Montréal's Old Port, a trendy and lively neighbourhood

The Old Port of Montreal is located in the historic heart of the city. In summer and winter, it welcomes many visitors for strolls and activities. It's one of Montreal's liveliest neighbourhoods.

History of the Old Port, the foundations of the port cityThe birth of the Old Port of Montreal coincided with the city's expansion. In the 19th century, with the arrival of the steamship, Montreal established itself as a major port city along the St. Lawrence River. More than 1,000 metres of quays were built by the Montreal Harbour Commission in the 1830s. These made it possible for large ships to dock in Montreal.

The years went by and the port was improved. A wall and jetty were added to the port to protect it from flooding and ice. The quays were rebuilt in concrete and the sheds in steel. The fur trade, but above all the grain trade, flourished. By the end of the 19th century, Montreal was the world's largest grain export port. These were also prosperous years for Canada.

Later, in 1959, the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway allowed ships to sail directly to the Great Lakes without stopping in Montreal. This new situation inevitably led to a loss of reputation for the port. This was when its decline began. Montreal became a major container port, but Montrealers were unhappy. They demanded that the container port be moved to a more suitable location for expansion, away from the city centre.

Since then, the port has been rehabilitated and renamed the "old port". Following the demolition of several grain silos and sections of railway line, a linear park has been built along the old port. It overlooks the banks of the river.

Montreal's Ferris wheel is an emblem of the city. As part of Montreal's 350th anniversary celebrations, the city presented the "new old port". Development continued in the years that followed, with green spaces, the Montréal Science Centre and other facilities being built in the 2000s. Canada's tallest Ferris wheel was inaugurated in 2017 at the Old Port of Montreal.

Every year, numerous events and celebrations take place in Montreal's Old Port.

IglooFest, dancing to keep warm

The festive city welcomes revellers every year for IglooFest. This festival, held in January, brings together some of the best artists in the world of electronic music.

Find out more about the festival and buy your tickets on the official IglooFest website.

Montreal High Lights

Montréal en lumière is a festival right in the heart of winter too. Their mission? To get people out and about during the winter. The festival features gastronomy, shows and outdoor installations. During the sleepless nights of the festival, Montréal en lumière organises poetry, dance performances, games and much more...

Discover this winter festival for all the family on the Montréal High Lights website.

The Old Port skating rink

Once winter arrives, a large skating rink welcomes you at the foot of the Ferris wheel in the Old Port. During the Christmas season, Father Christmas and his elves come to visit you! Tickets for the rink cost $8.25 for over-13s. Reservations can be made online on the city's website or directly on site.

The Montreal Ferris Wheel

Montréal's Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view from a height of around sixty metres.

The Science Centre, understanding the world

The science centre is a museum dedicated to popularising science. In other words, helping visitors of all ages to understand technology and science. It's a fun museum for all the family, especially children.

Imax films, a unique experience in the old port

Discover an unrivalled experience in the Imax cinema in the Old Port of Montreal.

Shops in the Old Port

The quays of the St. Lawrence River are littered with boutiques. Summer boutiques line the river, while the local lock-keepers' market can be found near the McGill entrance.

A spa day in Montreal's Old Port

Discover our article on the Bota Bota spa. A spa centre on a barge in the old port of Montreal.