5 Free Things To Do In Montréal

Visiting Montréal on a budget? Here’s five things you can do for free!

Montréal, the Paris of Canada, is a romantic place to be no matter the season. In summer, it is a beautiful place to walk along the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, and in winter, experience the festive season in some of Montréal’s coolest neighborhoods!

This summer, we visited this beautiful French-speaking city to find the best free things you can do on your next trip here~

1. Explore Old Montréal

Filled with history and beautiful architecture, there are many things to see in Old Montréal – all within walking distance! Feel like you’ve stepped into Europe with cobble-stone streets and 19th century buildings left and right. Some notable buildings include the Notre Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market and Old City Hall.

Basilique Notre Dame | 110 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1T1

Rue St-Paul is a must-visit in the area. One of Montréal’s oldest walking streets, it is lined with restaurants and shops situated in bustling with activity. Take a stroll down this lovely street and pop into a shop or two!

Flickr | Rue St-Paul

Place Jacques Cartier is the place to see street performers, bands, and caricaturists. While we were there, we managed to catch a marching band dressed in historical clothing, a surprise addition to the historical feel of the place.

Place Jacques Cartier

2. Take a relaxing stroll along Old Port

Right next to Old Montréal, Old Port is the perfect place to take a stroll along the Saint Lawrence River. Here, you can visit the Clock Tower and the Clock Tower Beach, as well as see the Montréal Botanical Gardens from across the river.

Clock Tower | 1 Clock Tower Quay St, Montreal, Quebec H2L 5C1

There are also activities such as the MTL Zipline and speedboating for the adventurer at heart, or La Grande Roue De Montréal, a Ferris wheel, for the romantic.

Old Port of Montréal | 362 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 0B4

3. Feel the hustle and bustle at the largest farmers’ market in Montréal

The Jean-Talon market in Montréal’s Little Italy was first opened in 1933. Today, it is one of North America’s largest open-air public markets showcasing a variety of local merchants offering fruits and vegetables, cheeses, pastries and more. Come visit the specialty shops and try some authentic local eats alongside the Québécois (Québéc locals) doing their daily grocery shopping.

Tourismé Montréal | Marché Jean-Talon | 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3

4. See the city skyline atop Mount Royal

If you are up for a little hike, try climbing to the viewpoint on Mount Royal to take in all of Montréal from above. There are multiple viewpoints on Mount Royal, but we find the viewpoint by McGill University, Kondiaronk Belvedere, to be the most easily accessible.

Kondiaronk Belvedere | 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde, Montréal, QC H3H 1A1

From Peel Metro Station, hike up Peel St till you reach the foot of Mount Royal. From there, follow the trail up to the viewpoint.

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5. Catch the sunset at Saint Joseph's Oratory

To end the day, head to Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal to catch one of the best sunset views in Montréal. This is a secret spot of the locals, as it is not often mentioned as an attraction to visit in Montréal. The oratory is the highest building in Montréal, so you can be sure to get an amazing view of the city.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal | 3800 Queen Mary Rd, Montreal, Quebec H3V 1H6

Entry to the church is free, and the church grounds include a museum, exhibitions and a beautiful garden to visit. In summer, the sun sets around 8pm, and that is when the lookout gets the most crowded. Come early, grab a spot on the steps of the terrace (Floor 3), and sit back to wait for a view you won’t forget.

Tip: The way up to the church can be quite a hike, but there is a free shuttle that will take up from the foot of the hill right to the church and vice versa. Check out the oratory’s website for more details on opening hours and shuttle schedules.

Did you know you can take a bus to New York City from Montréal? If visiting the Big Apple has always been on your bucket list, why not add a stop to your trip! Read our Ultimate New York City Budget Travel Guide before you go, so you know all the tips to get the best deals.