11 Entirely Free Things to do in Montreal, Canada

I have traveled a lot around our little world and some cities felt very comfortable, like a favorite cuddle up sweater. But I always make my way back to Montreal, my home. In my opinion, it is a vibrant city filled with Joie de Vivre and so much culture. Festivals abound, great shows, fine food. There is always something going on. So leave your wallet at home – well bring it in case you want to buy a bagel or a smoked meat sandwich – and enjoy all the free activities the city has to offer. Here are my 11 favorite awesome free things to do in Montreal, Canada!

Wander around the Old Port of Montreal

Nothing beat spending a beautiful day just exploring the Old Port of Montreal. Walking along the waterfront is magical. Check out the urban beach, admire the boats in the marina, see the cruise ships about to set sail and admire the magnificent Jacques Cartier Bridge from the clock tower. Then meander back through the narrow streets, it is the closest to being in Europe in all of the Americas.

Discover Montreal’s past at night with Cité Mémoire’s light show

Download the app and turn on your wifi once the sun has set in Old Montreal. Follow a chosen walking trail that will lead you to outdoor video installations and read about the famous moments the shaped the city’s history.

Notre-Dame Basilica, of a higher caliber than Europe’s basilicas?

You will be in amazed by the sheer size of the Notre-Dame Basilica from the outside and your jaw will drop when you see the stunning architecture and religious art inside the basilica. Although it is not free during normal visiting hours, you can get a free glimpse by attending Sunday mass instead.

Dance your Sundays away at the Tam Tams

You can explore Mont-Royal park any day of the week of course and explore all the trails and belvederes. But my favorite time to go is on summer Sundays by the George-Étienne Cartier Monument where hundreds of drummers and crafters gather for an all-day drum session.

Visit Oratoire St-Joseph, Canada’s largest church

Even if you are not religious, a pilgrimage to the Oratoire St-Joseph is a must. Claiming to have one of the biggest domes in the world, the basilica is the largest shrine in the world dedicated to Saint Joseph and is visited by pilgrims to pay respect to its founder, Saint Brother André.

The view of the city atop the tall staircase (which some pilgrims climb on their knees) is breathtaking.

Urban art at it’s best in the Plateau

The Plateau is a gentrified bohemian neighborhood filled with fun shops, café, and restaurants. But it is also home to over 100 full-scale murals.

You will find them on Saint-Laurent street, in the web of local streets adjacent, as well as in the hidden back alleys. Try to visit during the Festival Mural and watch the artist at work for the year’s new urban art crop. While you are there, grab a Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich.

Montreal, the city of festivals

I think during the summer there is at any given time at least two festivals going one at the same time. Many of them include lots of free outdoor programming.

Check out the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival, Les FrancoFolies, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, the FestiBlues International de Montréal, the Montreal First Peoples’ Festival, and Montreal Pride Festival, just to name a few.

The sky alight at the Montreal International Fireworks Competition

Montreal hosts every summer the International Fireworks Competition over several weeks. To get the prime seats you will have to shell out some bucks.

Or be savvy like a local and admire the light show for free from either the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, under the bridge on de Lorimier at Viger and Notre Dame, by the Clock Tower in Old Montreal, or at the summit of Mont-Royal park.

Sample local specialities at the Jean-Talon market

Montreal is home to several farmer’s markets but the queen bee of them all is Jean-Talon Market. One will find stores open year round and close to 300 farmer’s stands in late spring, summer, and fall.

Many stalls offer samples but if you are looking to splurge on your foodie’s tooth, this should be your main destination. If you can’t go to the Plateau for a Montreal bagel, you’ll find some here as well.

Playing art critic at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Some of the best art exhibitions come through the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and they do come with a price, but the permanent exhibitions, which are just as fantastic, are always free.

Delving into Montreal’s history at the McCord Museum

Home to 1.4 million objects and artefacts related to Montreal and Quebec’s history, the McCord Museum offers free admission on Wednesday nights from 5 to 9 pm to its permanent exhibitions.

BEST CHEAP PLACES TO STAY IN MONTREAL, CANADA

This is the ultimate list of the best cheap hotels in Old Montreal. If you’re visiting Montreal on a budget, these are the best places to stay that provide great value for money!

Hotel Épik Montréal

This exquisite hotel features beautifully decorated interiors that complement the historic building that they are housed within. All rooms in this boutique hotel feature a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, hairdryer, and toiletries. An awesome breakfast is also included, daily. But holidaying in a gorgeous hotel in the centre of Old Montreal isn’t the only reason you should stay at Hotel Epik Montreal… The staff specialise in pampering you and will surprise you by parking your car, moving your luggage around the hotel and adhering to your every need. This hotel is fantastic quality for the price and is set on the prettiest block in Old Montreal, it truly is worth the money.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Vieux-Montréal

How do you like the sound of an entire condo to yourself for the price of a hotel room? SpringHill Suites features roomy, clean and modern interiors and each apartment is fully equipped with a kitchenette, work station, air conditioning, free WiFi and some rooms have a balcony. The delicious buffet breakfast of hot and cold foods is included and keeps you going throughout the day. There’s also valet parking and a full-service spa on site. The hotel gets an ‘A’ for location, nestled in the centre of Old Montreal, within walking distance of most attractions.

Auberge Saint-Paul Old Montreal

For those of you after the hostel vibes (and prices), Auberge Saint-Paul provides exceptional value for money. Rooms are bright, clean and modern and if you can nab one of the private rooms with views of the Bonsecours Market, you’re in luck because they are amongst the cheapest accommodation in Old Montreal. Dorm rooms include lockers, towels and linens and there’s free WiFi throughout. An adequate buffet breakfast is included in the price and the general areas make this hostel a great place to meet people and hang out. It’s located right in the middle of everything, close to the Old Port, Montreal Notre-Dame Basilica and Château Ramezay.

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