Located on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River, the historic Old Port of Montreal (Vieux-Port de Montréal) stretches for over two kilometers (1.2 miles) south of Old Montreal, in a natural harbor that was once frequented by Amerindian canoes and then by barges and ships of French fur traders and others.

In service from as early as 1611, the port bore witness to the economic and cultural development of Montreal and remained in use until 1976, when the present Port of Montreal was launched further east. In the early 1990s, the territory was redeveloped and in 2005 changed its name to The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal. Today, it serves as a recreational and historical area, attracting annually over six million visitors.

A place for all seasons, there's always something happening here! Summer is great for all sorts of riverfront activities such as rollerblading, cycling, quadricycling, and pleasure boating. Taking a boat cruise on the Saint Lawrence river, or renting a pedal boat for a trip around Bonsecours Basin is also available. A thin park, running the entire length of the Old Port Promenade, offers tourists and locals an ideal spot to relax and catch a cool breeze off the water.

Winter is ideal for skating on the outdoor rink or just playing in the snow. At all times of the year, the Saint Lawrence river is awe-inspiring and powerful.

The on-site attractions include a "labyrinth" in Shed 16 (which is a maze of alleys and obstacles built inside an old waterfront warehouse), the Montreal Science Centre (complete with an IMAX Theatre) on King Edward Pier, and the Montreal Clock Tower.

One of the Port's gems is the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil which approximately every two years, in spring, launches a new show from the Jacques Cartier Quay by setting up its signature blue-and-yellow-striped tents. In June 2012, an urban beach, called the Clock Tower Beach (Plage de l'Horloge), was opened adjacent to the Clock Tower.

Cultural events in the area include the Montreal High Lights Festival (Festival Montréal en lumière), Igloofest, and the Matsuri Japon festival.

If you have a couple of hours to kill in Montreal, wandering around the Old Port is worth considering.

Open to the public in September 2017, to mark the 375th anniversary of the city, The Big Wheel of Montreal (La Grande Roue de Montréal) is the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada, standing at 60 metres (200 feet). It is also the fourth of its type installed worldwide following those in Hong Kong (2014), Baku (2014), and Chicago (2016).

Situated directly on the river, on Bonsecours Basin Island in the Old Port of Montreal, the wheel provides a 360° view of the city, including Old Montreal, its historic buildings, Jacques-Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier), and the architecture of Downtown Montreal with Royal Mountain (Mont-Royal) as the backdrop. To the south, unfolds the Saint Lawrence River and its seaway, while in the middle of the river, you can see Saint Helen's Island and Notre Dame Island – the former sites for Expo 67. In the evening, the dominant view is the illuminated Mount Royal Cross accompanying the changing lighting on Jacques-Cartier Bridge.

The wheel has 42 passenger units, each capable of carrying up to 8 persons, for a total capacity of 336 passengers. The climate-controlled cabins are suitable for use all year round, day and night, in temperatures down to −40 °C (−40 °F) and winds of up to 240 kilometres per hour.

A small park by the wheel contains modern and clean facilities including a restaurant, a cafe with an ice cream parlor, a gift shop, and restrooms.

Package deals are available for families, and those wanting VIP rides, yearly passes, and more. You do not have to book or reserve a time in advance – just show up and pay. Certainly not a bad addition to an Old Montreal itinerary!

One of the oldest public spaces in Montreal, Arms' Square has a rather epic history to it, dating back over 300 years. The name itself sounds dramatic, and rightly so. “Pláce d'Armes” was the classic French term for a military gathering ground, a place where defenders assembled in uncertain times. This is actually the third spot in Montreal to carry this title, and it wears it well.

But the square didn’t always go by such a bold name. When it first appeared in 1693, it was called Place de la Fabrique—or Factory Square—before being renamed, in 1721, for having hosted drills and military parades. Then came a surprising career change: from 1781 to 1813, it operated as a hay and wood market. By 1836, the city acquired it, turned it into a Victorian garden, and by 1850—once Notre-Dame Street was completed—the square settled into the shape we recognize today.

At the centre of it stands Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, founder of the city, cast in bronze since 1895. Sword in hand, he commemorates the defense of the early Ville-Marie settlement against the Iroquois Indians.

Still, the real show isn’t the paving stones. It’s the architecture forming a perfect historical surround-sound. On one side rises the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica. Nearby, stands the Saint-Sulpice Seminary, dating to the 1680s and considered Montreal’s oldest building.

Across the square, the Bank of Montreal headquarters—Canada’s first bank—opened in 1859. Then came the New York Life Building in 1887, Montreal’s first skyscraper, proudly equipped with what was then a thrilling novelty: an elevator.

The skyline continued evolving with the Royal Trust, the Duluth Building (sitting to the left of the basilica), and in 1931, the Art Deco Aldred Building, designed to let sunlight reach the street below. By 1968, the modern National Bank Tower—all glass and steel—added a post-war punctuation mark to the timeline.

And just when you think it’s all solemn history, two sculptures break the tension: a rather haughty English gentleman with his pug, and a French lady with her poodle. The dogs seem ready to make friends; their owners, not so much. It’s a playful nod to centuries of rivalry—played out in stone and fur.

Today, horse-drawn carriages depart from the square, benches invite you to linger, and cafés tempt you to pause. So, do sit here for a moment. Around you, three centuries of Montreal are quietly arguing—and getting along just fine...

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal is a church that doesn’t whisper modestly from the sidelines. It steps confidently into the spotlight as one of the grand showpieces of Gothic Revival architecture in North America. Designed by Irish-American architect James O'Donnell and largely completed in 1829, this temple proves that Montreal doesn’t do subtle when it comes to sacred spaces.

Its sanctuary was constructed a year later, and then came the towers—because, apparently, one dramatic silhouette wasn’t enough. The West Tower, known as La Persévérance, houses a bourdon bell affectionately called Jean-Baptiste. Cast in 1848 and weighing a polite 10,900 kilograms, it doesn’t ring for just anything. Funerals, major religious festivals, Christmas Eve—Jean-Baptiste has standards. Across the façade, the East Tower, called La Tempérance, contains a ten-bell carillon, also from the 1840s, ready to chime with considerably more enthusiasm.

By 1865, the façade was complete, crowned with three statues—of the Virgin Mary for Montreal, Saint John the Baptist for Quebec, and Saint Joseph for Canada—created by French sculptor Henri Bouriché. It’s practically a stone family portrait of the nation...

Once inside, any expectation of restraint disappears. The interior is a riot of colour, carved wood, painted columns, statues, and stained glass. And here’s the twist: the windows don’t focus on biblical scenes. Instead, they tell stories from Montreal’s own history. It’s less “Old Testament” and more “local greatest hits.”

Then, there’s the magnificent pipe organ by Casavant Frères, installed in 1891. Four keyboards. Around 7,000 pipes. It doesn’t accompany music—it commands it.

In 1982, Pope John Paul II elevated the church to minor basilica status, and in 1989, it became a National Historic Site of Canada. Today, more than 11 million visitors pass through its doors each year. Even the ten-dollar admission fee fails to discourage the crowds—because grandeur, apparently, is recession-proof.

This basilica has also seen its share of headline moments: Céline Dion married here in 1994, and former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was honoured here in 2000. From pop royalty to political royalty, the guest list is impressive...

If you enjoy choral and organ music, keep an ear out for performances—including Handel’s Messiah at Christmas. The on-site brochure doubles as a handy self-guide, and there’s a free 20-minute English or French tour at entry. And if you can, book ahead for the “AURA” light show. Sit somewhere in the middle. Rest assured—when 7,000 pipes meet immersive light, you’ll want the full effect...

Transporting you back to the era of New France, Old Montreal stands as one of the most ancient districts frequented by tourists. Positioned ideally within Ville-Marie's borough, this neighborhood is bordered by Ruelle des Fortifications to the north, McGill Street to the west, the majestic Saint Lawrence River to the south, and Berri Street to the east.

Ville-Marie borough remains vibrant and dynamic, fueled by its perpetually lively neighborhoods, including the bustling downtown core, McGill Ghetto, Latin Quarter, Chinatown, Gay Village, and Old Montreal. Visitors revel in exploring this area using public transportation, indulging in shopping, dining at exquisite restaurants, and exploring renowned museums within Ville-Marie.

Should you find yourself in Old Montreal between July and October, an enthralling experience awaits you-the renowned Montreal Ghost Walks. Led by a local storyteller, this captivating journey uncovers the darker aspects of the area's history, guiding you through haunted locations that will send chills down your spine. You have the option to embark on either the west or east side walking tour. Undoubtedly, Old Montreal offers an unparalleled visitor experience, leaving a lasting impression.

Why You Should Visit:
A stroll through Old Montreal will give you a feel of European charm in North America. The cobblestone streets, the architecture, the restaurants and art galleries – all make an irresistible combination.

Tip:
You can walk from one end to the other of what is Old Montreal in 15-20 minutes, but there is a lot packed into that small section so you can easily spend 2 to 3 days exploring it.

If city halls could talk, Montreal’s would probably deliver its line in perfect French and English and remind you it was the first purpose-built municipal seat in Canada. Today, Montreal City Hall still runs the show, housing the Mayor, the City Council, and the administrative machinery that keeps the city humming.

Built between 1872 and 1878, this five-storey statement piece is one of Canada’s finest examples of Second Empire architecture. In other words, it’s dressed to impress. The grey limestone façade comes layered with turrets, balconies, and mansard roofs that seem to tip their hats to Paris. Then, there’s the clock tower, rising 45 metres above the street, crowned by a statue of the city’s founder, Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve—still keeping an eye on things, centuries later.

At one time, this grand dame survived drama. Back in March 1922, a fire tore through the building, gutting the interior and taking many of Montreal’s historical records with it. Only the outer walls remained standing—stubborn, dignified, and slightly smoky. Rather than start from scratch, the city rebuilt within the surviving shell, adding a self-supporting steel structure and modelling the redesign after the city hall of Tours in France. The revived building reopened in February 1926, proving that municipal pride, indeed, can burn brighter than any blaze...

Inside, the Hall of Honour makes it clear this is no ordinary office space. Marble, gold detailing, Art Deco lamps from Paris, and a bronze-and-glass chandelier weighing a metric ton. In the council chamber, five stained-glass windows from the 1920s quietly spell out the pillars of the city: Religion, Agriculture, Sea Port, Commerce, and Finance. In 1984, the building earned its official badge of honour as a National Historic Site of Canada.

And here’s the pleasant surprise: unlike many government buildings, this one actually lets you in. Free guided tours—offered in both English and French—are available, with schedules posted at the entrance.

Just behind the building lies the Field of Mars, once a military parade ground and later a parking lot—because history sometimes does enjoy a bit of irony... In the 1980s, it became a park, and during the makeover, workers uncovered remnants of the old city fortifications. Today, those restored walls share space with lawns and pathways, where Montreal’s past and present casually coexist.

Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours) owes its name to the adjacent Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours).

Inaugurated in 1847, for over a century this was the primary agricultural market for the Montreal area. Also, for a brief period – just one session, in 1849 – the building housed the Legislative Assembly (Parliament) of United Canada and, throughout 1852-1878, accommodated the Montreal City Hall.

The elongated two-story Neoclassical edifice with a tin-plated dome and columns is considered one of the main achievements of Canadian architecture. In 1984, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The design – by British architect William Footner – was influenced by Dublin's Customs House. Further additions, including a 900-square-meter concert and banquet hall, completed in 1860, were designed by Irish-born Montreal architect George Browne.

The building continued to serve as the farmer's central market, as well as a venue for banquets, exhibitions, and festivals until it was closed in 1963. After standing idle for a few years, it was slated for demolition.

Luckily, the property was later transformed into a multi-purpose facility with a mall incorporating outdoor cafés, restaurants, and exclusive boutiques selling authentic Canadian crafts such as jewelry, leather, and hand-blown glass – all made in Quebec. Those keen on maple tree products will be particularly delighted to find here a huge variety of relevant merchandise including beer, wine, butter, and even lollipops.

However, if shopping isn't your prime interest, you may just as well walk around the site and find some pretty angles to photograph the building's grand-looking exterior. Or, perhaps, grab yourself a seat in one of the cafés and restaurants lining the facade and have a good time.

Down by Montreal’s Old Port, where ships once arrived after long, uncertain Atlantic crossings, sailors had a habit of saying thank you properly. In 1771, they built the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (that is, if you want the full poetic version), as a pilgrimage site to honour the Virgin for her “good help” in getting them across the ocean in one piece. Today, it still stands as the oldest surviving chapel in the Old Town—not bad for a building that has already outlived one predecessor...

Because yes—this chapel has layers. It sits directly on top of an earlier church from 1675 that didn’t survive a fire. Head down into the crypt, and you’re not merely underground; you’re stepping into centuries. Excavations have revealed the foundations of that first temple, along with artifacts from both First Nations indigenous communities and the French colonial era—including fragments of Montreal’s early fortifications. In essence, this basement serves more as a “time capsule,” enhanced by the audio tour that fills in the stories behind the stones.

Considering its prime harbour address, it’s no surprise that the chapel picked up the nickname “the Sailors’ Church.” Inside, the decor is simple but quietly striking. Lift your eyes, and you will spot delicate model ships suspended from the ceiling—ex-votos offered in gratitude, tiny wooden thank-you notes from those who made it safely home.

And if you're feeling energetic, climb the wooden staircase into the spire. From there, the view opens wide with the Old Port, the Saint Lawrence River, the harbour, and the remnants of the Expo 67 exhibition. You may also spot the statue of Our Lady of the Harbour, famously name-checked in Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne” song, where “the sun pours down like honey.” Up close, you can even inspect the rooftop angels keeping watch over the city.

The chapel also houses the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum, dedicated to the saintly founder of the Notre-Dame congregation. Her remains were returned here in 2005, resting in the sanctuary she helped shape.

So, ultimately, what looks like a pretty stop by the water is in fact a story of fire and survival, voyages and gratitude, saints and sailors—all tucked into one remarkably resilient little chapel...