Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

The basics

Exploring Old Montreal is the best way to experience the city’s history, culture, and architecture. Myriad group and private tours are designed to introduce visitors to a combination of all three on foot, by bike, by scooter, or even from the air. Choose a night tour if you prefer an after-dark atmosphere, or a food tour to dive into the local food-truck and craft-beer scenes.

Things to know before you go

• Walking tours are a great way to experience Old Montreal, as the best way to get around this part of the city is on foot.

• Old Montreal is known for its quaint sidewalk eateries and café culture, so it's a great place to stop for a drink or a bite.

• Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for the cobblestone streets.

• Private tours often also visit nearby Mont Royal.

How to get there

Old Montreal is bound by Rue Bern to the west, Rue Saint-Antoine to the north, Rue McGill in the east, and Old Port and the St. Lawrence River to the south. The area is easily accessible from Downtown via the Underground City, and can be reached by several bus routes and metro stations (Square-Victoria, Place-d'Armes, and Champ-de-Mars on the orange line).

When to get there

Summer typically brings the best weather, the biggest festivals, and the most tourists to Montreal. But the city is charming in winter as well, and Old Montreal becomes even more scenic and romantic after fresh snowfall.

Highlights of Old Montreal

The historic area’s pulsating center is Place Jacques-Cartier. From here, its center promenade slopes down from Rue Notre-Dame to the Old Port, lined with 18th-century stone buildings. At the base of the plaza are horse-drawn carriages, outdoor cafés, art galleries, and street performers. Nearby, you’ll find the Bonsecours Market, the oldest and largest public market in the city, and the stone Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. West of Place Jacques-Cartier is the beautiful Place d’Armes, dominated by the Notre-Dame Basilica. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Archaeology and History are also worth visiting.

Ways to explore

There are countless ways to experience Old Montreal’s history, culture, and architecture, whether on foot, by bike, by scooter, or even from the air. Join a group tour or shore excursion to take in the sights, a food tour for the inside scoop on the local food truck and craft beer scenes, or a night tour to admire the atmospheric illuminations.

Start in the main hub of Place Jacques-Cartier, then stroll down Rue Notre-Dame to the Old Port, lined with 18th-century buildings. Nearby, you’ll find the Bonsecours Market, the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, and the Place d’Armes, dominated by the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Accessibility

Many attractions and tours in Old Montreal are accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and travelers with reduced mobility. There’s elevator access to the subway and Montreal Underground City at Sainte-Catherine Street West. Access may be limited to some older buildings and restaurants, and cobbled streets are common throughout the Old Town.

Age limits

Most tours and attractions are open to all ages; baby-changing facilities, playgrounds, and kid-friendly activities are easy to find.

What to pack

Raincoat or umbrella (even in the summer), reusable water bottle, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat or warm hat and gloves (in the winter)

What to wear

Weather-appropriate layers, comfortable walking shoes (avoid flip-flops or high heels on the cobbled lanes), a warm waterproof coat (in the winter) or light jacket (for summer evenings)

Not allowed

English is widely spoken and permitted, but learning a few words in French—Quebec’s official language—will go a long way with locals.

Amenities

Tourist Information office, public restrooms, picnic areas, paid parking lots

Address 

Old Montreal is bound by Rue Bern to the west, Rue Saint-Antoine to the north, Rue McGill in the east, and Old Port and the St. Lawrence River to the south. The area is easily accessible from downtown via the Underground City and can be reached by car or public transport. Once you’re in the Old Town, the best way to get around is on foot.

Driving

Driving in central Montreal isn’t recommended, but if you’re coming from out of town, you can enter the Old Town from Route 136. The narrow streets are easier to explore on foot, so park just outside of the old quarter and walk in.

Public transportation

Metro line 2 (orange) runs just outside of the western boundary of Old Montreal, so hop off at Champ-de-Mars, Place d’Armes, or Square-Victoria, all of which are a 2-block walk from the historic quarter.

Best times to visit

Old Montreal is lively at all hours of the day. Make an early start to get a jump on sightseeing and snap some crowd-free photos, watch the sunset over the Old Port, then stick around after dark to admire the illuminations.

Best days to visit

Most shops, restaurants, and attractions in Old Montreal are open seven days a week, so any day is a good time to visit. It’s usually quietest mid-week, while Friday and Saturday nights are most atmospheric.

Best months to visit

Summer typically brings the best weather, the biggest festivals, and the most tourists to Montreal. But the city is magical in winter as well, and Old Montreal becomes even more scenic and romantic after fresh snowfall.

Special events

If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the Montreal Fireworks Festival and Montreal International Jazz Festival (both June–July); in winter, there’s the Montreal en Lumière light festival (February) and the Igloofest music festival (January).