Attractions in Old Montreal

Montreal’s Bonsecours Market (Marche Bonsecours) is one the most recognizable buildings in Old Montreal. It is named after a nearby church that also shares the same name Notre-Dame de Bonsecours, also known as the sailors church. The building has served as a public market, a concert hall, a meeting hall, Montreal’s city hall and even the Parliament of Lower Canada. Today, the Bonsecours Market is quite popular with tourists and features a wide selection of cafés, bistros and restaurants.

Montreal’s Château Ramezay is a museum and historic building on Notre-Dame Street in Old Montreal. With a history of more than 300 years, the Château Ramezay has been preserving Montreal’s heritage since 1895, when it was converted into a museum.

Montreal’s City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is one of Montreal’s most impressive buildings. Located in the middle of Old Montreal,it features a unique French Second Empire architecture. City Hall is used as the administrative headquarters of Montreal. Montreal’s mayor also has an office in the building.

The Montreal Science Centre introduces children to science and technology through various interactive activities. The Montreal Science Centre features both temporary and permanent exhibitions that encourage participation and really get children involved.

The Notre-Dame Basilica (Basilique Notre-Dame in French) is one of Montreal’s landmark churches and one of the most beautiful churches in North America. Located in Old Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica features a Neo-Gothic style. It was opened in 1829 and was built to replace the original Notre-Dame church, which has since been demolished.

Montreal’s Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel (Our lady of Good Help Chapel) is the oldest church in Old Montreal. The chapel looks out to the Saint Laurence river and Montreal’s old Port. Because of this location, the church is often called the Sailor’s Church. In older days, many sailors who came to Montreal would come to the church to offer thanks to the Virgin for safe passage.

Montreal’s Place d’Armes is one of the 3 main squares located inside Old Montreal. (the other two are the Place d’Youville and the Place Jacques-Cartier) Place d’Armes is quite popular because it is so close to downtown Montreal.

Montreal’s Place Jacques Cartier is one of 3 main squares located inside Old Montreal. (the other two are the Place d’Youville and the Place des Armes). It is a large public square in the heart of Old Montreal that is named after Jacques Cartier, one of the Canada’s most famous discoverers.

Montreal’s Pointe-à-Callière Museum is both a museum and historical site at the same time. Located in Old Montreal, the museum was founded in 1992 to celebrate Montreal’s 350th birthday. Pointe-à-Callière is packed with information on the archaeological and historical riches of Montreal.

Montreal’s Quays of the Old Port offers plenty of activities for Montreal locals and visitors. Located at the Eastern end of the Lachine canal, and just off the St. Lawrence River, the Old port is great place for locals and tourists to mingle. During the summer, it offers a riverfront destination for walking, cycling, pedal boats, rollerblading and even Segway rentals.

Located in Old Montreal, is the Lachine Canal. The lachine canal was Montreal’s fist gateway that helped shape Montréal in its early history. Built by the British in 1825, it was used by thousands of ships before the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The Lachine canal was shut down in 1970, and it is now used by pedestrians and cyclists during the summer months as a scenic recreational venue.