Old Port of Montréal

In Québec, this major tourist attraction and event site draws more than 6 million visitors each year. The Old Port hosts a variety of cultural and entertainment activities, including food, sports and music events as well as outdoor festivals. It’s also home to several popular attractions, including La Grande Roue de Montréal, the Old Port Skating Rink, the MTL Zipline, SOS Labyrinthe, Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau, Voiles en Voiles, Space Explorers: The Infinite and the Bateau-Mouche.

Located on a 2.5-kilometre stretch between Old Montréal and the St. Lawrence River, this historic site is a must-see spot for Montréalers and tourists, who can enjoy its esplanade, beautiful view of the St. Lawrence River, green spaces and lively programming. The Old Port also accommodates major events, such as Cirque du Soleil performances, Igloofest, Canada Day celebrations and New Year’s festivities, which are held along the shores of the river.

The Old Port site is home to a vast historical wealth deriving from the technological, industrial, port and maritime spheres. The history of the Old Port of Montréal, an important Canadian heritage site, is of interest to all Canadians, as well as to the many tourists who visit. The Old Port is an integral part of the historic district of Old Montréal; it sits next to Place Royale (the site on which Montréal was founded), the Main National Historic Site and the Lachine Canal National Historic Site. One of its iconic buildings is, of course, the Clock Tower, built between 1919 and 1922 to mark the entrance to the port and serve as a memorial to sailors lost at sea during World War I. The Clock Tower has been designated a Canadian heritage monument.

The Old Port that we know today was inaugurated in 1992 after an investment of $125 million by the Government of Canada. An ambitious master plan has now been developed for the site, following public consultations led by Canada Lands Company, to launch a major revitalization of the area.

^{Main image photo credit: Miguel Legault}