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When most people picture the old part of Montreal, they think of cobblestone streets and accordion players on busy plazas – and, on some level, they would be right. But there is a vastly underrated part that even locals know very little about, and that only recently started getting some traction.

Ladies and gentlemen, here’s everything you need to know about one of my favourite parts of my hometown: Old Port Montreal.

* Photo credit: Gaelle Leroyer

Old Port Montreal: The Essentials

Photogenic Highlights

Both the Old Town of Montreal in general and the Old Port more specifically are certainly easy on the eyes of photographers with their narrow streets and stately townhouses; Rue de la Commune and Bassin de l’Horloge are among the most loved spots in the city. Let your camera be guided by the Old Port’s bygone atmosphere!

Up-and-Coming Griffintown

Located just south of Old Montreal, this rapidly-changing neighbourhood has lots of cool things to offer, including Montreal’s only West Elm branch, fun eateries like Bête à pain, and incomparable art galleries.

Old Port Food Tour

A visit to Montreal wouldn’t be complete without one (or two, or three…) gourmet indulgences. After all, my hometown is nothing if not a foodie destination but it can be hard to fully comprehend the extent of our culinary heritage without a knowledgeable guide. Local Montreal offers three-hour long fascinating and well-priced food tours of the Old Port and Old Montreal that include five stops and seven tastings.

Spa Scandinave or Bota Bota

If your legs can no longer endure the hilly streets of Old Montreal, then perhaps you should consider a brief (or lengthy, depending on your schedule) stop at one of the city’s best and most-loved spas. Spa Scandinave features outstanding Nordic in a contemporary setting, while the Bota Bota is a little more whimsical as it is located on a permanently docked boat lulled by the rhythm of the St. Lawrence River.

Restaurants & Cafés

As I said before, there is no shortage of noteworthy eateries in this part of town. From high-end dining to classic pub grubs, there really is something for everyone as far as gluttony is concerned. Here are a few of my favourites:

Sightseeing

Sure, Old Montreal has the Gothic basilicas and the historic markets; but that doesn’t mean the Old Port doesn’t have anything to offer. Quite the contrary!

Farine Five Roses: Having welcomed train visitors to the city since the mid-1940s, this 30-feet tall, iconic sign sitting atop a massive flour mill is famous for its blinking, bright red sign that act as a reminder of Old Port’s industrial past.

Science Centre: a fun and whimsical museum where both kids and adults will be entertained by all things pertaining to science through a wide range of interactive exhibitions, with themes stretching from Star Wars to human evolution.

Silo Numéro 5: Another token of Montreal’s bygone industrial history, the silos located in the Peel Basin were built in 1885 – right around the industrial revolution – and once were the highest structures in the city.

Habitat 67: One of Montreal’s quirkiest housing complex that has often been compared to Lego blocks. Very photogenic!

Clock Tower & Beach: Best enjoyed in the summer, this modestly-sized but rather remarkable space in the Old Port features both a high-rise historic clocktower with fantastic views of Montreal, as well as a sandy and trendy beach along the edges of the marina.

Musée Pointe-à-Callière: a renowned archaeological site, the museum was built over Montréal’s birthplace, which is beautifully showcased in the museum’s permanent exhibition. The rooftop restaurant also offers unobstructed views of Old Montreal, the St. Lawrence River and even the Montérégie mountains on clear days.

Centre Phi & DHC Art

Is modern art up your sleeve? Old Port Montreal is home to two state-of-the-art galleries – Centre Phi and DHC Art, namely – that regularly host and create contemporary, thought-provoking exhibits.

Festivals & Outdoor Events

One of the main reasons Old Port Montreal has gotten so popular over the past few years is the almost overwhelmingly busy list of events happening throughout the year; from outdoor dance parties in January (yes, you read that right) to an entire weekend dedicated to poutine (again, it really is a thing), let’s just say visitors will not be bored in this area.

Bars

No longer a dead-after-business-hours kind of place, Old Port Montreal now has several noteworthy bars and pubs where both locals and visitors can enjoy a well-deserved pint.

Old Port Montreal Outdoor Activities

Not interested in wasting time indoors? if Mother Nature is kind enough to grace you with clement weather, Old Port is the place to be in both summer and winter.

Saute Moutons Jet Boating on St. Lawrence River
Ice and summer fishing
Musical ice skating at Bassin Bonsecours

Place Jacques Cartier

Straddling both the Old Port and Old Montreal, this lively square will be undergoing major transformations over the coming months but it will nonetheless be worthy of a visit, thanks to its sun-filled terraces and ice cream vendors.

Where is Old Port Montreal?

The Old Port of Montreal is located right along the St. Lawrence River at the southern end of Old Montreal, for which I created a walking itinerary that includes the Old Port.

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31 Comments on Old Port Montreal: 15+ Amazing Things You Can’t Miss

Marc
April 18, 2016 at 7:30 pm (3 years ago)

Yes I love Montreal and loves my time there. I loved it so much that we used to go once a year and even winter looks fabulous. The old port, the cathedral and the science center are those I loved the most.
Reply
- Marie-Eve
  April 25, 2016 at 12:56 pm (3 years ago)
  
  These are all great places!
  Reply
  - Marie P. Santerre
    November 20, 2018 at 3:23 pm (3 months ago)
    
    Do not forget 55 Prince Street. Which was an older art gallery neighborhood. Enjoy !
- Marie P. Santerre
  November 20, 2018 at 3:20 pm (3 months ago)
  
  Do not forget 55 Prince Street. Which was an older art gallery neighborhood. Enjoy !
  Reply
Courtney
April 24, 2016 at 2:19 pm (3 years ago)

I’m kind of confused by the difference between Old Montreal and Old Port (isn’t the latter part of the former?!) but hey, still writing this down for my trip next month. One does not go to Montreal and overlook a food tour.
Reply
- Marie-Eve
  April 25, 2016 at 12:41 pm (3 years ago)
  
  The Old Port is directly along the riverside, while Old Montreal is kind of wedged between Old Port and downtown. Enjoy your food tour!
  Reply
  - Marie P. Santerre
    November 20, 2018 at 3:26 pm (3 months ago)
    
    The old port is in fact Maritimes Business regulated by federal government. The old Montreal is the neighborhood below downtown with typically greystones building.
Terri
May 17, 2016 at 8:59 pm (3 years ago)

Is there parking areas so you can get out and walk?
Reply
- Marie-Eve
  May 26, 2016 at 2:08 pm (3 years ago)
  
  Yes, there’s a parking at Centre des sciences and some in the streets as well.
  Reply
  - Marie P. Santerre
    November 20, 2018 at 3:29 pm (3 months ago)
    
    There are parkings t subway stations has far as Henri-Bourassa, mainly for suberbians who come visit the city.
Megan
May 18, 2016 at 12:15 pm (3 years ago)

Old Port Montreal is absolutely beautiful! When I went and visited last summer, I had the best time. The people are all so nice, and I was even able to practice my French again. All of the restaurants were delicious, though I don’t think that I ate at any of the ones you suggested. For next time!
Reply
- Marie-Eve
  May 26, 2016 at 2:06 pm (3 years ago)
  
  That’s so cool! Let me know if you have any questions for your next trip!
  Reply
  - Marie P. Santerre
    November 20, 2018 at 3:31 pm (3 months ago)
    
    Do not miss the Toque off the Riopelle Place.
Carol
June 18, 2016 at 12:07 am (3 years ago)

First time trip to montreal….need ideas on where to stay for 3 days…I want to be close to as much as possible
Reply
- Marie-Eve
  June 19, 2016 at 3:58 pm (3 years ago)
  
  Then I suggest staying either at Place d’Armes hotel, Hotel St Paul or Hotel Le Crystal (close to attractions and a metro station). If you have a smaller budget, Hotel Zero1 is also great.
  Reply
  - [email protected]
    November 20, 2018 at 3:33 pm (3 months ago)
    
    To be doorstep from a Hockey Game, I would recommend the Delta Hotel !
Elena Latici
July 24, 2016 at 7:12 pm (3 years ago)

Marie -Eve This is a fabulous site! I am an American who has lived in Italy for 14 years with Italian citizenship. I’m now thinking of leaving and Montreal is high on my list. One thing that complicates this is my horse who, (yes, who) I would never leave behind. Do you have any idea what my chances are of finding a boarding barn near the city? Does the “bad, really bad traffic” make this a preposterous or even impossible idea to pursue? Thank you.
Reply
- Marie-Eve
  July 25, 2016 at 11:29 am (3 years ago)
  
  Hey Elena, I truly have no idea. I don’t know anyone with a horse so I’m afraid I can’t help there but I’m sure there are plenty if you research a bit. Traffic’s not that bad if you travel outside peak hours (7-9am, 3-6pm). Best of luck!
  Reply
  - [email protected]
    November 20, 2018 at 3:37 pm (3 months ago)
    
    Helena ! There are quarantine rules in Canada. You would have to find a barn to leave your horses out of the city for 40 days, then have them check out by a veterinarian. After that, they are all yours. Good luck !