Hotels near Old Port (Vieux-Port)

The Old Port is Montreal's 2.5 km waterfront promenade along the St Lawrence River - a former working harbour redeveloped since 1991 as the city's main outdoor leisure zone. The promenade connects Old Montreal to the western Habitat 67 architectural icon (Moshe Safdie's 1967 modular housing development originally built for Expo 67). Attractions include the Montreal Science Centre, the Grande Roue Ferris wheel, the SOS Labyrinthe maze, and the seasonal beach (May-September).

Winter transforms the port: the Bonsecours Basin freezes into one of Canada's largest outdoor skating rinks (free with own skates, 10 CAD rental, December-March). Summer hosts the Cirque du Soleil tent residencies, the Igloofest electronic music festival (the only outdoor electronic festival in -20-degree weather), and the regular fireworks shows. Free to walk; individual attractions 10-30 CAD. Open year-round.

Pro Tip: Walk the Old Port from east to west finishing at the Bota Bota floating spa (boat-based spa, 80 CAD day pass) - a unique floating sauna and pool experience. The summer fireworks (Wednesday and Saturday evenings, July-August) are free to watch from the Old Port.