The old port of Montreal is located beside Rue De la Commune West Street, a stoneโs throw from old downtown Montreal. It has become a prime destination for meeting up and buzzing with fun activities. If you are in Montreal, I suggest you explore the Old Port too. There are enough attractions to witness with your family. Overall, this makes a good pastime for you.
Today, the Old Port offers pedal boats and cruise ships and is a big leisure center. It has developed one building at a time, each bringing uniqueness, fun, science, and technology. I strongly recommend you wear comfortable shoes, stroll along the historic walking areas with cobblestone streets, stumble across tiny specialty shops, and take in the Montreal sights. In short, this place awaits you to explore all the fun activities with your loved ones!
1. Old Port Tours
From adventure-seeking Jets to Sightseeing, the old port of Montreal is a boating haven. You can experience a jet ride soaking wet or splashes with a few twists and spins. For a more peaceful getaway, plan for a brunch or dinner cruise or a whale and penguin-watching cruise offered by Croisiรจres AML Montrรฉal Billetterie. Saute-Moutons Jet boating is perfect for an adventure ride in the rapids of the St Lawrence River. Or you can simply book yourself custom tours, which are designed to your comfort.
2. Get A View of Old Port at Clock Tower
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Montreal Clock Tower, or Tour de lโHorlodge Montreal, is a memorial built from 1919 to 1922 for merchant navy soldiers lost during World War I.
Do you know that in 1996, it was designated as a federal heritage building?ย Due to the Beaux-Arts style, it is considered architecturally aesthetic. The mechanism and gears of the clock are continuously maintained to ensure its working. The good thing is that the entrance to the clock tower is free to the public. So, if you donโt mind the 192 stairs, I think you must enjoy a fantastic and impressive view of the old port and St Lawrence River.
3. Discover Clock Tower Beach
The entrance to Plage de lโHorloge, or the Clock Tower beach, is beside the clock tower. This urban manmade beach opened in 2012, has an admission fee. But itโs okay as it gives you a beach atmosphere. Clock Tower Beach is perfect for enjoying the cool fresh air and watching the boats, with a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. Although here you canโt enjoy swimming, BBQ grills, or playing baseball or tennis. There are refreshment stalls, in case you are parched after a tan.
4. La Grande Roue De Montreal
La Grande Roue De Montreal is not just an ordinary Ferris wheel. The cabins are climate-controlled Gondolas that have cooling in summer and heating in winter and can seat up to 8 people at a time. The wheel has 42 such Gondolas and can give you a 360-degree view of scenic Montreal city.
It would be a unique experience for you to be there. Being Canadaโs tallest Ferris wheel, the top view is simply magnificent. Bistro de la Grande Roue is nearby and a good spot for refreshments that you should not miss! Here, you can taste grilled sandwiches, burgers or healthy salads! Also, donโt forget to get your hands on poutine; it is simply delicious.
Next, you can explore Habitat 67, which is popular among people for revolutionary architecture. When viewed from a distance, this housing colony gives the impression of ruins; each module is made from concrete boxes. Though Habitat 67 is not exactly in Old Port, you can check it out in the area. The marvellous construction is private property, but it is worth sightseeing and walking.
5. Strolling around Bonsecours Market
If you get bored I suggest you stroll down this two-story domed public market. It is a delightful place for souvenirs, highly unique and special, with amazing stylish antique pieces.
Over the years, this age-old market in old Montreal has been renovated and restored to its historic, elegant craftsmanship. In 1984, Bonsecours Market was publicized as a National Historic Site of Canada. The concert halls used for military purposes in the 1800s are now available for rent. They serve multipurpose activities, from weddings to exhibitions to business conventions or press conferences. Also, if you are searching for fresh food or local delicious restaurants, it is the perfect place to explore!
6. Bota Bota, spa-sur-lโeau: Relax Your Body & Soul
After an adventurous day in the old port of Montreal, spas are a nerve-winding blessing. I am sure, you want something relaxing after strolling a lot. So, for you I recommend Bota-Bota. It is unique with an unlikely location on an anchored ship, with a spectacular view of old Montreal and the Lawrence River. This therapeutic spa has hot pools, saunas, steam rooms, a floating terrace, and a restaurant. The food here is incredible, too. Feel rejuvenated with everything from massage therapy to body treatments and pedicures. Nice, Isnโt it?
7. Exploring the Museums is Amazing
Museums are always the centre of attraction for visitors. And I am sure you are also eager to know if there is any museum around.
So, first, you can check out the Montreal Science Center. It is an engaging and interactive science museum with all kinds of exhibits. An innovative and mind-blowing place for kids to have hands-on experience with science, experiment, and invention. The center also has Imax and 3D movies of rainforests and sea lions, making this a big leisure center for old Port Montreal nature.
If you want to know the cityโs history, I recommend you spend some time at the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and the History of Pointe-ร -Calliรจre Museum. This exhibition will transport you back in time to relive significant periods in the cityโs history, from the 17th to the 19th centuries, under French and British regimes. It gives a great educational experience. Donโt miss the Museumโs workshop, there, itโs unique to Pointe-ร -Calliรจre. It allows you to participate in a simulated archaeological excavation, first on the site, then in the chief archaeologistโs tent and the laboratory space.
Several exhibitions are organized there. Moreover musical performances, drama, demonstrations, lectures, debates, and participation in Montreal, Quebec, cross-Canada, and international events are all held at the Museum. All this is surely going to be an indulging experience for you.
8. Food at the old port of Montrealย
How can we forget the food? Beautiful cafes and bistros offer refreshments and food stalls in every corner of the old port. For a fine dining experience, many of the best nearby restaurants in downtown Montreal exist. But if you feel like grabbing a bite, there are food trucks with various choices in the old port itself.
Overall, I must say that Old Port Montreal is a great place to chill and relax. The Ferris wheel, the lake, and the lit city make it a place for great night pictures. However, one thing I want to tell you is that it has very limited parking. For short excursions, a cab ride is much cheaper. On the riverfront, there is a big pay parking area. And if you are lucky and find street parking, check the area carefully, as some are reserved for residents. Using biking trails would be more enjoyable and stress-free, or the train stations in old Montreal are close.
Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
