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There are so many fun family things to do in Montreal, Canada. With fun activities, educational excursions, and historical sites to visit, there really is so much to do here. In this blog post, we are covering it ALL. From free to paid excursions, and from west to east and north and south, we've covered all of the island of Montreal.

You won't need to look anywhere else. Plus I've included the ins and outs of how I planned this international trip for my family which included my 9-month old son.

***Updated on 04/18/2024***

If you came to this post looking for my Gluten Free restaurant recommendations, I've moved all that information to it's own post as well as updated it!

You can find it here now: Gluten Free in Montreal 

Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

International Travel Planning for Kids

Firstly, traveling with an infant requires planning out all necessary supplies. Do you ever get overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you have to bring? I know I did when putting this trip together. Roman was 9 months old, and this was our first big travel with him. Here are all the supplies I brought with me, as well as the supplies I didn't.

Read More: Packing List for Vacation and Travel Accessories 

• Car Seat or Public Transportation? That’s the Question.

  • The Answer: Public Transportation!

Montréal was a great city with regards to public transportation. So that cut out one big supply item, a car seat! Montréal has a shuttle bus that takes you between the airport and some main downtown drop off locations. So, we used that as a guide to determine where to stay. The shuttle was invaluable, especially to keep costs down and bring as little as possible. 

Montréal also has a well-priced transit card that we used. The week pass was $26 and this included the $10 per way airport shuttle. With it, we were able to get on and off the bus and metro an unlimited amount of times during our entire trip. The airport shuttle alone almost paid for the pass itself. Such a good deal $$$!

• Good Night, Sleep Tight (i.e. Playard)

Second major supply we eliminated was a playard or pack and play. We made sure that our hotel could supply this, so that was one less thing we had to lug on our travels. However, we did bring our own sheets (since most playards are standard sizes) and a travel sized Young Living Thieves Spray (as a disinfectant). 

At the time, Roman wasn’t sleep trained and so sleep was elusive for most nights. This was a learning experience and we did sleep training as soon as we got home. Now he’s a great sleeper. For instance, his nighttime routine now consists of a blanket, a couple of stuffed animals, and the best noise machine. It’s so small (fits in your hand) and has tons of different noise options. It’s a game changer, I have one in every room of our house now, not just when we travel!

• Rocking and Rolling (i.e. Carrier and Stroller)

Lastly, the only items we did pack was a travel stroller and baby carrier. We did major research on this, but Baby Jogger wins every time! The City Select is already our main stroller. It’s a great stroller if you need one, because it can be a single, double, or even triple stroller if needed. I love that it’s a double stroller in length not width, which is so much easier in crowds, like at Disney.

For this trip we used the City Tour. It's comfortable with great canopy coverage for baby, yet easy to fold up and compact enough to carry on the airplane and public transportation. We also brought a baby carrier and wrap. For travel, I prefer the standard carrier, because there's less drooping and it's easier to get them in and out.

• Oh crap. (i.e. Diapers and Wipes)

Of course, I can’t forget the most important baby supply items of all: diapers and wipes! If we had to pack enough diapers and wipes to last us the whole trip, we probably would’ve needed one suitcase dedicated to just that. In an effort to remain the carry-on only kind of packers, the solution was not to pack them. We only packed enough diapers and wipes for the day. Once we got to Montréal, we found a nearby grocery store and bought enough for the remainder of the trip. 

• Paperwork

Finally, don't forget passports. At one reputable place online, it seemed like a simple birth certificate would suffice, since Roman was still a lap infant for the flight. But, we decided to be cautious and do the passport anyways. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? At least now he'll have a stamp in his passport too. As we went through customs, I asked the agent specifically if the birth certificate would’ve sufficed, and he said no the passport was required. 

For the passport, we took Roman’s photo at home following all the guidelines that are provided online. Here are some outtakes from that homemade photo shoot.

Moving on…

Once we figured out all the logistics relating to Roman, we now had to figure out all the logistics relating to me and my gluten free and dairy free diet. The main areas that I try to focus on are accommodations, language, and itinerary.

• Accommodations

Before booking, I try to get one or both; a hot breakfast included or some sort of kitchen. I say hot breakfast specifically, because that will usually include eggs, bacon, fruit, oatmeal, and an assortment of cereals. Continental usually mean grab and go snacks or pastries, and most are not gluten-free.

My go to accommodation is always Marriott. I’ve come to know and depend on them as a brand. I know what I’m getting, and that is cleanliness, good food, attentive staff, and great customer service. Here, we stayed at Residence Inn at the Marriott Montréal Downtown. We had a hot breakfast included and a full kitchen (just no oven).

It was smaller than your standard room, because it's in a historic building, but everything was brand new. We had city views, and were still walking distance to the sights, public transportation, and the airport shuttle bus. 

• The Chateau Champlain Story

Before we left, my mom had told me about her trip to Montréal back in the 70’s. She talked about how exciting the trip was with her friends and how they stayed in this very grand hotel at the time, the Chateau Champlain. As it turns out, our shuttle bus dropped us off right in front, since our hotel was right down the street.

It’s now a Marriott [Chateau Champlain] and still as grand. I asked my mom, “Did you ever think when you were in Montréal that one day your daughter and grandson would be here?” We are both in awe that I was able to retrace her steps. That’s the surreal and beautiful thing about travel.

• Language

Montréal is a French speaking country. Given I only speak English, language is now a barrier when trying to communicate a food allergy. The great thing about Montréal is that it’s a large city and tourist destination, so most of the workers in the restaurants were bilingual (French and English speaking). So with some strategic planning and helpful guides, I never had a problem eating gluten free and dairy free in Montréal. 

You can find my blog post all about that here: Gluten Free in Montreal

• Itinerary

An itinerary is invaluable when trying to navigate the day out with a toddler. In this case, it's even more important if you are also relying on public transportation or walking to many of these places. Unfortunately, I did not have one for this vacation, which is how I’ve come to know the importance of it. If I had been more organized before the trip, I would have been able to avoid moments of stress and hangriness along the way. That was my personal learning curve. 

• Cell phones, credit cards, and cash. Oh my!

These are some other things to address before leaving the country. 

• Cell Phones

Cell phone charges can rack up very quickly when you’re out of the country. I came home from my first international trip to Greece [Athens and Crete] to an almost $700 cell phone bill!!! Never again! Thankfully, after some calls to the phone company, I was able to get that majorly reduced. Now as part of my preparation, I make sure I call ahead of time to see what data plans are available to keep costs low.

For Montreal, we got a data plan that was an extra $10 per day for unlimited service. We added it to only one phone line to cut costs. On our other phone line, we kept it in airplane mode and only used wi-fi for our phone calls, GPS, and other data usage. By doing this, we kept our cell phone bill much more manageable. 

• Credit Cards

If you have a credit card, then read the fine print on rates and fees. Many times, when you charge your card using a foreign currency, some credit card companies may charge additional fees. Fees for the actual foreign exchange rate, fee for each individual charge made, and all those fees add up. Don’t be left with empty pockets, read the fine print and shop around to see what credit card company allows you to keep more money in yours.

Once you have your travel plans set, call your credit card company to let them know, so when they see a foreign charge you won’t get declined. It also helps keep you safe, so that if your card is being used where you are not, it will flag them to know there are fraudulent charges.  

• Cash

While many places in foreign countries accept most major credit cards there are many places that do not. It’s times like those, you just have to carry cash. I’ve found the easiest thing to do, is just exchange the currency in the airport. They charge you a small fee, but most currency exchange places will anyway.  It is also one less stop that has to be made and you can change it back when you come back home.

Just remember that many of these places don’t take back foreign coins, so either use as much of your coins before coming back as you can, see if you can combine some together to add up to an actual bill increment, or prepare to keep those coins as a souvenir.

Family Things to do in Montreal, Canada

Espace pour la vie Montreal (Space for Life) Museums

• Cost: You can buy tickets individually to each museum if you are only wanting to visit one. If you are going to visit more than one, than the Espace pour la vie passport is the way to go. It’s one cost and it is an annual pass to all the museums listed above. It’s definitely a savings if you are going to visit more than one museum on you travels to Montreal. Here’s the cost breakdown:
• Single Day Tickets: Adults $23.25, Seniors (65+) $21, Students (18+) $17, Children (Ages 5-17) $12, Ages 4 and under are free. They also offer family pricing of $64.25 which includes 2 adults and up to 3 children.
• Passport Tickets (Annual Pass): $85 per person for students, seniors, and adults, $31.75 per child or $149 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children (any additional children are also $31.75)
• Hours: Please see the weekly calendar for days and hours of operation for each of the museums.

The Espace pour la vie is a group of 5 museums which include the Montreal Biodome, Montreal Biosphere, the Insectarium, the Botanical Gardens, and the Planetarium. All the of these museums are located together with the exception of the Montreal Biosphere which is located on St. Helen’s Island.

• Biosphere

The biosphere is truly one of the coolest and most unique places to visit. Located on Saint Helen’s Island on the site of the famous World Expo from 1967, the museum is surrounded by walking and biking trails in a gorgeous park setting. The biosphere is now a museum dedicated to the environment with a specific focus on the interaction and effects of society on the world around us.

Plan to spend about an hour at the museum to make the most of the interactive exhibits and of course, to take in the spectacular view. There is no food or concessions here, so staying for a meal is not an option, but watching the sunset from the observation deck is spectacular!

• Montréal Biodome

Not to be confused with the biosphere, the Montréal Biodome is home to five different ecosystems. Visitors can walk amongst both animals and plants and experience the tropical rainforest, the gulf of St. Lawrence, the maple forest, the Labrador coast (Atlantic Ocean) and the sub-Antarctic islands - all in one day. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience and a Must-Do on any trip to Montréal.

A completely family friendly and unique place to visit, it is hard to believe this much life and diversity is nestled so close to downtown Montréal – there’s everything from lynx to penguins to sturgeon with each habitat a different humidity and temperature, its virtually like visiting all of North America in one afternoon. 

Unexpected highlight: the biodome has a fully veggie café called Espace Vego which offers vegan, and vegetarian options that even omnivores will love – try the sorbet! 

• Montreal Botanical Garden

The Montreal Botanical Garden has been around since the 1930’s and has only grown since its inception. It now includes thousands upon thousands of plants and flowers, numerous gardens, and multiple greenhouses all over its approximately 185 acres of land. Get ready for lots of walking out in the beautiful nature that is Montreal’s Botanical Garden.

With waterfalls, ponds, bridges, and themed gardens like the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Rose Garden, there is plenty here to explore. It’s also a perfect family friendly activity, since you can learn more on the guided tours, or during their workshops especially designed for kids as well as fun scavenger hunts. 

Depending on when you vacation here, you may find that it’s seasonal decorated for different festivals throughout the year.

• Insectarium and Planetarium

The insectarium is an educational place to learn about the insect world. With underground galleries as well as an area to see these creatures up close and personal, kids will leave having fun and a new found source of knowledge. There are workers present to guide you through questions and information about the different species that call Montreal and the insectarium home. 

At the planetarium, there are 2 major dome theaters which feature a movie about the Aurora Borealis (filmed up at Yellowknife) and a movie about our galaxy, both perfect to mesmerize young viewers. Out front kids can see the oldest clock, a sundial. Definitely worth the passport package to visit all these museum locations.

Ecomuseum Zoo

• Cost: Adults $24.75, Seniors (65+) and Students $20, Children (3-15) $14.75, Ages 2 and under are free. These are the costs for high season. High season runs from mid-March to mid-November. The rest of the year is considered low season and those costs are: Adults $20, Seniors and Students $16, and Children $12
• Hours: Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Closed Christmas Day

Off to the west of the airport is the Ecomuseum Zoo. It’s essentially the only one of the things to do in Montreal that is essentially situated away from any other activity listed. Similar to the Virginia Living Museum, the Ecomuseum Zoo showcases these Montreal residents in their natural habitat. If you have just a couple hours, you’ll easily be able to see all these critters. With a focus on conservation and education, the Ecomuseum Zoo has guided tours for you to learn more or you can explore on your own the different exhibits throughout the park that focus on the Quebec landscape and its wildlife.

La Ronde (Six Flags)

• Cost: Single Day Rates: Adults $41.99 Seniors (Ages 60+) $40.99, Junior (54” or below) $38.99, Ages 2 and under are free. They also offer family bundles which offer a bit of savings, so check the pricing based on the day you visit. 
• Hours: Check calendar for days and times. Open usually from summer to fall.

Located just off the Old Port of Montreal on St. Helen’s Island is where you’ll find La Ronde or Six Flags. If you have ever been to a Six Flags before then you’ll know it’s full of adrenaline inducing roller coasters and other thrill rides. The Six Flags in Montreal is no different. With multiple roller coasters and also tons of fair style rides for kids, there is a ride for everyone in the family. They also have different festivals for the months they are open like a fireworks festival, a food festival, and even a pumpkin festival. If your family like theme parks, then you definitely don’t want to miss La Ronde - Six Flags Montreal.   

Olympic Stadium and Park

• Guided tour closed during renovation. Due to reopen Fall 2025

Olympic Stadium was built in 1976 for the summer olympics. Since that time, the stadium has been a hub for major sporting games, concerts, and festivals. On the grounds of Olympic Stadium is Olympic Park which encompasses not only the stadium, but also includes the Montreal Biodome, the Botanical Garden, and the Insectarium. Olympic Park also has free access to numerous cool installations around the property. You can find rock climbing, a skate park, and walking trails. For a fee, there is a more extensive rock wall, and an inflatable kids game area set up during the summer months. 

Montreal Tower

• Currently closed for renovation. Due to reopen Fall 2025

The Montréal Tower is part of the Olympic Stadium and is the tallest inclined tower in the world! Here’s perspective, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a 4 degree angle and Montréal Tower is a 45 degree angle. Needless to say, I decided the best place to observe and appreciate this marvel was from the ground looking up (and not vice versa). Although you can ride the glass elevator up to see the spectacular views from the Observatory at the top. You can also learn more about the tower during a guided tour which includes a tour of Olympic Stadium.

Free Things to do in Montreal

Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)

Mount Royal Park is Montreal’s mountain in the middle of the city. In this almost 4 mile area lay the most beautiful and engaging park in all of Montreal. There’s tube sledding, cross country ski trails, and an ice skating rink in the winter. Playgrounds, walking paths, and shaded places for picnics and barbecues during in the summer. Mount Royal Park has it all with lots of family things to do in Montreal, Canada.

You can access this park by climbing the insanely long staircase (which we did, but when leaving and going down, which was much easier). Or you can walk the Olmsted Trail up (which gradually inclines) or take a bus which conveniently drops you off near the Chalet at the top. There are a few iconic spots even within Mount Royal Park that you don’t want to miss. 

There’s the Mount Royal Cross which is perched at the top so high that it can be seen miles away (well into the city). The Chalet which is also at the top. It’s not only a concession area and ice cream parlor, but also a deck that allows you to have the most insane panoramic views of Montreal. Not only downtown, but all the way to the St. Lawrence River and beyond. 

Barbie Expo

Thanks to the blockbuster movie, Barbie is having a major moment, and Barbie Expo, (which was created long before this current Barbie craze), is the perfect stop for every Barbie fan. There are over 1000 Barbie dolls on display – but these are not the department store dolls you’re used to – what makes the Expo so special is that it is as much about fashion as it is the doll herself.

There are Barbies decked out in haute couture from some of the most notable fashion houses: Dior, Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang (there’s an entire bridal wear section), Oscar De La Renta, Carolina Herrera, Zac Posen, and more. There are even dolls dressed in classic outfits from celebrities past and present (think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

The Montréal Expo is the largest permanent exhibit of Barbie in the whole world, and admission is free- you can’t beat it.

Parc Jarry

The one thing that was so beautiful about Montreal was how many beautiful parks and green spaces there were scattered throughout this historic and bustling city. Now while there are plenty of parks to choose from, if you have kids, this is definitely a must for your list of family things to do in Montreal.

In this almost 90 acre park, you will lose count of the number of family friendly activities there are to do here. During the summer time, the swimming pool and wading pool are open and free to the public. During the winter time, you’ll find hockey rinks, ice skating rinks, places for sledding, ski trails, and more. And all year round, there is a large playground, skate park, and tons of beautiful trails and walkways to enjoy the surroundings.

Parc Jarry can be easily accessed by 2 different metro stops on either side of the park, or is within walking distance from the Jean Talon Market and Little Italy.

St. Joseph’s Oratory (L’Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal)

Nearby to Mount Royal Park and also settled high above the city is St. Joseph’s Oratory. The small chapel on the property was the first to be built back in 1904. Since then the property has grown exponentially with the basilica we now visit being finished in 1956. Inside this exquisite church, is one of the most prestigious grand pipe organ’s in the world. There’s even a second organ located in the crypt church below. You can listen to these beautiful organs being played after prayers and masses which are held throughout the week or during special concerts and celebrations. 

Inside you can also visit a free museum dedicated to the founder of St. Joseph’s Oratory, Brother Andre. There is also a paid art and heritage museum ($3) inside as well. Just outside the basilica on the steps of St. Joseph’s Oratory is another panoramic view of the beautiful city of Montreal. Or another free thing to do in Montreal is visiting the beautiful grounds surrounding this property. Walk the Garden of the Way of the Cross or visit the beautiful flowerbeds seen at the base of the main staircase entrance. 

St. Joseph’s Oratory is easily accessed via bus stop at the base of the basilica or via nearby metro station, Snowdon.

Jean Talon Market (Marche Jean-Talon)

At Jean Talon Market, you can take a leisurely stroll through one of the largest open air markets in all of North America. While this may start out as one of your free things to do in Montreal, it may soon become one of the most expensive. Once you see all the vibrant colors of the fresh fruit and produce, smell the scent of the freshly baked goods and blooming flowers, or even check out all the cheeses, meats, or fresh fish, it’ll be hard not to walk away with something. 

At the front of the market, you’ll find all different types of food vendors including one with gluten free crepes which you can find in my Gluten Free in Montreal guide. There’s also picnic benches to sit and enjoy your recent findings in the market. While there are no walls to this market, it is about 90% covered, so even if it’s a rainy day, you can still enjoy walking around and through here. 

Montreal Eaton Centre and Montreal’s Underground City

In much simpler terms, it’s a mall. But a mall wouldn’t typically make it on my list as one of the fun family things to do in Montreal. Although Montreal’s Eaton Centre is so much more than just a mall. Yes, it does have 4 levels of shopping and eateries. Inside the building is also a beautiful architectural sight to behold. But Montreal’s Eaton Centre is different in that 2 of those levels are underground. There’s the street level of the Eaton Centre and then one level up of shopping and dining. 

Below that though, there’s the metro level and tunnel level. Those levels connect to the 20 miles that is considered Montreal’s Underground City. This is also why, there’s really no bad time to visit Montreal. Montreal’s Underground City allows you to avoid the elements whether that be the scorching sun or the cold snowy winter. Underground City connects hotels, shopping plazas, office buildings, and schools and is accessible at a number of transportation access locations throughout the city. You can safely visit multiple iconic Montreal activities all accessed via this underground network.

Bonsecours Market (Marche Bonsecours)

With it’s impressive silver dome, the Bonsecours Market building has come to be synonymous with the Old Montréal skyline. The Bonsecours Market building has also been heralded as one of top 10 best heritage buildings throughout all of Canada. With 3 levels inside, this is a great stop for locally made crafts. With high end clothing boutiques and art galleries, as well as multiple trinket shops and restaurants, Bonsecours Market is a bustling place. There are festivals and exhibits that get held throughout the year, so you may even find one of those happening during your visit.

Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel

Right next door to the Bonsecours Market, is the Notre Dame de Bon Secours Chapel. Built in the 1770’s, this is Montréal’s oldest chapel and quite a stop in history. A visit inside the chapel is free, although a donation is recommended. With the candlelit ships hanging from the ceiling, the beautiful artistry on the ceiling, the pipe organ, and the stained glass windows flanking either side of the chapel, a visit here is quite a sight to behold. 

If you are wanting to visit the museum and archaeological site then there are admission fees to purchase. Although it might be worth it for what you can see. Below the current chapel which was erected in 1771 is the foundation of the original chapel built back in 1675. Although it was destroyed by a fire in 1709, in a dig almost 30 years ago archaeologist were able to find the remnants of ancient Montreal which now you can see too. Admission not only gets you below ground, but also up to the museum, and the tower lookout which gives you panoramic view of the Old Port.  

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral

Right in the heart of downtown Montreal on the bustling Rene-Levesque Boulevard, you’ll find Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. With ornate statues adorning the outside and the inside of the church being designing similarly to St. Peter’s Basilica in Italy, this is another beautiful free stop in Montreal. Whether just admiring the architectural beauty on the outside or inside, or stopping just for a moment of peace and contemplation, this is a church worth mentioning.

Parc Jean-Drapeau

Located on St. Helen’s Island is Parc Jean Drapeau. Similarly to Mont Royal Park and Parc Jarry, there is a plethora of things to do here. Many of the activities you’ll find at this island park are free, like the art instillations, flower gardens, hiking and biking trails, as well as the picnic areas. You can also find paid activities here to do, like the inflatable water activities at Jean-Dore Beach, rental of a canoe, pedal boat, SUP (stand up paddle-boards) or kayak, or you can even take a guided tour on one of the above. Additionally there is a swimming complex, and a beach. Needless to say, Montreal knows how to take advantage of the great outdoors and Parc Jean-Drapeau is just one of the many beautiful places to do just that.

Things to do in Downtown Montreal

Montréal Museum of Fine Arts

The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is in the heart of downtown, sandwiched between two of the city’s most important schools: Concordia University and University of Montréal. The vibrant love of art and education is palpable as you walk the neighborhood. The building itself is stunning; a glorious juxtaposition of old and new, and inside; the museum houses over 47, 000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations.

Some of the most popular sections include the Pop of Life collection, featuring iconic works of pop art that have rarely been shown publicly, the Contemporary Art collection which focuses on abstract works of minimalism and multimedia; and of course, the sculpture garden is not to be missed. At the time of this writing there is an incredible Georgia O’Keefe and Henry Moore exhibit on (now until June 2, 2024), check the MMFA’s website before you go, as new exhibitions are added all the time.

Guided tours are available of course, and make sure you take some time to view the Canadian and Quebec art, which features some incredible work by Inuit and Native American artists. 

Bell Centre (Centre Bell)

• Cost: Adults $22, Seniors (65+) and Students (12-17) $16, Children (5-11) $13, Kids 4 and under are Free. Family packages are also offered for $55 which includes 2 adults and up to 3 children or students.
• Hours: During summer: Monday through Friday 12pm to 6pm. During hockey season (September to April) Monday through Saturday 12pm to 6pm. No tours are given if there is a concert being held. Dressing rooms are excluded from tour if hockey team is playing.
  • Tour lasts about one hour.

Nothing is more synonymous with Canada than ice hockey. And the Bell Centre is home to the famous ice hockey team the Montreal Canadians. If you are here during their ice hockey season which runs from September to April, then be sure to snag tickets to catch these famous players. If not, you can catch one of the many concerts or other events that are hosted here. You can even take a guided tour of the Bell Centre through all the places normally off limits to the public like the dressing rooms, press conference rooms, and more. 

McCord Stewart Museum

Just down the street from the MMFA, and right near Montréal’s famed McGill University, sits the McCord Stewart Museum. Lesser known than the MMFA, McCord Stewart is smaller and less busy, but equally as beautiful. The museum features Indigenous Voices of Today, a very impactful permanent exhibition, and is best known for its Dress Fashion and Textiles collection which includes 27, 000 garments and accessories from the past three hundred years made or made fashionable in Montréal. The collection feels like time traveling, in the coolest way; seeing how men, women and children dressed centuries ago helps put the age we live in, in perspective. 

Museum of Contemporary Art (Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal)

Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal (or MAC as it’s called by locals) is Montréal’s contemporary art museum, just a few blocks away from McCord Stewart. This museum is extremely family friendly and offers workshops for families on weekends. MAC encourages children and parents to learn about and appreciate art alongside each other with a hands-on art making activity.

The workshop needs to be booked ahead of time but there are spots all summer long and would make the perfect way to spend a Saturday morning while touring the city. You may think that you don’t understand contemporary art, but MAC has made it their goal to change your mind. Guided tours are available, and docents will open your eyes to the magic of contemporary art. 

Things to do in Old Montreal or Old Port of Montreal

Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History

The Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History has over 27,000 ethnohistoric objects to see from sculptures, documents, tools, and musical instruments. The highlight of the museum currently is the permanent exhibition “Come Aboard! Pirates or Privateers?” which includes a giant ship that children can climb aboard and learn about the lives of the first European explorers to traverse the St Lawrence River.

Children will learn what the privateers ate, their hygiene, how hard life on the wild seas could be, and even play a game with the ship’s rats. The interactive exhibit features Blackbeard, Black Bart and Mary Read- the famous female pirate. 

If you can, plan your visit to the museum around lunch or a snack break; as it is home to an incredible restaurant; Bistro L’Arrivage. The bistro has a gorgeous view of the waterfront and bright floor to ceiling windows, making it a perfect choice to rest and grab a bite. 

Montréal Science Center

The most family friendly destination of all the museums, the Montréal Science Center is family friendly for children of all ages, and so much fun. Mini Mondo is a popular permanent exhibit where children explore an interactive world (fun fact: this section includes a nursing room and giant family washroom as well, perfect for little ones).

Life sized science is an exhibit so cool it has won awards, including “best exhibition in a large institution”. Kids will love this highly interactive space focusing on motion, air, light, water, and math. Even cooler than Life Sized Science, is Fabrik which challenges visitors to build solutions to technological problems from a selection of random odds and ends. Imagine if Top Chef was a science show, and each contestant had a box of random objects to solve a problem . . . THAT is Fabrik. A place to think, create, and to be challenged, but most of all, to have fun.

The only drawback to this specific exhibit is that it is for visitors 8 years and older. Last but not least, enjoy the Imax theater with its screen as tall as a 7-story building, and daily showings of family friendly and educational films. 

Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal)

• Cost: Adults $16, Seniors (65+) $15, Students (17-22) $14, Children (6-16) $10, Ages 5 and under are free. They also offer a family rate of $40 for a total of 2 adult and 2 children's tickets
• Hours: Saturdays 9am to 4pm and Sundays 12:30pm to 4pm
  • High Season (March to November) Monday through Fridays 9am to 4:30pm
  • Low Season (December to March) Monday through Fridays 10am to 4:30pm
  • Check the website as these days and times can change throughout the year for different events and special services.

As you make your way down towards the St. Lawrence River, you’ll come to whats known as Old Montréal or Old Port of Montreal. Here you’ll find the beautiful and historic Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. Designed after the infamous Notre Dame in Paris, France.

With admission, you can take a self-guided tour past 24 different information stands located throughout the basilica. View all the exquisite details such as the stained glass window, the pipe organ, the paintings, the sculptures, and all the extraordinary architectural details. 

The self-guided tour takes about an hour, but you are at your leisure to enjoy the inside of this magnificent basilica. 

The Aura Experience

• Cost: Adults $35, Seniors $30, Students $29, Children $20, Ages 5 and under are free. They also offer family rates of $95 for 2 adults and 2 children or $80 for 2 adults and 1 child.
• Hours: Saturdays 7pm or 9pm, Monday through Friday either only 6pm or both 6pm or 8pm. Check calendar when buying tickets to see what is available. No offerings on Sundays.

With a different admission ticket, you can come back to the Notre Dame Basilica at night for the Aura Experience. During this 45 minute show, you’ll get a visual and musical spectacle display via light show cast along every inch of the interior of the basilica. The Aura Experience has won numerous awards and is an immersive experience that makes every seat the best seat in the house. 

La Grande Roue de Montreal

• Cost: Adults (Ages 18-64) $26.50, Seniors (65+) and Students $22.50, Teenagers (Ages 10-17) $20, Children (Ages 5-9) $15, Ages 4 and under are free
• Hours: Open everyday from 10am to 11pm

La Grande Roue de Montreal is the observation wheel (or ferris wheel) located at the Old Port of Montreal. Whether you ride in the daytime or in the nighttime, from the top of this almost 200 story ferris wheel, you get spectacular views of Montreal’s city skyline and most especially the St. Lawrence River. With the ride lasting about 15 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to take tons of Instagram worthy photos. Each of the 42 climate controlled cabins can hold up to 8 people, so definitely a great family friendly activity. In each of the cabins, there are tablets giving you valuable information about the different areas of Montreal you see. After you are finished with your ride, you can visit the little bistro cafe on site for some sandwiches, danishes, fruit drinks, or coffee.

St. Lawrence River

Montreal is situated on an island with half of the city on the side of the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence River is one of the longest rivers in all of North America at almost 750 miles in length. In it’s hay day, the St. Lawrence River was a means for exploration and discovery by the early settlers, now it’s not only used for tourism, but also as a means for transportation and electricity.

By going on a river cruise or river excursion, you'll get an uninhibited view of Montreal like none other. Not only will you get views of the Old Port of Montreal and the Clock Tower, but also of St. Helen’s Island. St. Helen’s Island is home to Six Flags (La Ronde) as well as the Montreal Biosphere. On your river cruise, you’ll learn about the history of St. Lawrence River and the surrounding area, it’s not to be missed.

Museum of Illusions

Picture a classy funhouse with a French-Canadian twist. The result: is the Museum of Illusions. Rooms such as the tilted room or the vortex tunnel bend reality, and challenge your senses, and, of course, provide some very Instagram-worthy photo ops! Even more social media opportunities exist when you explore the museums installations – including one where you can take a picture of your head on a platter resulting in lots of laughs and maybe a new profile pic. This is a museum that does not take itself too seriously and is just pure fun. A promising idea if you have some non-museum lovers in your group. 

OASIS immersion

It is almost impossible to put the experience of OASIS immersion into words. It really is an experience like no other and must be felt for yourself. And I do mean felt. It’s not just an experience for the senses, but you will feel it deep in your heart.  In short, OASIS is more than a museum, or a gallery, it is more than anything you have ever done before. It is a fully immersive, full sensory experience where you are completely immersed in an experience that is larger than-than-life. Every inch of space, the floor, ceiling, walls, everything - is lights, colors, sound, and story.

It’s not just looking at art, it is being one with art. It feels like you are inside the painting. Or inside the heart of the painter. Currently there are two exhibitions on: Root for Nature and Dreaming Asia. Both are astounding, but I truly believe no matter what the exhibition is when you are there, it will be a truly indescribable experience that you won’t soon forget, much like Montréal itself.

Montreal Zipline

• Cost: Ages 13+ $19, Ages 12 and under $16
• Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm
• Must weigh a minimum of 50 lbs and a maximum of 250 lbs.

While I personally didn’t get to do the Montreal zipline while we were there, you know I love a good zipline experience. You can read about the one we did at Massanutten Resort in Virginia, and a blog post coming soon with the one we did at Brevard Zoo in Florida. The Montreal zipline is located right at the Old Port of Montreal in front of the Bonsecours Market building. The zipline takes you from the stand at the Old Port 1,200 feet over the water to it’s ending destination on a small island. Just another fun family things to do in Montreal.

Voiles en Voiles (Sail to Sail)

• Cost: See website for costs depending on what parts of the park you want to visit. They also have special family packages available as well which offer a little discount from the per person pricing. 
• Hours: Open April to October. See website for specific dates and hours as this changes.

Right next door to the Montreal zipline at the Old Port of Montreal is Voiles en Voiles which means sail to sail. At this pirate ship is a fun adventure for the whole family with tons of family activities. There’s 8 different aerial ropes courses which range from beginner, intermediate, to expert levels. You can also find a carousel, archery area, inflatable bounce houses and games, a zipline, and multiple rock climbing walls. As a family, you can do an escape mission or even visit a 3-D movie with roller coaster like moving seats. With the different sections having timed tickets, this is still likely only to be a half day activity spending anywhere from 1 to 4 hours here. 

Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site

• Cost: Adults $4.50, Seniors (65+) $4, Youth 17 and under are Free
• Hours: During summer season (mid-June to September), open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm (with a few scattered Monday holidays). During fall season (September to October) and winter season (December till just prior to Christmas), open on Saturday and Sunday only from 10am to 5pm. Closed the entire month of November and from just prior to Christmas till mid-June.

As an avid Jane Austen fan, I loved seeing the Victorian style interior at the Sir George Cartier National Historic Site. For a small admission fee, this was a cute and educational stop. The site is located only a couple of blocks away from the Old Port. Once inside, you can do a self-guided tour or you can ask for a guided tour (for no additional charge). With a guide, you can learn even more and ask any questions you may have. 

This Victorian house has an east and west wing, on one you can see the home presented as it would have been in it’s hay day of 1848. On the other side is where you’ll see interactive exhibits and learning stations featuring what life in Old Montreal (Canada’s capital at the time) was like. You can also download the Parks Canada app for another self-guided tour of Old Montreal through the focus of Sir Cartier’s life. 

Have you been to Montréal before? What did you like best? If not, what do you think you’d be most interested to see when you go? Or connect with me on social media and let me know.

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