”Old Port Montreal – What to do in Montreal (1 day)”
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Tourist activities…
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Montreal’s Big Wheel, Zipline, Cool spots, where to eat & more
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Recommended stay in Montreal
This Blog is divided into 4 main sections, we’ll make recommendations within these section.
We’ve also made a Google My Maps which is Free to download.
Simply provide us with your email address and we’ll gladly share it with you 🙂
Eli and I are not Montreal natives, despite living here over the last decade it is our passion to discover new destinations. We believe in the saying ‘being a tourist in your own city’.
This said, our blog is targeted for Montrealers and tourists alike.
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, meaning We receive a commission if you decide to purchase using our links mentioned in this page, however at no additional cost to you.
Places to visit in montreal
Old Port Montreal
Old Port is a must see when visiting Montreal. Sadly it’s often overlooked by many tourists roaming up and down Ste-Catherine’s street and the downtown core.
There is as much life in Old Port Montreal during the day as there is at night. It’s possible to spend the entire day or split your time by selecting a few items from our list. Without further adieu, here is our list.
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Get your FREE List – Old Port Montreal sites
We’ve been using Google Maps for a very long time. It helps us pin places we would like to visit prior to making our trip. So we’ve decided to share our recommended list of places to visit in Old Port Montreal with you, for FREE!
Simply provide us with your email address and we’ll gladly share it with you.
What activities to do in Old Port Montreal?
If you’re looking for fun and adventure in Montreal and would like to combine this in Old Port Montreal, we’ve got you covered!
We’ve made a Google My Maps list of places to visit and it’s free to download. Simply fill out your name and email in the form up above and you’ll be on your way !
Montreal tourist attractions
1. Montreal Tyrolienne / Zipline
Want to combine the great view of Old Port Montreal with an exciting activity ? Check out the Old Port Montreal Zipline. Standing at 1200 feet above the ground, you’ll zip above the Bonsecours basin with views of the Biosphere as well as the main Old Port Montreal hub.
More on the Old Port Montreal Zipline here.
Montreal Tourist
2. Voile en Voile
Highly rated on Tripadvisor and Google Maps is Old Port Montreal’s Voile en Voile. Perfect for the kids and the entire family, you’ll embark on a journey to discover ships. What’s great is that everyone chooses their activity based on the level of difficulty. To name a few, there’s an escape mission, aerial courses, wall climbing. Check out more of the missions and obstacle courses over here.
3. Jet Boating / Saute Mouton
Enjoy various boating trips at Old Port Montreal’s Jet boating. Highly rated on Google Maps and Traveller’s choice 2020, whether you are looking to get a little splashed or entirely soaked – they’ve got you covered!
More on Old Port Montreal’s Jet boating here.
Where to visit in Old Port Montreal ?
Here we’ll list a bunch of places to visit. We named it as such because it’s possible to partake or simply go along for the view.
1. The Bonsecours Market – Old Port Montréal
It was once a dwelling for commandants under the French regime, this site also played host to the Théâtre Royal and it has also seen a transformation into a public market. Feel free to read more on the Bonsecours Market here.
The Bonsecours Market now plays host to a series of events and exhibitions. Its modern layout boasts many high-end boutiques with various local souvenirs and collector’s items.
Also located in the Bonsecours Market you will find Café des Arts / Galerie MAM and our well liked Brew Pub named Brewsky Pub. You’ll find this particular location in our where to eat section as well as in our Montreal Free List Google My Maps.
Montreal attractions
2. Notre-Dame de Bonsecours Chapel – Old Port Montreal
As you get to know us, you’ll determine that we’re not the avid Museum goers. We can be swayed to visit one if it’s a must-see, a historical site or if the museum offers a stunning view for example.
After almost a decade of living in Montreal, we’ve finally added the Notre-Dame de Bonsecours or Marguerite Bourgeoys historical site.
We fell in love with the view and think these images will do the convincing.
The small chapel is not really beautiful only, but has lots to tell about early history of Montreal, including below the chapel, the crypt is being excavated as an archeological site, which visitors can see behind.
It’s also one of the oldest churches in Montreal, it was built in 1771 over the ruins of an earlier chapel. But don’t worry, as soon as you get inside you will find volunteers that will guide you to know more about it.
You can visit Notre-Dame de Bonsecours Chapel for Free, however there is a small fee to visit the museum and go up to check the amazing views from Angel, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.
Believe us, it’s totally worth to pay! It’s one of the best views you will have from Old Port Montreal, in addition to have the Angel, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, blessing your visit!
Final tip, feel free to read more about the church or the museum here.
Montreal tourism
3. La Grande Roue de Montreal for Amazing views from Old Port Montreal
It felt so cliché when we heard that Montreal was going to build a Big Wheel. Many questions were asked, will it be solely a summer activity, will they take it down once winter strikes, etc.
Despite all the questions, it seems to work. The ferris wheel is one of the most popular rides in amusement parks, and now you can experience it in Old Port Montreal, where you will be able to:
- Get to relax after a day of sightseeing;
- Anyone can ride it seeing the city in a different way;
- and of course, it offer fantastic views from Old Port Montreal.
Also, looks like they thought about everything, as you will find the information in the Grande Roue Official Website, whatever the weather, your comfort is ensured by system that gives a temperate feeling in the cabins during the winter season and cools them in the summer.
And if you visit during the winter, you can even enjoy ice skating!
Similar as others locations around the world, you will find lots of activities around and a Café Bistro.
So in a sense, it’s like you can get an amusement park experience while visiting Old Port Montreal !
If you want further information about prices, hours, etc click here ➡️ Montreal’s ‘Grande Roue’ over here.
Montreal to do
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4. The Clock Tower and Clock Tower Beach – Old Port Montreal
Similar to the Bonsecours Market, the Clock Tower has served many roles over the years. Now in this tourism era, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the St-Lawrence River, the Jacques-Cartier bridge, the Sainte-Hélène island and much more.
The extremely precise clock was made in England and it’s supposed to be a replica of the Big Ben. It served as a watch for the sailors as they flowed along the St-Lawrence.
More than a Clock Tower, this is also home to a mini-beach. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we discovered it. You’ll find blue parasols, soft sand and the water view in front of you. And the best thing is that it seems that so far entry is free, with the exception of event days.
Well, being a small beach, you will need to follow some rules in order to enjoy a great summer time. If you are interested to know more about the rules, open hours and events schedules, check their official website ➡️ Clicking HERE.
You can also read more about the Tower Clock here.
Things to do in Montreal this weekend
5. Chateau Ramezay – Museum and Historic Building in Old Montreal
Whether you visit for the whimsical gardens, for a small history lesson or simply to live the reenactment – everyone seems to find their own reasons to love this place.
This castle is located on Notre-Dame street, at the top of Place Jacques Cartier. If you plan a visit, we recommend that you start your day here and later make your way down to the other attractions.
In their permanent exhibition you’ll find more than 500 years of history of Montreal, and as per information on their Oficial Website, the Historic Site and Museum of Montréal was selected by a team of experts, in collaboration with UNESCO, as one of the 1001 historic sites you must see before you die.
So, to get to know more about the Entrance Fees and open hours, Click in the following link ➡️ Chateau Ramezay here.
Where to eat in Old Port Montreal
We’ve learned that it’s risky business to blog about restaurants. This is because each year, countless restaurants open their doors and countless more close them. For this reason, we don’t like to promote places to eat. This said, we’ve carefully selected a few restaurants in the Old Port vicinity. Rest assured, we felt ask though these are NOT tourist traps.
1. Cafe de Mercanti
Located a little outside the Old Port Montreal hub, Cafe de Mercanti sits on Notre-Dame street. In our opinion, this would be a great place to start your journey because you’ll be able to fill your belly before the long day ahead. You could just as well visit at the middle or end of your day for a ‘pause cafe’, French for little break.
We’ve visited before and felt we were well received by a friendly and social staff.
This coffee shop is located minutes away from the Bonsecours Market and the Notre-Dame de Bonsecours.
2. Le Petit Dep
Another French lesson, Dep is short for Depanneur which means corner store in English. However this is no ordinary ‘corner store’. For starters Deps in Montreal (and Quebec) can sell wine and beer and this one is no exception to that rule.
It’s more than a regular dep because it makes us adults feel like a kid again. There are countless types of candies, souvenirs, snacks, coffee, the list goes on and on.
Do yourself a favour and visit this unique place !
3. Pub Brewsky
We mentioned this pub during our Bonsecours Market section. Imagine a typical pub, jazz it up, turn it into a brewery and then jazz it up some more. Well, not sure if you’re getting the visual, however this place is sure to impress.
We originally felt that it was a tourist trap, however that was before we even set foot there. Once we gave it a proper chance, we were impressed with the decor, the knowledgeable staff and the quality of the ingredients. Moreover, Brewsky doesn’t stop at the drink menu because we’ve discovered some great food items here also.
4. Jardin Nelson
The Jardin Nelson gives off a very fancy and expensive display. Rest assured their prices are quite reasonable and food tasty.
You may find yourself on the patio along Place Jacques Cartier, entertained by street performers or passersby. Alternatively, you might find yourself inside their majestic courtyard! We recall our visit and the beautifully layered tables, vines, skylight and live Jazz music.
More on the Jardin Nelson here.
5. Modavie
A very chic restaurant with delicious food and live music. The price point reflects this, however it’s time to celebrate the fact that you are in Montreal, so why not do it here!
Alternatively if you want to get a taste for this place, we recommend that you get a post discovery day alcoholic beverage. Check out their 5-7 Happy Hour with discounted drinks between 5 and 7pm.
More on Modavie here.
Where are the cool spots in Old Port Montreal ?
Whether you’re travelling on a budget or simply looking to put your wallet to rest for a little, we’ve got some cool spots that will freeze your spending.
Cool Spot #1 –Hidden Places Tips Old Port Montreal
Our first identified ‘Cool spot’ is at the fork of Place D’Youville and De la Commune street. Although we’re not entirely certain, we fell as though beyond this point to the west is no longer considered Old Port Montreal.
We’ve identified this spot for a few reasons, 1) we feel it’s very picturesque, 2) there’s a beautiful view of the Notre-Dame Basilica towers, 3) it’s refreshing since fewer tourists are here. So whether you’re looking to take a break or catch a scenic view, this is a great go-to!
Cool Spot #2 – Hidden Places Tips Old Port Montreal
This spot is located on what’s called St-Amable street. It’s a small, decorative pedestrian road with a surprise at the halfway mark. We recommend that you enter a place called ‘La Cour’ and head to their inner courtyard. This oasis will make you wonder whether you’re still in Montreal or perhaps have been transported to another time and place.
Cool Spot #3 – Hidden Places Tips Old Port Montreal
The third spot we’ve identified will really resonate with you movie buffs. It’s located on St-Paul street, to the east of Old Port Montreal. The trick is to walk down St Paul street, to the approximate location we’ve identified in our Google My Maps and have a look at the Marché Bonsecours.
We knew the movie ‘The Score’ with Robert DeNiro was filmed in Montreal, however it was tricky to find the exact spot. If you recall from the movie, it’s where Robert’s character’s Jazz club is located!
Cool Spot #4 – Hidden Places Tips Old Port Montreal
Our next ‘Cool spot’ is located on Rue le Royer West. This street links up with St-Laurent and Saint-Sulpice. You can plan a perfect Segway from St-Paul street OR access this spot after visiting Le Petit Dep.
Here you will enjoy a little quiet since few make it all the way here. In addition to the quiet, you’ll enjoy impressive architecture with the collection of 19th century buildings that surround and frame a beautifully landscaped courtyard.
THANK YOU for going over our Old Port Montreal blog, we hope it inspired you to discover ‘The City of Festivals’ !
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Inside our book you’ll find a full index, tips for saving money and hidden gems for New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Plus helpful tips to help maximize your time and money.
- Did you know you could combine your Hopewell Rocks ticket with a Kayak expedition !?
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Itineraries and Attraction recommendation
The Sunrise trail, Celtic trail and Cabot Trail – we recommend 2-3 days
Meat Cove – 3/4 to a Full day
Louisbourg Fortress – 1/2 to a Full day
Halifax city – 2-3 Full days
Polly Cove and Peggy’s cove – 1 day trip
Lunenburg city and surrounding – 1 full day or more
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