Here’s a fun and easy guide to the best free and fun attractions in Montreal – perfect for adults, kids, families, tourists, or anyone just looking to explore the city without breaking the bank!

🎉 Top Free & Fun Things to Do in Montreal

1. Mount Royal Park (Parc du Mont-Royal)

  • Area: Near Downtown
  • Fun For: Families, hikers, couples, solo travelers
  • Why Go? Climb to the Kondiaronk Belvedere for one of the best skyline views of Montreal. Great trails, picnic spots, and squirrels!
  • Price: Free

2. Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

  • Area: Along the Old Port
  • Fun For: Tourists, families, photographers
  • Why Go? Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, free art installations, and street performers. Don’t miss the Notre-Dame Basilica’s exterior (interior has a fee).
  • Price: Free to explore (Notre-Dame inside is ~$15)

3. Jean-Drapeau Park (Parc Jean-Drapeau)

  • Area: On St. Helen’s Island
  • Fun For: Adults, families, kids
  • Why Go? Big green space, biking, rollerblading, playgrounds, art installations, and great city views.
  • Price: Free (Some events/activities may cost)

4. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (permanent collection)

  • Area: Downtown
  • Fun For: Adults, art lovers, teens
  • Why Go? Free access to the permanent collection for everyone! Beautiful exhibits across multiple buildings.
  • Price: Free (Special exhibits have a fee)

5. Lachine Canal

  • Area: Stretches through several neighborhoods
  • Fun For: Walkers, bikers, families, photographers
  • Why Go? Gorgeous walking/biking paths, urban nature, great picnic stops. Rent a kayak or paddleboard nearby (not free but fun).
  • Price: Free path access

6. Botanical Garden (Free on First Sundays for Quebec Residents)

  • Area: Near Olympic Stadium
  • Fun For: Families, plant lovers, tourists
  • Why Go? One of the world’s largest botanical gardens! If you’re a Quebec resident, it’s free every first Sunday of the month.
  • Price: Free on certain days / ~$22 adults

7. Street Art & Murals – Plateau & Saint-Laurent Blvd

  • Area: Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End
  • Fun For: Teens, adults, photographers
  • Why Go? Tons of massive murals from local and international artists. Check out the MURAL Festival in June.
  • Price: Free to walk around and enjoy

8. La Fontaine Park (Parc La Fontaine)

  • Area: Plateau Mont-Royal
  • Fun For: Families, dog walkers, locals
  • Why Go? Chill park vibes with ponds, ducks, playgrounds, and free outdoor theater in summer.
  • Price: Free

9. Village au Pied-du-Courant (Summer Only)

  • Area: Near the Jacques Cartier Bridge
  • Fun For: Adults, couples, groups
  • Why Go? Beach vibes, food trucks, DJs, art – right by the water with a view of the bridge.
  • Price: Free entry

10. Festival Season! (Year-Round)

  • Top Free Festivals:
    • International Jazz Fest (June/July)
    • Just for Laughs (July)
    • Francos de Montréal
    • Montréal en Lumière (Winter)
  • Fun For: Everyone!
  • Why Go? Free outdoor performances, shows, food, and fun vibes!

🎒 Bonus Tips:

  • Getting Around: Walk, rent a BIXI bike, or use the STM metro for cheap transport.
  • Pack Snacks: So you can chill at a park or on the canal without spending.

Want me to plan a free day itinerary or recommend cool spots by neighborhood?

Sure! Here’s a super handy FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Best Attractions in Montreal, especially for tourists, families, and anyone looking for fun, free, or iconic places to visit:

🇨🇦 Best Attractions in Montreal – FAQ

❓What are the must-see attractions in Montreal?

  • Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
  • Mount Royal Park
  • Notre-Dame Basilica
  • Jean-Talon Market
  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
  • Olympic Stadium & Biodome
  • Lachine Canal
  • The Plateau & Murals

💵 Are there free things to do in Montreal?

Yes! Tons of free things to enjoy:

  • Mount Royal hike & viewpoint
  • Walk through Old Montreal
  • Explore La Fontaine Park
  • View murals in the Plateau
  • Free outdoor festivals (Jazz Fest, Just For Laughs, etc.)
  • Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (permanent exhibits)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What are the best family-friendly attractions?

  • Biodome (animals + ecosystems!)
  • Botanical Garden
  • Insectarium
  • La Ronde Amusement Park
  • Parc Jean-Drapeau playgrounds
  • Montreal Science Centre
  • Pointe-à-Callière Museum

🏞️ Where can I enjoy nature or outdoor spaces in the city?

  • Mount Royal Park
  • Lachine Canal
  • Jean-Drapeau Park
  • La Fontaine Park
  • Jarry Park
  • Botanical Garden

🌉 What’s the best view in Montreal?

  • Kondiaronk Belvedere (Mount Royal)
  • La Grande Roue de Montréal (ferris wheel – $)
  • Jacques Cartier Bridge pedestrian walkway
  • Au Sommet Place Ville Marie (360º observation deck – $)

📅 When is the best time to visit Montreal?

  • Summer (June–August): Festivals, patios, street life
  • Fall (Sept–Oct): Beautiful foliage, cozy vibes
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Snowy scenes, winter festivals, skating
  • Spring (April–May): Blooming gardens, fewer crowds

🚇 How do I get around the city?

  • STM Metro & Bus: Easy and affordable
  • BIXI Bike: Bike-sharing system (seasonal)
  • Walking: Especially in downtown and Old Montreal
  • Car: Not needed unless exploring outside the city

🗓️ What festivals should I check out?

  • International Jazz Festival (free concerts!)
  • Just for Laughs
  • Nuit Blanche
  • Francos de Montréal
  • Fierté Montréal (Pride)
  • Osheaga (music festival)

🧒 Are attractions kid-friendly?

Yes! Montreal is super kid-friendly with parks, interactive museums, animal exhibits, and tons of outdoor play zones.

🧭 What’s near Old Montreal that I shouldn’t miss?

  • Old Port
  • Notre-Dame Basilica
  • Science Centre
  • La Grande Roue (ferris wheel)
  • Bonsecours Market
  • Clock Tower Beach (summer)

Want me to make a personalized guide or day-by-day itinerary based on your trip length or who you’re traveling with?