Old Port of Montreal (Vieux Port de Montréal)

The Basics

Set along the St. Lawrence riverfront, the atmospheric Old Port is one of downtown Montreal’s biggest attractions. There are two main ways to explore: either on land or by water. Bike, quadricycle, and walking tours of the Old Port typically follow routes along the waterfront and through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal), the historic landmark-packed heart of the city. In summer, sightseeing cruises, Jet Ski tours, and self-guided paddleboat tours depart from the Old Port. Many family-friendly attractions are located in the Old Port, including La Grande Roue de Montréal observation wheel, and aerial obstacle and zipline courses.

Trip ideas

A Spooky City Guide to Montreal

Take to the streets with Ansia Wilscam-Desjardins from the Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour to find out what's so spooky about this Canadian city.

Quebec City Day Trips From Montreal

Montreal and Quebec City offer two very different experiences: the former is big, vibrant, and diverse, while the provincial capital radiates romance and European charm. Luckily, they’re close enough to each other that you needn’t choose between them. Here are your day trip options.

Wine and Beer Tasting in Montreal

Things to Do in Montreal This Winter

Food Lover's Guide to Montreal

How to Spend 2 Days in Montreal

Here is how to get the most out of 48 hours in Montreal, Quebec’s cultural capital.

How to Spend 3 Days in Montreal

Haunted Montreal

With more than 375 years of history under its belt, Montreal is among Canada’s oldest cities. Few cities get to this ripe old age without accumulating a few ghosts, and Montreal is no exception. See below to find out more about Montreal’s spookiest sites.

How to Spend 1 Day in Montreal

When to Get There

Visit in summer for the widest range of activities. The area is busiest on weekend afternoons and evenings; arrive early to beat the crowds. Although it’s quieter in winter, there is still lots to do, including ice skating, riding the observatory wheel, and soaking in the outdoor hot tub at a floating boat spa.

Montreal Clock Tower

Among the most notable buildings situated along the waterfront is the 148-foot (45-meter) high Montreal Clock Tower, which was built between 1919 and 1922 to mark the entrance to the port and to serve as a memorial to sailors lost at sea. In spring and summer, climb to the top of the tower for spectacular city and river views.

Recent reviews from experiences in Montreal

Phenomenal walking tour in Old Montreal

Rob_W, Sep 2021

Old Montreal Private Walking Tour

With only 3 days to spend in Montreal, Christian’s knowledge & suggestions really helped us to learn about the things that were important to us as well as point us to great restaurants, etc. A great use of our time!!

Wonderful way to begin a Montreal stay!

Deborah_M, Nov 2019

Isabelle was my tour guide and she was fabulous! She really knew her history and was happy to answer my many questions. I had a really lovely time walking the streets of old Montreal and learning about the beautiful buildings. It was a perfect way to get acquainted on my first day here. Highly recommend!

Interesting and Informative Tour

arudy2019, Nov 2019

We liked the tour of the Old City. We saw sites that we weren’t likely to see on our own and learned a lot of Québécois history. Our tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, and also gave us suggestions for places to eat and other things to do.

Excellent tour guide

Maribeth_S, Oct 2019

Jean Michel was a delightful tour guide. He knew so much about Canadian and world history. His stories were the perfect introduction to Montreal.

Karin was great!

Sheila_W, Aug 2019

Karin was a great guide in Montreal. She is a native, knows her stuff and is very enthusiastic. She was willing to tailor her tour to suit our interests and was so accommodating. I highly recommend her tour!

Thumbs Up!

chrissyf, Jun 2019

Set this walking tour up for my teenage son (who is not a fan of guided tours) and my dad for their 1st time in Montreal. While I didn't get details on exactly what they visited, I was told by both that it was 5 star - great tour, amazing and helpful tour guide, so worth it !

very good

Myrna_D, Nov 2018

Our guide was very knowledgeable and caring for our needs. He did an excellent job and we enjoyed him very much, would highly recommend him, prompt and professional.

Fun and Informative Tour

lana_l, Jun 2018

We had Leslie as our tour leader. She made it enjoyable and fun. Our whole family with three teenagers enjoyed the tour. We also stopped for maple tasting and gelato. She gave us recommendations for lunch and dinner venues. The history of Old Montreal is amazing.

Marvellous Montreal

Linda G, Dec 2018

Just the 4 of us in our Tour which is what we wanted - small and intimate. Claude our guide was a dream. Sophisticated - and educated. He knew the town and all the spots we needed to know about. Food- Wine - Culture. A true gentleman and a nice mic of the French and English history. Truly appreciated!!!

A walking tour of Old Montreal

Stephen_H, Jun 2019

Fouzia is a delight, We lucked out by being the only two people in our group--maybe the rain scared everyone else away. It was their loss. Fouzia is friendly, knowledgeable about the historic sites she shows you, and is full of spontaneous helpful hints about where to find the best dinners, brunches, and pastries. All is delivered in a manner that makes you feel you've known each other for years. And the rain put no damper on her enthusiasm, and nor ours, as a result, lIf you are planning a trip to Montreal and want an excellent orientation to the old city, look no further than Fouzia.