The Old Montreal - Old Port center point is approximately the area of Notre Dame Basilica and the area of Place d'Armes.
You won't find a bad time to visit Montreal, especially given the sheer number of festivals and events that keep this city vibrant all year long. Don't miss the Festival Gueule D'Érable, a maple and music festival, in late April in Old Montreal or the science-and-technology-focused Eureka Festival in early June in the Old Port. Nuit Blanche entertains the city with art installations and events all night long in early March, while world-renowned DJs are sure to get you dancing at Igloofest in the Old Port in late January. Prefer to enjoy outdoor music in the Old Port in the summer? The Montreal International Reggae Festival in mid-August is the perfect choice.
If you aren't visiting for an event, you may want to plan your trip around Montreal's best weather. Since the city experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, you'll have plenty of options. Winter tends to be very cold, with lows in the single digits and about 6.5 inches of snow over the course of the season. Spring brings warmer temperatures, with average highs in the low 60s. Summer tends to be mild in Montreal, with average highs in the upper 70s, while fall tends to be dry with highs in the mid-50s.
You'll generally find the lowest hotel prices in the winter and the highest rates during the summer. Book in advance, however, and you can almost always find great deals and discounts.
Staying in the heart of the city doesn't have to be pricey. Be sure you're taking advantage of Montreal's best hotel discounts before you book your accommodations.
AAA and CAA members can save at Le Westin Montreal, located in the heart of downtown Montreal. This high-end convention center hotel has over 450 guest rooms and excellent facilities for groups, including 38 meeting rooms and a full-service restaurant.
Seniors and AARP members get discounts at the Candlewood Suites Montreal. This all-suites hotel has spacious rooms with kitchenettes and all the comforts of home, including laundry room access, free Wi-Fi, and a DVD library.
Government employees can get low rates at the Travelodge Montreal Centre, a smart choice for budget-friendly travelers. This downtown hotel features nearly 250 guestrooms with contemporary decor, along with amenities like complimentary breakfast, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a pet-friendly policy.
Want to make sure you get all your favorite amenities at an affordable rate? Take a look at the best value options in Old Montreal.
When you want extra space without blowing your vacation budget, the Marriott SpringHill Suites Old Montreal is a great choice. This all-suites hotel has over 100 spacious rooms equipped with amenities like sofa beds, mini-fridges, microwaves, and separate areas for sleeping and relaxing. All rooms include free Wi-Fi access and a complimentary breakfast buffet to add even more value to your stay. You'll also appreciate the convenient location, which is mere steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica.
When you stay at the Hotel Nelligan, you'll also be steps from Old Montreal's top attractions, including Bonsecours Market, Place d'Armes, and Jacques Cartier Square. Choose from a range of room sizes and styles that include everything from king beds and sofa beds to fireplaces and rooftop terraces to find your ideal accommodations. Need to host a corporate or private event during your stay? Inquire about the hotel's banquet area or treat your group to a meal at the on-site French restaurant.
Book your stay at Le Place d'Armes Hotel & Suites, and you'll be in the center of everything. This boutique hotel offers classic and deluxe rooms as well as executive and junior suites to meet every guest's needs. You'll appreciate the warm decor, the plush bathrobes, the comfortable beds, and the free Wi-Fi. Don't miss the wine and cheese hour in the afternoon or the complimentary continental breakfast served each morning.
Old Montreal is brimming with attractions, but you can't miss these top picks. Start your tour of the quarter with a stop at the Centre D'Histoire de Montréal, which charts the intriguing history of this engaging city with interactive exhibits, sound-based displays, and photographs. You'll also want to tour the Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Montreal's archaeology museum, which is perched right where the city was founded. If you're looking for a more contemporary museum, tour the Montreal Science Center, a science and technology museum that's ideal for children and kids at heart.
Next, tour the Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning church that's more than 375 years old. Here, you can marvel at the stained-glass windows, tour the crypt, peruse the museum, and immerse yourself in the light show.
Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic Place d'Armes, a historic public square that's home to some of the quarter's most eye-catching architecture. Once you've taken in the scene, walk through the historic Place Jacques Cartier and view the historic Montreal City Hall before stopping by Bonsecours Market, which dates back to 1847. This impressive structure was once the city's largest public market. Today, it's home to over a dozen boutiques selling souvenirs and local products you won't find anywhere else. Bonsecours Market is also the ideal place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a glass of wine.
You'll also want to set aside plenty of time to explore Montreal's Old Port, the historic port that's adjacent to the old city. This popular spot attracts millions of visitors each year and offers a range of activities, including cycling, rollerblading, walking, and shopping. Save your appetite, as the Old Port is home to a number of places to grab a bite to eat as you enjoy the beautiful views.
No matter which season you choose to visit, Old Montreal awaits. Start planning your ideal itinerary and book the ultimate trip to this charming historic section of Montreal.
Below are reviews of the city of Old Montreal - Old Port, QC from an actual visitor's perspective.
We did take a horse-drawn carriage ride in Old Montreal and loved that. We also did the Ferris Wheel and that was worth it. The basilica was a wonderful building to see. Overall Montreal is a very walkable, culturally hip fun city!
Basillica of Notre Dame were awesome sites.