What to Do in Montreal Today for Free: Top 10 Activities
Montreal, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and history, offers plenty of activities that won’t cost you a cent. Whether you’re a local or a visitor wondering what to do in Montreal today for free, there’s always something exciting to explore. From scenic parks to bustling markets, here are 10 fantastic free things to do in Montreal that will make your experience unforgettable.
Mount Royal Park
Mount Royal Park is the ideal location for anyone wishing to enjoy nature and the outdoors without paying any money because it provides a wide range of free activities. The Kondiaronk Belvedere, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River, is one of the attractions. There are many free routes in the park that are suitable for both easy strolls and strenuous excursions.
The Tam-Tams are a free drum circle and dancing event that takes place every Sunday during the warmer months next to the Sir George-Étienne-Cartier Monument. Enjoy dancing, music, and the vivid sense of community at this exciting event. With chances to see a range of birds and other species, the park is also a sanctuary for nature lovers and bird watchers. Another well-liked pastime in Mount Royal Park is picnicking, where there are many areas to spread a blanket and eat in the middle of nature. You can also visit historical locations like the Mount Royal Chalet and the Mount Royal Cross, which both provide stunning views and historical insights.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal)
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal) is one of the city’s premier cultural institutions, offering a variety of free activities that make it accessible to everyone. Located on Sherbrooke Street, the museum is renowned for its extensive collection and engaging exhibitions. One of the best ways to experience the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for free is by visiting its permanent collection. Admission to the permanent collection is free for everyone on the last Sunday of each month, allowing you to explore a wide range of artworks without any cost. The collection includes pieces from Canadian and international artists, spanning various periods and styles, from classical to contemporary.
Opening Hours
- Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Old Montreal
A must-visit location for anybody experiencing the city is Old Montreal, a historic quarter with a plethora of free activities. With its quaint architecture and lively ambiance, Old Montreal’s cobblestone alleys transport you back in time. Wandering the streets of Old Montreal is one of the greatest free ways to discover the city. The neighborhood is teeming with historic sites, charming buildings, and winding lanes. Place Jacques-Cartier is a lively square that frequently features artists and street entertainers. From there, explore Montreal’s oldest street, Rue Saint-Paul, which is dotted with cafes, galleries, and boutiques.
Another feature is Montreal’s Old Port. Here, you may take in the views of the St. Lawrence River, stroll along the waterfront, and observe the passing boats. One of the Old Port’s main attractions, the Clock Tower, provides an excellent location for sweeping views over the city and the river. The Notre-Dame Basilica is a must-see for anybody interested in history. You can enjoy the beautiful façade of the basilica and the adjacent area for free, but entry to the basilica inside costs money. The Pointe-à-Callière Museum, which is nearby, frequently hosts free outdoor exhibits and events that explore Montreal’s past.
There are also a number of sculptures and public art pieces throughout Old Montreal. You’ll discover a variety of items that enhance the district’s allure and personality as you explore. Furthermore, especially in the summer, the region regularly hosts free cultural events including festivals and outdoor concerts.
Musée de Lachine
Free admission to the Musée de Lachine, which is situated along the picturesque banks of the St. Lawrence River, provides a wealth of art, history, and archaeology. Located in the 17th-century Le Ber-Le Moyne House, the oldest intact structure on the Island of Montreal, is home to this museum.
The Musée de Lachine’s vast archaeological collection is one of its primary draws. More than 400 historical and archeological artifacts that depict the everyday activities of the region’s first residents are on display in the museum. The rich cultural heritage of the area is highlighted by these relics, which offer an intriguing window into the past. And do not miss the Musée plein air de Lachine, a stunning outdoor sculpture garden, which is another centerpiece of the museum.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jean-Talon Market
A popular site for both locals and tourists, Jean-Talon Market is a lively and bustling public market in Montreal that provides a range of free events. One of the biggest and most well-liked markets in North America, it is situated in the center of Little Italy and is well-known for its local goods, fresh produce, and vibrant environment. Strolling through the numerous aisles of Jean-Talon Market is one of the greatest ways to get a free taste of it. A vast variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other regional goods are available at the market’s vibrant vendors. The sights, sounds, and scents of artisanal goods and fresh produce surround you, making it a sensory feast.
Jean-Talon Market offers a range of free events and activities all year round. In the summer, the market partners with neighborhood organizations to provide a free summer program that features shows, crafts, and culinary and gardening classes. The market is a fantastic destination for families because of these entertaining and instructive events. Additionally, the market commemorates a number of seasonal celebrations, like La Fête des Récoltes and Oktoberfest, which offer free events like live music, cultural performances, and tastings. These gatherings offer a fantastic chance to experience the joyous environment and discover more about regional customs.
For those interested in culinary arts, Jean-Talon Market often hosts free cooking workshops and demonstrations. These sessions are a great way to learn new recipes and cooking techniques while using fresh, local ingredients available at the market.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Centre de design de l’UQAM
The Centre de design de l’UQAM, located in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier Latin, is a vibrant hub for design enthusiasts, offering a variety of free activities that make it an essential destination for anyone interested in the creative arts. Established in 1981, the center is dedicated to showcasing both historical and contemporary trends in graphic, industrial, urban, and fashion design, as well as architecture.
One of the main attractions of the Centre de design de l’UQAM is its rotating exhibitions, which are free to the public. These exhibitions cover a wide range of design disciplines and often feature works by both local and international designers. For example, the center has hosted exhibitions on topics such as sustainable design, innovative architecture, and cutting-edge graphic design.
Opening Hours
- Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Redpath Museum
The Redpath Museum, located on the McGill University campus, is a treasure trove of natural history and cultural artifacts, offering a variety of free activities that make it a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages. Established in 1882, the museum houses extensive collections of ancient and modern organisms, minerals, and world culture artifacts. One of the best ways to experience the Redpath Museum for free is by exploring its diverse exhibits. The museum features fascinating displays, including dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, and a wide array of minerals from Quebec and beyond. These exhibits provide a captivating glimpse into the natural world and human history.
The museum also hosts a range of free educational programs and events throughout the year. These include public lectures, guided tours, and special exhibitions that delve into various scientific and cultural topics. These events are designed to be both informative and engaging, making the museum a great place for learning and discovery. For families, the Redpath Museum offers free weekend activities that are both fun and educational. These activities often include hands-on workshops and interactive sessions where children can learn about different aspects of science and history. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day with the family without spending any money.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Montreal en Histories
Montréal en Histoires is an innovative project that brings the history of Montreal to life through a series of free multimedia installations and projections. This unique experience allows visitors to explore the city’s rich past in an engaging and interactive way. One of the main attractions of Montréal en Histoires is Cité Mémoire, the largest projection circuit in the world. This installation features 27 astonishing scenes projected on walls, in alleys, on the ground, and on trees throughout Old Montreal and the Old Port. These projections tell the stories of Montreal’s history in a poetic, dreamlike, and sometimes playful manner. The scenes cover a range of milestones in Montreal’s history, showcasing well-known and lesser-known characters and events that have shaped the city.
To fully enjoy this experience, you can download the free Montréal en Histoires mobile app, available in four languages. The app provides a soundtrack and historical context for each projection, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of the installations. The app also includes augmented reality experiences that add another layer of interactivity to your visit.
In addition to the projections, Montréal en Histoires offers free guided tours that provide deeper insights into the history and significance of the various sites and stories featured in the installations. These tours are a great way to learn more about Montreal’s past while enjoying a leisurely walk through the city.
Montreal Holocaust Museum
The Montreal Holocaust Museum is a moving and instructive establishment devoted to upholding diversity and human rights while honoring the memory of the Holocaust. Anyone interested in learning more about this important era of history can visit the museum, which is located on Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, and provides a variety of free events. The permanent display of the Montreal Holocaust Museum, which is open for free on the first Sunday of each month, is one of its main attractions. The extensive collection of artifacts, images, and firsthand accounts in this exhibition offer a profound and poignant look into the lives of Holocaust victims and survivors.
For those who prefer a more interactive experience, the museum offers a free mobile app that enhances your visit. The app includes an audio guide, survivor testimonies, and additional information about the exhibits, allowing you to delve deeper into the stories and artifacts on display. The app is available in both English and French, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Place des Festivals
Place des Festivals is a dynamic public space in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, known for hosting a variety of free events and activities throughout the year. This vibrant area is a hub for cultural and artistic expression, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the city’s lively atmosphere without spending any money. One of the main attractions of Place des Festivals is its role as the central venue for many of Montreal’s biggest festivals. Events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and Francofolies offer numerous free outdoor performances and activities. These festivals transform the area into a bustling open-air venue where you can enjoy live music, comedy shows, and cultural performances.
The space itself is designed to be interactive and engaging. It features the largest array of animated interactive fountains in Canada, with 235 jets that create mesmerizing water displays. These fountains are a hit with both children and adults, providing a fun and refreshing way to enjoy the outdoors. Throughout the year, Place des Festivals also hosts various free art installations and light shows. These installations often change with the seasons, offering new and exciting experiences each time you visit. During the winter months, the area is transformed into a festive wonderland with light displays and holiday-themed events.