Lea GagnonThe 15 best free things to do in Montreal that won’t make your wallet cry
In this economy, doing something fun without spending money feels like a miracle. Most of the time, I just end up staying home and watching whatever’s on TV. But after a while, even that gets boring.
So when I hit that point where Netflix just wasn’t cutting it anymore, I decided it was time for a change. I rounded up a few of my fellow broke friends, and we set out on a mission: find fun things to do in Montreal without breaking the bank.
We spent a bunch of weekends trying stuff out, and honestly… it is possible. You just need a bit of creativity, a sense of adventure, and maybe some snacks from home.
If you’re also tired of staring at a screen every weekend and wondering what else is out there, keep reading. You might just find your next free adventure.
Nature and outdoor free things to do in Montreal
1. Climb to the summit of Mount Royal Park
Media credits: felipecollado
Address: 1260 Chem. Remembrance
Contact details: +1 514-843-8240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 12 AM
Mount Royal Park has over 700 plant species and nearly 200 types of birds, so bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching. You’ll often spot people near the feeders birdwatching and completely still, like they’re on some kind of wildlife stakeout.
The main event here, though, is walking up to the summit. It’s not a crazy hike, but more of a steady climb. The Olmsted Trail is the easiest way up since it’s wide, well-kept, and used by walkers and even people with strollers.
At the top, there’s the Kondiaronk Balvedere, which is a big open spot with a postcard-worthy view of downtown Montreal and the river. People often snack, linger, and take loads of photos here—and honestly, it’s hard to blame them.
| Pro tip: If you’re walking from downtown, enter via the Peel Street stairs, not Parc Avenue. Park Avenue leads you to near Tam-Tams and flat areas. Peel gets you straight into the forested trail and feels more like a proper hike. |
2. Unwind under the trees in Jeanne-Mance Park
Media credits: je_lyt
Address: 4422 Esplanade Ave
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 12 AM
Jeanne-Mance Park is really big (about 35 acres) and right across from Mount Royal. It’s full of trees, open grassy areas, and quiet paths. We mostly wander here, sit under trees, and just people-watch.
There are also playgrounds if you have kids, and sports fields if you’re feeling energetic. But honestly, the best part might just be lying in the grass and doing nothing.
For families or solo visitors relying on public transit, access couldn’t be easier. With multiple STM bus routes stopping nearby, even a last-minute park visit is a low-stress option.
We also noticed that there are portable toilets and public washrooms close by. Paths are mostly accessible, though some of the play areas might be tricky for kids with mobility challenges.
| Pro tip: If you want to cook some barbeques, stick to propane or butane grills only. Charcoal isn’t allowed, and open flames are a no-go. Make sure your setup is stable and don’t place it directly on the grass, either. |
3. Stroll around the ponds at Parc La Fontaine
Media credits: myjolnyr
Address: 3819 Av. Calixa-Lavallée
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 12 AM
Parc La Fontaine is a big, green space right in the Plateau Mont-Royal area. If you’re a fan of peaceful, scenic walks, this is a great spot.
We usually spend time circling the artificial pond, known as La Fontaine Lake. We find it to be one of the most tranquil spots, especially in the early morning.
Birdsongs add to the serenity, and it’s common to see herons and other local bird species.
In summer, people rent pedal boats and float around the pond. In winter, it becomes a skating rink with music and heated rental spots nearby. We haven’t tried it yet, but it seems fun, especially for couples.
| Pro tip: Use the Rue Rachel E entrance. It’s closer to everything—the pond, the Chalet, the playground, and the start of most trails. |
4. Have an afternoon picnic at Jardin des Floralies
Media credits: charished_captures
Address: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Contact details: +1 514-872-6120
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 11 PM
Jardin des Floralies is a big garden on Île Notre-Dame, part of Parc Jean-Drapeau. It was built for a big international flower show back in 1980.
If you’re up for it, you can bring a blanket, snacks, and maybe a book. It’s a pretty good spot for a picnic, and there are plenty of calm corners where you can sit and chill.
The “Mother Earth” statue is worth seeing. It’s a huge plant-covered sculpture of a woman with a waterfall coming out of her hand. It’s part art, part garden, and kind of gives off peaceful earth goddess vibes.
However, some parts of the garden look a little run down, like they’ve been forgotten about. But it’s still beautiful overall, and hopefully, some upgrades are coming soon.
| Pro tip: Public restrooms in the garden are hard to find. You can use the Casino de Montreal as your bathroom stop. It’s clean, reliable, and open to the public. |
5. Explore the plants at the Governor’s Garden
Media credits: chateauramezay
Address: 280 Notre-Dame Street East
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
The Governor’s Garden is just behind Château Ramezay, and we were surprised at how peaceful it was, even with the city all around. The garden is split into three parts: a kitchen garden with herbs and veggies, an orchard with fruit trees, and a flower garden.
What’s cool is that the plants here are similar to what people actually grew back in the day. So, if you’re into history, gardening, or just like looking at weird old plant varieties, you’ll find something to enjoy.
There are little info panels in a few languages, so you can wander at your own pace and learn a thing or two without needing a tour guide.
| Pro tip: If you’re curious about the Governor’s Garden, you might want to tour Château Ramezay too. It’s just right next door, though not free. It ties with the garden’s historical theme and gives more context to what you’re seeing outside. |
Historic and architectural free things to do in Montreal
6. Catch a light show at Montreal City Hall
Media credits: nyssapchopra
Address: 275 Notre-Dame St. East
Contact details: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Built in the late 1800s, the Montreal City Hall is the first city hall in Canada made just for city business. It’s big, grand, and looks like something out of a European history book. There’s a fancy copper mansard roof, stone walls, and a tall central tower.
Go at dusk if you can. That’s when the lights turn on and things get magical. The glow hits every curve and edge of the building, so it stands out against the sky.
It’s easy to get to since Champ-de-Mars Metro station is nearby. You can even pair your visit with a stroll through Place Jacques-Cartier, where there are street performers, cafes, and all the usual Old Montreal charm.
| Pro tip: Most people stick to the front of Notre-Dame street, but walk around the whole building. The rear and sides have fewer crowds and offer different views, especially the elevated perspective over Champ-de-Mars. |
7. Marvel at the grand ceilings of Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde
Media credits: __j.m.t.__
Address: 1085 Rue de la Cathédrale
Contact details: +1 514-866-1661
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 7 PM
The first thing that hit us in Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde was the ceiling. It’s huge, detailed, and makes you stare up. The dome is visible from across the city, but inside, it’s even more impressive.
There are chapels tucked into corners, marble floors, mosaics from Italy, and even a list of the Canadian soldiers who went off to defend the Pope in the 1860s. It’s full of little details that reward slow wandering.
You don’t need to be religious to enjoy it. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and feels like it’s holding years’ worth of quiet stories. Plus, you’re steps from Dorchester Square and Saint Catherine Street, so you can swing by without much effort.
| Pro tip: If you want it calm and almost empty, weekday mornings (9 AM – 11 AM) are your best bet. There are fewer people and better lighting. |
8. Admire the strange architecture of Habitat 67 from the outside
Media credits: habitat67montreal
Address: 2600 Ave Pierre-Dupuy
Contact details: +1 514-866-5971
Habitat 67 is one of the coolest buildings you can check out for free. You don’t even need to go inside to get the full effect. This place looks like a giant stack of concrete blocks, almost like a brutalist version of LEGO.
You can just walk in since it’s a private residential complex, but the best part is totally visible from the outside. The building looks different depending on where you’re standing, so walking around it gives you new angles and details to admire.
We recommend visiting on a clear day since the sunlight plays a big role in how it looks. The design casts interesting shadows that shift throughout the day.
It sits right by the Saint Lawrence River on a man-made peninsula called Cité du Havre, and the views alone make the trip worth it.
| Pro tip: Head to Marc-Drouin Quay or walk along Avenue Pierre-Dupuy for the best exterior views. These spots give you a clear line of sight to the full modular structure without obstructions. |
Urban free things to do in Montreal
9. Trace Montreal’s past in Mount Royal Cemetery
Media credits: mike.balestra
Address: 1297 Foret Rd, Outremont
Contact details: +1 514-279-7358
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Mount Royal Cemetery isn’t your average graveyard. What makes it special is the mix of nature and history. One minute you’re walking past a massive stone mausoleum with angels and lions on it, the next you’re spotting robins and woodpeckers in the trees.
There’s a bit of everything here. There’s a small churchyard-style section with wrought iron fences, big open lawns, and fancy graves. There’s even the occasional unfinished monument that looks like someone just gave up halfway through, which was charming.
If you’re into Montreal history, this place is a goldmine. You’ll spot names like Sir John Abbott and writer Mordecai Richler, but also lots of graves that hint at the city’s past in quieter ways. It feels personal, even if you don’t know anyone buried here.
| Pro tip: Enter via the Main Gate on Chemin de la Forêt since it’s the most scenic and direct entrance. You’ll find the gatehouse here, which often has paper maps, birdwatching lists, and details about guided walking tours. |
10. Take some nice pictures at The Ring at Place Ville Marie
Media credits: pbeau
Address: Place Ville Marie, 1048
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
The Ring is basically a giant steel circle suspended in the air. Sounds simple, but it’s kind of epic when you see it in person. It was designed by Claude Cormier and installed in 2022 as part of a big project to make downtown feel more alive.
During the day, The Ring frames the skyline and Mount Royal in a really clean, satisfying way. It’s like the city made a perfect photo filter out of steel. It’s really great for people who love taking artsy pictures without needing fancy gear.
The fun part is when you go in the evening. That’s when the lights kick in, and The Ring starts glowing in colours inspired by the Mount Royal Cross. It’s subtle and somehow makes the whole area feel more magical.
| Pro tip: When you visit here, pair it with a visit to Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde or a walk down Sainte-Catherine Street. Both are nearby and worth checking out while you’re downtown. |
11. Taste local flavours in Jean-Talon Market
Media credits: marchejeantalon
Address: 7070 Henri Julien Ave
Contact details: +1 514-937-7754
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Jean-Talon Market is a great spot if you’re looking for something free, fun, and full of flavour. You don’t need to buy anything to enjoy it (though you probably will). But just walking through here is an experience.
On weekends in the warmer months, the streets around it are closed to cars, which makes it way nicer to stroll. It’s all about local farmers, fresh produce, flowers, and more. It’s like a buffet for your eyes and nose.
Vendors are generous with samples. There are strawberries, sharp cheese, fresh bread, and sometimes even oysters. You can snack your way through without ever opening your wallet.
| Pro tip: Talk to the vendors since most of them are super friendly. They’re also happy to explain what they’re selling. It’s a casual way to learn about Quebec products. |
Artistic and cultural free things to do in Montreal
12. Catch some free shows at Théâtre de Verdure
Media credits: scramblelock
Address: 3939 Av. du Parc-La Fontaine
Contact details: +1 514-872-0311
Operating hours:
- Depends on the show schedule
Théâtre de Verdure is an open-air stage inside La Fontaine park, where you can catch live music, dance, circus shows, and more. Most shows are completely free to attend here as long as it’s summertime (early June to late August).
It was recently designed, and they did a great job making the stage feel like part of the park. There’s a clear view of the trees behind the performers. The whole setup feels open and light.
Just remember that the wooden benches aren’t exactly luxurious. So if you’re planning to stay for a whole 90-minute show, bring a cushion or a camping chair. Your spine will thank you.
| Pro tip: We recommend arriving 30–60 minutes early before a show. The theatre fits about 2,500 people, but seating is first come, first served, even if you have a free ticket for reserved events. |
13. Look for some public art at the Underground City
Media credits: clairecakea
Address: 747 Rue du Square-Victoria #247
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: Closed
Montreal’s Underground City, or RESO, is a weird and wonderful maze under the city. It’s not just a tunnel system. It’s also a giant, free art crawl that winds through malls, metro stations, and cultural spots.
Art is everywhere here. Some of it is permanent, like that trippy brick hallway near Square Victoria or the 1750 statue of Amphitrite sitting casually inside a business complex. Others pop up during the Art Souterrain Festival in March.
The downside, though, is it’s easy to get lost. Even locals sometimes don’t know they’re in it, but that’s part of the charm. Besides, there’s no wrong way to explore this place.
| Pro tip: If your legs get tired, just hop on the metro. Your fare covers transfers, and many stations are linked directly to the Underground City. |
14. Lose yourself in live performances in Quartier des Spectacles
Media credits: quartierdesspectacles_mtl
Address: 1435, Rue Saint-Alexandre
Contact details: +1 514 879-0009
Even without tickets or a formal itinerary, the Quartier des Spectacles in downtown feels like a giant, walkable stage. The Place des Festivals was alive with sound and motion. There is also a lot of live music from the open-air plaza.
We passed under illuminated walkways and paused at video projections. The digital art and murals lining the streets also didn’t feel like static decoration. They felt like an invitation to pause, reflect, or simply admire.
During our visit, there was a looped skating rink and a winter market, which created a playful energy. We were told that in the summer, these same spaces are transformed into outdoor concert halls and film screening zones. No ticket required too!
| Pro tip: Look for food truck zones and promo sampling during events. They often give out free bites or samples. |
15. Hunt for giant murals in The Plateau and Mile End
Address: The Plateau and Mile End
Giant murals usually cover the buildings in Plateau and Mile End. Some take up entire walls, others are tucked into alleyways or peek out above cafes.
Most of them are along Boulevard Saint-Laurent, but honestly, the best part was getting a little lost. We found some of our favourite pieces just by turning down quiet side streets.
These murals aren’t just random graffiti. A lot of them are done by world-class artists, many of whom paint during the MURAL Festival every June. We really like that even if you miss the festival, the art sticks around and it’s always changing.
We started early in the morning, which we recommend. The streets are quieter, the light is better for photos, and you can actually take your time without dodging crowds.
| Pro tip: Don’t skip Saint-Dominique, Saint-Urbain, and Clark Streets. These run parallel to Saint-Laurent and often have murals in more industrial or unexpected spots, like parking lots, stairwells, and rooftops. |
