower, and the old Molson Brewery on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
PRO TIP: Although La Grande Roue de Montréal is open all day, I would recommend timing your visit with the sunset or after dark. In my opinion, the views from the observation are at their finest as the city begins to light up. (See if you can spot the new Cité Mémoire light show projections at nearby Le Champ-de-Mars!)
If I were traveling as a couple, I’d have chosen the VIP Gondola instead. It’s a little more expensive ($80 for two people) than two regular admissions ($57 for two people). But they’re a solid upgrade.
The private VIP gondola cabins offer more comfortable Italian leather seats. They’re also the only cabins with glass floors. (Whenever I’ve splurged on glass-bottom gondolas elsewhere in my travels, I’ve never regretted it; it always adds an interesting dimension to the ride!)
YAY OR NAY?
For me, this one’s worth a go for first-time visitors. Sure, it’s not the cheapest tourist attraction in the area. But with relatively few options to see the city’s beautiful historic district from above, from this high up, La Grande Roue de Montréal is in a league of its own.
If I were on a super-tight travel budget, however, I would skip this and settle for the free Montreal Clock Tower instead. (The views from the Clock Tower are, in my opinion, nowhere near as impressive, though.)
Essential information
- Address: 362 Rue de la Commune E
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 11 pm daily, year-round
- Admission: $28 for adults, $23 for teens & students, $16 for children, free for children under 4 years old, $80 VIP gondola for two, 20% discount for families up to 4
Voiles en Voiles
Next to La Grande Roue de Montréal, the most recognizable fixture of the Old Port “skyline” is Voiles en Voiles. Opened in 2015, this pirate-themed amusement park is a favourite destination for families passing through Quebec’s largest city.
Sure, Voiles en Voiles seems a tad kitschy and a little less-than-authentic addition to one of Canada’s most beautiful historic districts. But if you’re visiting Montreal with kids, there’s no place like it.
Every time I walk around the Old Port of Montreal, I can’t help but notice how much fun everyone seems to be having at Voiles en Voiles. The aerial adventure park offers a ton of activities for kids of all ages, from rope-trekking courses to a climbing wall with routes for all skill levels.
Set the young ones loose on the two-foot-high beginner aerial rope courses, Escape the Octopus and Mousse Overboard. Once they’ve got their bearings, they can graduate to the 13-foot-high Scouting Mission and the 35-foot-high Recon Route. The youngest of the bunch will also love the park’s five inflatable games and carousel.
PRO TIP: Unsure of the weather forecast? Be sure to add some backup rainy-day activities to your travel plan. The park will close during storms or periods of high winds. Oh, and if you’re visiting on a hot, sunny day, bring plenty of water and sunscreen; there’s not a lot of shade here! (Even better, try to visit in the morning before the hot midday sun roasts the park.)
For the more daring members of your family travel crew, I suggest hitting up the more advanced rope-trekking courses. Voiles en Voiles offers four intermediate courses (Mutiny, Cannoneers, Apprentice Sailors, and Master Shipbuilder) and one expert course (Sabotage Mission).
YAY OR NAY?
If you’re traveling as a family with adventure and thrills in mind, I think this one is a no-brainer thumbs-up. This family-friendly attraction is a fantastic option to cap off a sightseeing tour of Old Montreal with a little excitement. And unlike many other kid-focused activities, Voiles en Voiles offers loads of fun for parents, too!
Essential information
- Address: Place des Vestiges
- Opening Hours: Open from mid-April to the end of October. Daily opening times vary by month. (Check it out here.)
- Admission: Aerial courses only: $29 (ages 5 and under) to $55 (ages 6+) for 2 hours; all-access pass: $39 (ages 5 and under) to $59 (ages 6+) for 4 hours; ground park only: $16
Tyrolienne MTL Zipline
For an even more thrilling adventure, take a rip on the Tyrolienne MTL Zipline. Opened alongside Voiles en Voiles in 2015, this urban zipline zooms over the Old Port. The adrenaline-pumping attraction offers a unique perspective to catch a (quick) glimpse over the area.
To prepare for the ride, climb up the 85-foot-tall tower. Once you’re strapped in, let go and zip 1,200 feet across the Bonsecours Basin to the finish. On the way, adventurers can reach speeds over 50 kilometres per hour.
Aside from its main activity, Tyrolienne MTL Zipline also offers a bungee jump and a small mini-putt course that’s a hit with families.
YAY OR NAY?
Okay, so here’s the scoop. Unless you’re really seeking a quick thrill while visiting the Old Port, I would recommend skipping this activity. While many tourists love the zipline, at $29 for adults and $25 for kids, I think the price is a tad steep for what you get.
The ride is over in the blink of an eye, about 22 seconds on average. And they charge a whopping $15 to get a video of the run. The bungee jump is even more overpriced at $179 for a few seconds of airtime. In my opinion, Voiles en Voiles offers a much better bang for your buck.
Essential information
- Address: Hangar 16, 363 Rue de la Commune E
- Opening Hours: 12 pm to 6 pm, Saturday to Sunday (March 1st to May 11th); 11 am to 10 pm, daily (May 12th to October 12th); 12 pm to 6 pm (October 13th to December 14th)
- Admission: Zipline: $29 for adults (ages 13+), $25 for children (ages 5 to 13); bungee jump: $179 per person
Bonsecours Market
Located on the western edge of the Old Port of Montreal is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks: Bonsecours Market. Ever since my first visit to Montreal over two decades ago, I’ve loved wandering past (and through) this historic building to admire its distinctive Neoclassical architecture.
Built in 1847, the Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours) was the city’s main public market for over 100 years. Early in its history, the marketplace even stood in as Montreal’s city hall until its current building, located above Place Jacques-Cartier, was completed in 1878.
On my late-spring 2025 trip to Montreal, I popped into Marché Bonsecours yet again to explore its 15 boutiques, art galleries, and souvenir shops. While I spotted more than a few overpriced souvenirs (as I’ve come to expect in Old Montreal), there are quite a few unique “made in Québec” items here, too.
Browse the shops for interesting First Nations art & artifacts, local crafts, and more “woo-woo” items like crystals and singing bowls. Or bring a taste of Quebec back home by picking up local hot sauces, wine & spirits, and (obviously) some maple syrup.
But my favourite reason to visit the Bonsecours Market, though? Its food & drink options.
During my most recent Montreal trip, I loved popping into L’Annexe BreWskey for a pint of local craft beer. The brewery’s NZ Mark IPA hit the spot, but I saw plenty of other brews that looked to be worth trying, including ales, porters, and lagers.
While enjoying my pint, I also couldn’t help but notice the brewery’s food menu. L’Annexe BreWskey smokes their own meat on-site, piling it on high to classic pub grub like mac & cheese, sandwiches, and, in true Quebec form, poutine. (One or more of these will be on the agenda for my next Montreal visit.)
On a past visit, I also enjoyed spending time at the BreWskey Taproom, located next door. The taproom has a traditional rustic craft brewery vibe. It contrasts with the more rustic-industrial feel of L’Annexe, where the actual brewery is in plain view.
If you’re visiting on a sunny day, the BreWskey Taproom is the perfect spot. Grab a seat on the large outdoor terrace, with a pint of one of the city’s finest craft beers, and enjoy the sun and views of the Old Port area.
(With a ton of inside seating, I don’t think visiting the taproom is a bad idea for a rainy day in Montreal, either!)
YAY OR NAY?
Visiting the Bonsecours Market is an easy “yes” for me. It’s free to enter the building to explore its boutiques and shops. There’s even a cool artsy cafe and a bakery. The downside? Some of the shops can feel a tad pricey here. In my experience, though, it’s not out of the norm for the area.
Outside, the Marché Bonsecours is a dream for architecture buffs and photographers, too. The Neoclassical front façade of the market on Rue Saint-Paul is stunning, and it’s one of the classic Old Montreal snapshots. I recommend heading here during the “golden hour” or at night to capture the most eye-popping shots.
Essential information
- Address: 350 Rue Saint-Paul E
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm from Sunday to Wednesday; 10 am to 9 pm from Thursday to Saturday
- Admission: Free (except during special exhibitions)
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
Located next door to the Bonsecours Market is its namesake, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. Built in 1771, the church stood for a century before the market was completed. It’s among the oldest churches in Montreal. And, along with its neighbour, it’s one of the historic district’s most recognizable landmarks.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel itself is free to enter. Step inside the Neo-Roman entrance to admire the magnificent frescoes on the barrel-vaulted ceiling. Painted in trompe-l’œil style by François-Édouard Meloche, the frescoes depict eight scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
These paintings, dating back to 1886, were discovered during a renovation in 1994. After the discovery, the frescoes were meticulously restored to their original form, which we can see today as we walk through the chapel.
Besides the chapel, this historic site is also home to the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum and an archeological site. The museum’s main exhibition walks through a variety of artifacts and artwork related to the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Montreal’s first teacher and founder of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame.
The archaeological site, on the other hand, unearths the foundations of the original stone chapel from 1675. During the digs here, archeologists have even found First Nation artifacts. Some are estimated to date back more than 2,400 years.
The big bonus to paying for admission to the museum, in my opinion, is to climb up to the chapel’s Belvédère. Jump up to the lookout tower to get up-close views of Old Montreal, the Old Port, the St. Lawrence River, and Downtown.
YAY OR NAY?
I gotta give this one yet another green light for first-time visitors. The chapel’s main hall is free to enter, so it’s an easy “yes” for first-time visitors to check off their Montreal bucket list.
The museum, on the other hand, is more of a toss-up.
Considering how small the museum is, I feel it’s a tad overpriced. The archeological site, however, is a fascinating find for history buffs. And those views from the tower? Well, they compete with the best of ’em in the area.
Essential information
- Address: 400 Rue Saint-Paul E
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm, daily (May 15 to October 15); 11 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays (October 16 to May 14)
- Admission (Chapel): Free
- Admission (Museum): $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $7 for students, $5 for youth (ages 13 to 17), free for children (12 and under)
Montreal Clock Tower
While walking around Old Port, it’s impossible not to catch a glimpse of the Montreal Clock Tower. Located on the northeastern edge of the area, this historic tower dates back to 1919. It was built to honour Canadian sailors who died during World War I.
Today, the Montreal Clock Tower stands as one of Old Port’s most recognizable landmarks. And it’s not just there to stare down.
Wander along Clock Tower Quay (formerly Victoria Pier) to the 45-metre-high tower. Give your quads a rip-roarin’ workout by climbing up the 192 steps to the top observation deck. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views over the city and the St. Lawrence River.
To the southwest, we can spot the Old Port, Old Montreal, and Downtown. Look to the north, and we’ll see the Jacques Cartier Bridge, crossing over from downtown to St. Helen’s Island. Several popular Montreal attractions also pop into view from this angle, including La Ronde amusement park, the Biosphere, and Fort de l’île Sainte-Hélène.
Ever since I first wandered down to the Old Port on my first visit to Montreal, the Clock Tower has enchanted me. The views are, in my experience, at their finest during and after sunset. Watching the sunset from the historic quay is an absolute delight that I would highly recommend.
One big caveat: I would not recommend driving here. The on-site parking lot is—how shall I put this?—a colossal rip-off. (But, let’s be honest, central Montreal isn’t known for reasonable parking rates.)
Instead, park elsewhere (or, better yet, take the metro), and take the short 10-minute walk here from the heart of the Old Port.
YAY OR NAY?
This one is yet another “go for it,” but with a few caveats. The Montreal Clock Tower is free. I think it’s a fantastic option for budget travellers who want beautiful views without forking out any cash. The hours, however, are misleading.
The Clock Tower claims to open from 6 am to 10 pm. I’ve heard many complaints from other visitors, however, who’ve walked all the way to the tower only to find it randomly closed.
No worries, though. Even if you can’t climb to the top, the close-up views of the exterior and over the river from Clock Tower Quay are, in my opinion, well worth the short walk.
Essential information
- Address: 1 Clock Tower Quay St
- Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm daily
- Admission: Free
Montreal Science Centre
Weather not cooperating on your visit to the Old Port? Pack up the whole family for a day of STEM learning at the Montreal Science Centre. Celebrating its 25th year in 2025, this family-friendly science museum is a fantastic spot to while away a couple of hours. It sits on the historic King Edward Quay, once one of the city’s most important shipping wharves.
The Montreal Science Centre offers a barrage of interesting permanent and temporary exhibitions. And I guarantee there’s something here to delight everyone in your travel crew!
Set the little ones loose at Mini Mondo. Here, kids and toddlers can roam around three zones packed with tactile, interactive games. Watch the course of human evolution play out at Human. Children will also learn all about what our species’ future might look like with new technologies.
Kids of all ages will love experiencing science first-hand at the life-sized activities exhibits in Explore. Let them summon their creativity at Fabrik², featuring activities inspired by Montreal’s most famous landmarks. Or set off an expedition to the north at the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, Nanualuk.
Aside from its exhibitions, the Montreal Science Centre is also home to the IMAX®TELUS Theatre. This state-of-the-art theatre features a shockingly large 7-storey screen along with a 32,000-watt sound system.
YAY OR NAY?
So, I’m a little on the fence about this one. If you’re travelling to Montreal with kids on a rainy day, I think visiting this science museum is a solid “yes.” On the other hand, if you’re rockin’ out a solo trip or a couples’ getaway, there are better ways to spend your time (and money) in the area. I’d recommend, instead, saving your travel budget for a great meal in Old Montreal or Downtown Montreal.
Essential information
- Address: 2 Rue de la Commune St W
- Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm on weekends
- Admission: $32 for adults, $29.50 for seniors, $22 for children (ages 2 to 17), free for children under 2
Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
Located on historic Place Royale next to the Grand Quay, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History is one of the city’s premier destinations for history buffs. This history museum hovers over the spot where modern Montreal was born.
The standout experience at the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History is the Where Montreal Began exhibition. The exhibit occupies an “archeological crypt,” under Place Royale.
Inside, visitors can see the ruins of Fort Ville-Marie, the city’s former French colonial fortress. The exhibit also uncovers First Nations artifacts predating the colonial period.
YAY OR NAY?
History buffs should “splurge” on this one. The archeological display is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating spots in the city. It’s wild to see how Montreal evolved from a marshy trading outpost to one of North America’s most interesting metropolises. If history isn’t your jam, though, I’d probably skip this in favour of a river cruise or a laid-back evening in a local brasserie.
Essential information
- Address: 350 Place Royale
- Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Friday, 11 am to 5 pm on weekends
- Admission: $29 for adults (31 to 64), $26 for seniors (65+), $19 for young adults (18 to 30), $15 for teenagers (13 to 17), $10 for children (5 to 12), free for children under 5
Port of Montreal Tower
The jury’s still out as to whether the Old Port’s newest attraction, the Port of Montreal Tower, is going to be a hit. It’s only been open since May 2023, and still seems to be finding its rhythm. It’s currently used more as an event venue than as a tourist attraction. But they’ve still got a few tricks up their sleeve for visitors.
If you can squeeze in a visit to the Port of Montreal Tower, epic vistas await. At 65 metres high, the tower edges out La Grande Roue ever so slightly. And like its competition to the north, the views over Downtown, the historic district, and the St. Lawrence River are excellent.
The Port of Montreal Tower also has a couple of unique features. Slide over to the “glass cage” for a 360-degree view atop a glass floor. Peer through the viewfinders to spot all those wonderful landmarks you’ve visited during your Montreal trip plan. Don’t leave without performing your own symphony with the five Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal musical balloons.
YAY OR NAY?
I’ve yet to catch this one in action myself, so I can only give it “maybe.” While the new tower’s got dashing good looks, the views from here don’t seem quite as impressive as from La Grande Roue, Clock Tower, or Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.
There have also been several complaints from visitors that the stated opening hours are inaccurate. As the Port of Montreal Tower is used mostly for events, it’s been known to close randomly. (I would imagine that with increased popularity, they’ll eventually solve this issue.)
Essential information
- Address: 200 Rue de la Commune St W
- Opening Hours: 12 pm to 8 pm daily (high season); 12 pm to 6 pm on Saturday, 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday (low season)
- Admission: $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (65+), $12 for youth and students, $10 for children (4 to 12), $3 for children under 4
