What to Do at the Old Port of Montreal: Top Activities to Try

Wondering what to do in Old Montreal? Bungee jump from the top of the tower, soar over the quays on a zipline, play mini-golf by the water, or stroll along the river. Adrenaline, relaxation, culture and treats sit side by side at the Old Port.

A single Old Montreal activity will never sum up the day waiting for you here. Picture it. Along the St. Lawrence River, in the heart of the historic district, the Old Port stretches into a playground where thrills meet laid-back moments by the water.

It is one of the liveliest corners of the city. People come to climb, glide, pedal, eat, or simply watch the current slip past the old stone quays. Families, couples, groups of friends: everyone finds their own rhythm.

Want pure adrenaline in the morning and a floating spa by late afternoon? You can have both without leaving the neighbourhood.

Here are the best things to do in Old Montreal, from the most vertiginous to the most relaxing, to build the day that suits you.

Old Montreal and Its Old Port: Where to Start

The Old Port packs dozens of experiences for every taste and budget onto a few quays. The site borders the river and extends the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal right down to the water. You can walk it in minutes. From one quay to the next, you go from a heart-pounding bungee jump to a quiet walk facing the current.

Our tip? Start with the active attractions in the morning, when energy is at its peak, then save the gentler activities for later. The area is open year-round, but the warm season turns the quays into a true open-air hub. Keep one thing in mind: here, you do not have to choose between thrills and relaxation. You can have both in the same day.

Bungee Jumping at the Top of the Old Port

Montreal Bungee is the highest urban bungee jump in Canada, at 210 feet (64 meters) above the Old Port. Ready to defy gravity? From the top of the tower, the panoramic view sweeps across the river, the rooftops of Old Montreal, and the downtown skyline. The adrenaline climbs with every step up. Then you leap.

It is an activity for the curious and die-hard thrill-seekers alike, open to a wide audience. Rest assured: a friendly, professional team guides you from start to finish in a safe environment. Ready to experience it? Book your bungee jump and take the plunge over the quays.

Soaring Over the Quays on the MTL Zipline

The MTL Zipline sends you gliding through the air above the Old Port for a one-of-a-kind view over the river. It is a rush. This is the perfect option to taste aerial thrills without leaping off a tower.

The angle is unique: you race above the water and the quays, the water rushing beneath your feet. Families, groups of friends and couples chasing shared thrills all love it.

It is an Old Port activity that pairs beautifully with a morning of adrenaline and rounds out a bungee jump. To add this flight to your day, discover the Old Port zipline and see Montreal from a whole new angle.

A Round of Mini-Golf by the River

Mini-Putt Montréal offers a mini-golf course right by the water, the gentle activity you want after a dose of adrenaline. The setting? The quays and the river right in front of you. It is the perfect antidote to a bungee jump or a zipline ride: you slow down, you laugh, you compete with friends.

The waterfront setting makes it a break that is as relaxing as it is playful. Families with kids, couples, and groups who want to catch their breath: everyone finds their pace. Looking for an easygoing activity to wrap up a full day in Old Montreal? Discover the Old Port mini-golf and end your outing on a high note.

Treating Yourself at MTL Delights

MTL Delights brings together gourmet food kiosks at the Old Port, perfect for a street-food break between two activities. Sweet or savoury, the choice is yours. The quayside atmosphere adds to the experience: you eat facing the St. Lawrence River, in the open air, with no fuss.

The quick, grab-and-go format suits busy families as much as groups looking to recharge before the next adventure. It is a tasty stop that fits naturally into a day of sightseeing in Old Montreal.

A little hungry between the bungee and the zipline? Stop by MTL Delights, then head back out to explore the rest of the area. Because Old Montreal still has plenty to offer.

Rising Up in the Montreal Observation Wheel

The Montreal Observation Wheel (La Grande Roue) offers a 360-degree view over the river, Old Montreal, and downtown from enclosed cabins open year-round. It is the family attraction of the Old Port. Young and old look up, then rise gently above the quays.

The panorama shifts with every turn of the wheel. Photographers love it: the light on the water and the historic buildings make for memorable shots. Since the cabins are enclosed and comfortable, the experience stays pleasant even outside the summer season.

Couples after a quiet moment, families with young children, and visitors who want to take in the whole landscape at a glance: the wheel pleases everyone, with no effort and no vertigo.

Unwinding at the Bota Bota Floating Spa

Bota Bota is a Nordic spa set on a boat moored at the Old Port, with a water circuit and a view of the river. A spa that floats, right in the city. The idea alone is tempting. After a morning of thrills, the contrast is complete: you go from the adrenaline of the jump to total relaxation, rocked by the gentle current.

The urban floating spa concept stays rare, and that is exactly what makes it a standout experience in the heart of Old Montreal. The spot is mainly for adults seeking calm and relaxation. Jumped, glided and walked all day? This is the perfect reward for tired muscles and a mind in need of rest, out on the water.

Exploring the Montreal Science Centre

The Montreal Science Centre offers interactive exhibitions and a big-screen cinema, right on the Old Port quays. It is the perfect plan on a rainy day. Indoors, you touch, you test, and you have fun while learning. Families with children easily spend several hours here, especially when the sky turns grey.

The programming evolves throughout the year, with exhibitions that change regularly: there is almost always something new to discover. It is an indoor activity that nicely balances a day spent outside on the quays.

Want to keep the kids busy regardless of the weather? The Science Centre answers the question, steps from the waterfront and the other Old Montreal attractions.

Sailing the St. Lawrence on a River Cruise

Several river cruises and a water shuttle depart from the Old Port to show you Montreal from the water. Changing your angle changes everything. From the deck of a boat, Old Montreal and its skyline reveal themselves in a new light, carried by the current of the St. Lawrence. It is the dream activity for visitors who want a different view of the city, families on an outing, or couples after a romantic moment on the water.

Note: Sailing is mostly concentrated during the warm season, when the quays come alive. Already explored the Old Port on foot? Head out on the water for a few hours and rediscover the city from the river where it was born.

Strolling the Quays on Foot or by Bike

The walk along the quays, on foot or by bike all the way to the Clock Tower, remains the best free activity at the Old Port. Zero budget, stunning views.

The promenade follows the river and crosses green spaces, viewpoints and photogenic corners. It is open to everyone: families, walkers, cyclists, and travellers on a tight budget. The season shapes the mood.

In summer, the Clock Tower Beach draws strollers to the water's edge. In winter, a seasonal skating rink sends young and old gliding across the frozen quays. Whatever the case, it is the simplest way to take the pulse of the district. And to discover Old Montreal at your own pace, without spending a cent.

Setting Sail at Voiles en Voiles

Voiles en Voiles is a maritime, pirate-themed adventure park, one of the Old Montreal attractions families love most. Hoist the sails! Built on replica ships, this park offers aerial obstacle courses, climbing walls and agility challenges that delight little buccaneers and grown-ups alike.

It is a sporty, playful activity, perfect for burning off energy in the open air, on a theme of maritime adventure.

Between two boardings, you soak up the atmosphere of the Old Port and the view over the river. A safe bet for family fun on the quays, steps from the other attractions.

Catching a Cirque du Soleil Show

Cirque du Soleil regularly sets up its big top at the Old Port, an iconic Montreal event. By the river, the Quebec troupe stages large-scale shows seen by millions of visitors around the world.

Acrobatics, live music and immersive experiences: this is world-class entertainment, steps from the quays. For Montrealers and tourists alike, catching a show here ranks among the must-sees of Old Montreal.

Be sure to check the schedule and the packages before your visit, as performances are seasonal and vary from year to year.

Soaking Up Historic Old Montreal

Beyond the quays, the historic neighbourhood of Old Montreal is an attraction in its own right. Wander the cobblestone streets and you reach Notre-Dame Basilica and its dazzling interior, then lively Place Jacques-Cartier, lined with terraces and street performers.

Art galleries, boutiques and centuries-old façades turn a simple walk into a journey through the city's origins. This is the cultural heart that wraps around the Old Port, ideal for travellers who want a dose of history and charm between two thrills.

Take your time: this corner of Old Montreal rewards the curious.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old Montreal and the Old Port

When is the best time to visit the Old Port of Montreal?

The warm season, from May to October, is ideal for outdoor activities and the buzz of the quays. That said, several attractions stay open in winter, such as the observation wheel with its enclosed cabins, the spa and the Science Centre.

What free things can you do in Old Montreal?

The walk along the quays costs nothing and offers the best views of the river. You can wander the public spaces, watch the water, picnic on the lawns, or simply soak up the area's unique atmosphere.

What is there to do in Old Montreal in winter?

Winter does not close the Old Port. The observation wheel turns in its heated cabins, the floating spa warms you up on the water, and the Science Centre welcomes you indoors. A seasonal skating rink also brings the quays to life when the cold sets in.

How do you get to the Old Port and where can you park?

The metro drops you in Old Montreal, a short walk from the quays. It is the easiest option. By car, paid parking lots line the area, but they fill up fast on summer weekends. Best to arrive early.

Your Day in Old Montreal Starts Here

Adrenaline, relaxation, food, culture: the Old Port brings it all together on a few quays, facing the St. Lawrence River. It is up to you to build the day that makes you tick.

• Bungee jump with Montreal Bungee, the highest urban jump in Canada

• Soar over the quays on the MTL Zipline

• Play mini-golf and grab a bite by the water

• Rise up in the observation wheel or unwind at the floating spa

• Set sail at Voiles en Voiles or catch a Cirque du Soleil show

• Wander historic Old Montreal, from Notre-Dame Basilica to Place Jacques-Cartier

• Stroll the quays for free all the way to the Clock Tower

After all that, one craving remains: the big thrill. Climb to the top of the tower and try the highest urban bungee jump in Canada, at 210 feet (64 meters) above the Old Port. Dare to take the leap! Book your jump now and feel the adrenaline in the heart of Old Montreal.