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The 15 best free activities in Montreal

Want to visit Montreal on the cheap?

Then follow this Top 15 free tours, museums and activities to do in Montreal that we’ve created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.

You don’t have a big budget and you’re looking for the best free activities to do in Montreal: the city of 100 spires rich in history and culture.

If your budget is a bit tight and you have some time to spare, I suggest you 15 free activities to do in Montreal.

Top free tours in Montreal: Hiking in Mount Royal

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Mount Royal is a gorgeous park where you can always find something to do all year round

If you’re feeling up to it, put on your sneakers and take a 6 to 7 kilometer jog up Mount Royal to the top where you’ll have a sublime panoramic view of Montreal from the Belvedere

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It will take you one hour. Otherwise, you can cover this distance by bike or by car.

Another attraction that is really worth it: The Eclectic Tam-Tam of Mount Royal

It’s a free shindig that takes place every Sunday in the summer starting at noon. The stage is the lawn around the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument

There, you will attend a live music show where percussionists, dancers, merchants and strollers merge in harmony, and in rhythm!

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If you want to regain your strength and your spirit, I suggest you visit the Smith House, another attraction of Mount Royal

It is a heritage house converted into a museum where you can learn more about Mount Royal and Beaver Lake

You will also find a café, a boutique, a playground and ice skating in winter.

Visit the Old Port of Montreal

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The Old Port of Montreal is the living image of the city’s maritime history

It was here on the shores of the St. Lawrence River that the first settlers landed, and thanks to the port, the small French town of Ville-Marie became the thriving international metropolis of today’s Montreal.

I recommend a short, eco-friendly boat ride along the Old Port and the Lachine Canal on a small, quiet, non-polluting boat for a small, reasonable fee

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During this 45-minute cruise, you will discover the marine life and the historical heritage of the Old Port thanks to a short presentation by the boat’s captain.

The Old Port of Montreal is the perfect place to discover Montreal from a totally new angle for free

So go ahead, don’t hesitate, even if you have to pay a few dollars.

Visit the Grande Bibliothèque de Montréal for free

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The “Grande Bibliothèque” of Montreal is particularly suited to the immeasurable pleasure of books, reading and discovery

It is a National Library that jealously guards the National Archives

In fact, to be precise, it is the BAnQ, the acronym for Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, which makes the documentary heritage of Quebec available to the public. BAnQ operates in 12 buildings throughout Quebec.

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You can take a self-guided tour of the library and archives, especially since the modern building has won awards for its architecture

Inside, on several floors, there are places where you can read, do research, listen to a lecture or enjoy the exhibits.

There is also free programming for the whole family and free Wi-Fi for visitors.

Enjoy Montreal High Lights for free

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Montreal is a lively city, dynamic at all times, where you will never be bored, but the city never be bored, but the city is truly at its most vibrant several times a year year with major festivals, all of which offer many free events free events.

The Montreal High Lights Festival at the end of February is a fun and relaxing time where food, arts and entertainment blend together in a perfect symbiosis to warm up those chilly winter nights

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There’s a free slide, ice skating, fireworks and live music.

You’ll have a sleepless night, but not like the others, because all of Montreal in color stays up and offers various free cultural and artistic activities.

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You can attend the galleries, theaters, dance and skate, then top it off at 4 a.m. with hot chocolate and marshmallows or various treats offered at the gourmet kiosks.

The festival takes place in three neighborhoods and there is a shuttle service to and from the there is a shuttle service that allows festival-goers to move easily and quickly from one from one neighbourhood to the next quickly and easily.

Free ice skating in Montreal

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Do you love the sport of ice skating? Then strap on your skates and enjoy the cold weather if you’re visiting Montreal in winter

There are plenty of opportunities to skate. La Fontaine Park in the Plateau has a skating pond when the weather permits.

Other free skating rinks around the city include Beaver Lake, Beaver Lake in Mount Royal Park, the docks of the Old Port of Montreal and Jeanne Mance Park, closer to downtown

You’ll love it, especially with your family, because you’ll have so much fun.

What to do for free in Montreal? Visit the clock beach

You don’t have to take the car to go bask in the sun and enjoy the sea, because Clock Beach is right there, just a stone’s throw from downtown

Refined sand, deck chairs, brightly colored umbrellas; the Plage de l’Horloge is a dream space for those who wish to be projected in the tropics without leaving Montreal

Located at the foot of the Clock Tower, a legendary landmark of the Old Port, the beach is equipped with misters and showers to keep you cool whenever you want

There’s also a space where you can quench your thirst and grab a bite to eat.

Dancing with passion in the Quartier des spectacles

Montreal is a festive city and no one could question this playful dimension of the city

Its inhabitants are warm and lively: they like to eat, drink and party in the streets as much as possible

Montreal is a city of entertainment. There are many festivals throughout the year, such as the International Jazz Festival, Les Francofolies, Nuits D’Afrique and the independent music festival Pop Montreal, and the best part is that there are many street shows where you can enjoy yourself for free.

Walking on nature trails

Bois-de-Liesse is a pretty nice area for a variety of outdoor activities

Located on the banks of the Rivière des Prairies, this 159-hectare park contains an old-growth forest of silver maples and willows

Bertrand Creek runs through the park, and the Pitfield House, with its water feature and flowering gardens, is also located here.

A curiosity of Bois-de-Liesse, a must that you will love, because it is a bit exotic, is the Japanese footbridge on stilts, which goes from one end to the other from one end to the other, like a labyrinth.

The the park offers trails for biking, hiking and a 1.5 km long educational and a 1.5 km educational trail.

In in winter, you can cross-country ski, snowshoe and sled in the park the park.

Admission is free admission is free, but there is a parking fee.

Have fun with Just for Laughs

Every July, the world’s biggest international laughter festivals flood the Quartier des spectacles in downtown Montreal

If you’re looking to be entertained, if you’re looking to let off steam, then the Just for Laughs street festival is a must if you’re here during this time of year.

Believe me, you’ll get a kick out of it, you’ll be intoxicated by the most hilarious shows: street theater street theatre, parades, Broadway-style musicals..

Well although the Just for Laughs comedy festival offers big ticket galas, inviting the biggest comedians like Kevin Hart, Sarah Silverman, Seth Rogan, Dave Chapelle Rogan, Dave Chapelle, Jerry Seinfeld and Amy Schumer, Tania Dutel and Donel Jacks’man, and many others, the festival offers a street arts component with several free shows in the Quartier des spectacles.

But before you go, I recommend you take a look at their program because it changes every year.

Enjoy swimming in a public pool

If there’s one thing you’ll love to do during the hot and sticky Montreal summer season – besides sipping a cold one – it’s to take a dip in the refreshing water of a pool

I suggest you go to one of the biggest, and one of the best, free pools in Montreal (it was recently restored) which is located in Parc Jarry

Right next to the water, you can even stay connected to post on Instagram your latest dive, because Wi-Fi access is free!

It is open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is no paid.

If looking for something in the heart of the Plateau, the Sir Wilfred Laurier Park Sir Wilfred Laurier Park is also free, except on weekends and holidays weekends and holidays.

Discover the hidden treasures of Parc Jean-Drapeau

You want to take a break from the island without really leaving it? Head to to Parc Jean-Drapeau, a veritable jewel of greenery located in the the center of a man-made island just south of Old Montreal.

The park is a treasure trove of attractions including La Ronde amusement park, the the famous Grand Prix F1 racetrack and the Casino de Montréal.

The summer is very lively in the park with the organization of many music festivals.

You find there permanently exposed about fifteen public artistic works of inestimable value and that you can discover at the bend of a walk walk.

You won’t regret passing through this park, as it has everything to make you and your children happy if you come with your family

The park is home to public beaches, the aquatic complex with a diving pool, a recreational pool, a competition pool, walking paths, and 25 hectares covered with thousands of rose bushes, several varieties of perennials, trees and shrubs.

What to visit for free in Montreal? Take a walk in the underground city

Winters in this city are freezing: so if you are still interested and ready to brave the cold and take the challenge, I suggest you visit Montreal in a different way, through its tunnels

Yes, because a series of tunnels stretching for 33 km snake through shopping centers, office buildings, hotels and businesses. If you don’t want to go out, you don’t have to

In any case, you’ll be safe from the cold and you’ll be able to shop with peace of mind.

Walk along a street fair

Montreal is a city that exudes joy and happiness and where everything is designed to make its inhabitants and visitors happy

Giving pleasure is the key word. So don’t be surprised if in summer the main streets are closed so that people can stroll freely, eat, drink and shop.

The choices are not lacking, but I prefer to suggest the fairs of Masson Street and Masson Street and Place St-Hubert in Rosemont; the fairs on Saint-Laurent Street At the beginning and end of the summer; a fair on Mont-Royal Avenue in the Plateau du Mont-Royal in the Plateau, and there are many other interesting ones to see.

Watching a parade go by

Montrealers love to party and love to parade. That’s why when Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, or Halloween rolls around, the street comes alive with an impressive parade of colors, as if the whole of Montreal were in the street parading

But it all depends on the event. Whether it’s a group of bagpipers, dancing Drag-Queens or zombies, the show is always impressive, hilarious and free.

If you’re here in November, don’t miss the annual Santa Claus Parade as well, as it will thrill your kids with an arsenal of over 20 floats, marching bands and more

It takes place along St. Catherine Street from Fort Street to St. Urbain Street and kicks off the season

The parade starts at 11am and is free to the public. It is simply breathtaking, a parade not to be missed.

Meet at Angrignon Park

Angrignon Park is located on 97 hectares of land in the west end of Montreal. It’s a peaceful space, surprisingly wooded with 25,000 trees, but you’ll be surprised to discover that it also has three ponds and a 1 km lake

It’s a great place for picnics, there are even tables for that and a barbecue. I also recommend it because I think it’s a great place to get away from all the stress of the city.

The park also offers 10 kilometers of trails for hiking, 1.6 kilometers of which are lit for evening walks and 2 kilometers for biking and in-line skating.

A advice: don’t go during the weekend because it is very crowded don’t go during the weekend because it is often too crowded.

More information on things to do and see for free in Montreal

As we have just seen, Montreal is a city full of excitement in summer and winter and there is no shortage of ideas for free activities

On the contrary, it is not difficult to find a lot to do and enjoy without spending a lot of money.

The montreal’s public parks are full of activities during the summer season and during the colder months, these parks magically transform into winter playgrounds with winter playgrounds with downhill skiing, tubing and ice skating ice skating.

Most art museums offer free admission for a day or more, especially for permanent exhibitions. And, browsing a public food market and doing a little tasting doesn’t cost much – at first, anyway!

I hope you enjoyed this list of free activities in Montreal. Feel free to share your goodies in the comments!

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