Free Sights and Activities in Montréal
One of North America’s most dynamic cities, Montréal has treasure-filled museums, a vibrant music scene, and grand churches full of secret histories. Best of all, some of the city’s finest attractions won’t cost you a dime. Here’s our guide to the best free sights and activities in Montréal.
1. Let Curiosity Be Your Guide at the Redpath Museum
Tucked down a lane on the campus of McGill University, the Redpath Museum has an air of 19th-century discovery. Dating back to 1882, the historic building houses collections with display cases of billion-year-old fossils, Neanderthal skulls, Ptolemaic mummies, and taxidermy animals that no longer walk the earth. Curiosities lurk in every corner – don’t miss the handwritten letter from Charles Darwin.
Planning tip: You can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet and challenge yourself to track down some of the Redpath’s wonders.
2. Join Percussionists at Les Tams-Tams du Mont-Royal
On Sundays during the summer, the grassy expanse at the foot of Mont Royal gathers drummers, dancers, and picnickers out to enjoy a free-spirited jam session. The action kicks off around noon and lasts nearly until sunset on the edge of the Plateau neighborhood near the statue of Sir George-Étienne Cartier. All are welcome.
3. Hit the Trail on Mont-Royal
Before or after (or instead of) going to the Tam-Tam jam fest, you can lace up your hiking boots or sneakers and take a walk along the wooded paths of Parc du Mont-Royal. Known to locals as simply la montagne (the mountain), the 200-hectare (494 acres) park is a verdant oasis in the city.
Moreover, it’s a year-round destination. The well-marked walking trails host hikers in the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter, and there’s no bad time to step up to the Belvédère Kondiaronk and enjoy mesmerizing views over the city.
4. Go Ice Skating on Parc La Fontaine
When cold weather arrives, Montréalers don’t hibernate. Instead, they embrace the wintery season and head out for skating, snowshoeing, and skiing. Many neighborhood parks have a free skating rink in winter, including the lovely Parc La Fontaine.
After gliding around on a frozen pond, you can warm up over steaming drinks at local cafés overlooking the action. If you don’t have skates, rentals are available.
Planning tip: Why not turn your need for skates into a shopping trip? Hunt for a secondhand pair at a thrift shop.
5. Delve into the Past through Cinematic Projections Around Town
On various evenings throughout the year, the walls and streets of Montréal become the backdrop to vibrant projections that bring the past to life. These tableaux happen at numerous locations and touch on history, culture, and mythology, from Algonquin creation stories to the groundbreaking Expo 67.
Projections also pay homage to some of Montréal’s iconic figures like nun and social advocate Marguerite d’Youville, Irish philanthropist Joe Beef, and songwriter Leonard Cohen.
6. Take a Free Walking Tour of Old Montréal
For insight into the city’s many layers of history, consider joining a walking tour that takes you to historic spots in Old Montréal. Guides keep things lively as you learn about life for sailors, nuns, soldiers, and aristocrats who shaped civic life over the centuries. Although the tour is free, it’s customary to tip the guide at the end.
7. See Contemporary Art at the Belgo
Set in a 1912 building that housed one of Montréal’s first department stores, the Édifice Belgo has undergone many transformations over the past century. It’s currently known for several galleries spread over four floors, all of which are free to visit and generally open from Wednesday to Saturday from about noon to 5pm.
Check local resources for a list of galleries and the latest events.
8. Light a Candle in the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours
Built in 1741, this beautifully designed chapel makes a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of Old Montréal. History is nestled in surprising places in Montréal’s oldest chapel, which lies atop a house of worship built in the 1650s.
Note the statue of the Mother of God and the tiny sailing ships hanging overhead, which are dedicated to safe voyages. You can learn more during a self-guided tour via smartphone.
9. Take in Views over the City from atop the Oratoire St-Joseph
The largest shrine ever built to Jesus’s earthly father has long been a draw for devoted visitors. It’s worth the effort to reach this magnificent structure tucked away in Côte-des-Neiges.
Head to level three for sweeping views over a vast expanse of northwest Montréal, and explore the crypt with hundreds of flickering candles.
This article has been updated to reflect the latest attractions and tips for exploring Montréal.
