9 Must-Do Free Activities in Montréal

One of North America’s most vibrant cities, Montréal boasts museums filled with treasures, a lively music scene, and grand churches rich in hidden histories.

Moreover, several of the city’s top attractions are entirely free. Here is a guide to the most noteworthy free sights and activities in Montréal.

1. Let curiosity be your guide at the Redpath Museum

Nestled along a path within McGill University’s campus, the Redpath Museum exudes the charm of 19th-century discovery. Established in 1882, this historic edifice showcases collections from Sir William Dawson, featuring display cases filled with billion-year-old fossils, Neanderthal skulls, Ptolemaic mummies, and taxidermy specimens of extinct species. Curiosities await around every corner—be sure to view the handwritten correspondence from Charles Darwin.

Planning tip: Collect a scavenger hunt sheet to challenge yourself in locating some of the Redpath’s remarkable exhibits.

2. Join percussionists at Les Tams-Tams du Mont-Royal

On Sundays in the summer, the grassy area at the base of Mont Royal attracts drummers, dancers, and picnickers for a spirited jam session. The festivities commence around noon and continue nearly until sunset, situated near the statue of Sir George-Étienne Cartier in the Plateau neighborhood. Participation is open to all.

3. Hit the trail on Mont-Royal

Before or after attending the tam-tam gathering, you may wish to don your hiking boots or sneakers to traverse the wooded paths of Parc du Mont-Royal. Affectionately referred to as la montagne (the mountain) by locals, the 200-hectare (494 acres) park serves as a green haven within the city.

Additionally, it is a year-round recreational location. The well-marked walking routes welcome hikers during the summer months and cross-country skiers in the winter, and any time is ideal for reaching the Belvédère Kondiaronk for stunning views of the city.

4. Go ice skating on Parc La Fontaine

As winter settles in, Montréaliers remain active rather than retreating indoors. They embrace the colder season by engaging in activities such as skating, snowshoeing, and skiing. Several neighborhood parks feature free skating rinks in winter, including the scenic Parc La Fontaine.

After gliding on the frozen surface, you can enjoy warming beverages at Robin des Bois, which overlooks the rink. Rental skates are also available.

Planning tip: Consider turning your need for skates into a shopping venture. Seek out a secondhand pair at thrift stores, such as the three-story Eva B on St-Laurent Blvd.

5. Delve into the past through cinematic projections around town

On select evenings throughout the year, the walls and streets of Montréal transform into a canvas for vibrant projections that illuminate the past. Known as Montréal en Histoires, these displays occur at numerous locations and encompass themes of history, culture, and mythology, from Algonquin creation stories to the groundbreaking Expo 67.

Furthermore, projections pay tribute to some of Montréal’s renowned figures: social advocate Marguerite d’Youville, philanthropist Joe Beef, songwriter Leonard Cohen, and hockey legend Maurice Richard, among others.

Planning tip: Download the free Montréal en Histoires app to navigate the circuit and access audio guides (available in French, English, or Spanish).

6. Take a free walking tour of Old Montréal

For a comprehensive understanding of the city’s rich history, participate in a walking tour that explores historic sites in Old Montréal. Guides ensure an engaging experience while you discover what life was like for sailors, nuns, soldiers, aristocrats, and various others who have influenced the community over the centuries. Participation is complimentary, but it is advisable to reserve a space in advance, and gratuities are appreciated at the conclusion of the tour.

7. See contemporary art at the Belgo

Residing in a building established in 1912 which once housed one of Montréal’s pioneer department stores, the Édifice Belgo has undergone numerous transformations in the past century. Presently, it is primarily recognized for its several galleries located across four floors.

These galleries welcome visitors free of charge and are typically open from Wednesday to Saturday, from approximately noon to 5pm, except during vernissages (gallery openings) on selected evenings when art enthusiasts gather to view new works while enjoying complimentary wine. Check here for a list of galleries and current events.

8. Light a candle in the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

Constructed in 1741, this exquisitely designed chapel offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of Old Montréal. History can be found in unexpected places in this oldest chapel of Montréal, which is built above an even earlier place of worship established in the 1650s.

Pay attention to the statue of the Mother of God on the left side, which remained unharmed when the original chapel succumbed to fire in 1754. Look upwards to see small sailing vessels suspended overhead. These votives were dedicated in gratitude for safe travels, earning the chapel its alternate name: the Sailors’ Church. More information is available during a self-guided tour via smartphone.

9. Take in views over the city from atop the Oratoire St-Joseph

The largest shrine dedicated to Jesus’ earthly father has long attracted devoted Catholics, some of whom ascend its 99 steps on their knees. Regardless of whether you arrive on foot, knee, or via escalator, the effort to reach this magnificent structure located in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood is undeniably worthwhile.

Make your way to the third level for extensive views stretching across the northwest sector of Montréal, and subsequently descend to the crypt where hundreds of candles flicker over the tomb of Saint André. Once a humble monk, Brother André envisioned the oratory back in 1904, and some credit him with miracles. Notably, while his heart is not interred in the tomb, it can be found on the fourth floor in a reliquary.

This article was originally published on August 13, 2019, and updated on September 18, 2023.