Summer Activities in Montreal’s Old Port

Montreal’s Old Port is a great place to enjoy the summer season. Whether it’s to take a stroll on Rue de la Commune, sit on a terrace at Place Jacques-Cartier or partake in the various activities offered, the Old Port is a go-to destination for summertime fun. Check out our guide for summer activities in the Old Port.

Bota Bota spa-sur-l’eau (open all year)

Bota Bota, the “spa on the water”, is a perfect place to get some relaxation, all while admiring the scenic 360° view of Old Montreal through the glass windows of this beautiful boat. You heard right, a spa on water. Bota Bota is a fully functional spa, complete with sauna, Nordic baths, massage therapy, manicure/pedicure services, a yoga/pilates studio and more. This is a one of a kind experience, one worth exploring for anyone feeling the need to decompress. Further information is available on their website.

Quadricycle (May – October)

These four-wheel bicycles are a great way to get some exercise. Go with either friends or family and ask about renting a three-seater ($19.99 for 30 minutes) or six-seater ($39.99 for 30 minutes). Quadricycles are perfect for families with small children; they all come equipped with two seats for toddlers at the front. Rent your quadricycles at the Jacques-Cartier Pier and ride them to the ice cream shop or tour the Old Port.

Pedal boats (May – October)

Pedal boating in the Old Port’s Bonsecours Basin is a fun activity for people of all ages. From June to September, rentals ($19.99 for 30 minutes) are available daily from 10:00am to 12:00am. Get your friends together and enjoy pedalling under the sun. For a romantic evening for two, pedal across the basin as the sun sets. For more information on pedal boat rentals and other activities, check out their full website.

Bicycle/Rollerblade/Running Path (Seasonal/Weather conditions)

What better way to get some exercise than to take a bike ride along the waterfront in Montreal’s Old Port? The bicycle path stretches a long distance and actually connects to a series of other paths that will lead you to the city. Bike, run or rollerblade along the Canal Lachine, on Rue de la Commune and all the way up to Marché Bonsecours. Check out their detailed map of the bicycle paths in and around the city.

Trains-Trains (May – October)

Take your kids for a fun ride around the Old Port in the Trains-Trains miniature electric train. Departing from Place des Vestiges right by the Clock Tower Pier, this is a great way to take your kids around the Old Port without having to carry them or push them in a stroller. The fee for this activity is $4.00 per person (children and adults). For more information, click here.

Segway heritage guided tours (June – October)

The Segway guided tours by ÉcoRécréo are a new and exciting way to revisit the past this summer. Leave from the Jacques Cartier Pier and follow the guide on your modern vehicle to learn about the history of Montreal’s Old Port. Reservations are recommended, as the Segway tours will likely fill up quickly. It should be noted that a short training session is mandatory before you can take your Segway on the tour. Segway rentals cost $34.99 for a 30-minute tour and $59.00 for an hour.

Feux Loto-Quebec (June – August)

For the past 29 years, Montrealers and tourists have taken great pleasure in the Feux Loto-Quebec festival, during which several countries compete in presenting their themed firework shows for the chance to win a Jupiter title. The 2013 winners of the Jupiter Gold, Silver and Bronze were Italy, Croatia and Spain respectively. 2014 will mark the 30th edition of this festival; stay tuned to discover which countries will be competing. Choose between dozens of spots to watch the fireworks, all of which are prime locations. To discover the best terraces from which to view the fireworks, check out this guide: [*]. More information is available on the official website.

Remote-controlled sailboats/speedboats (May – September)

Whether it’s to take your kids out or let out the kid in you, the remote-controlled sailboats by Microvoile (in the Bonsecours Basin Park) are a unique way to experience sailing, without actually being in the water. The float is comprised of sailboats and speedboats that are a quarter of the size of regular boats, all controlled by laser-powered remotes. Rentals are $5.00 for 15 minutes and $10.00 for 15 minutes for sailboats and speedboats respectively. For more information, go to the website here.

Clock Tower Beach (closed for the season)

Who said you had to leave the city to go to the beach? The Old Port’s Clock Tower Beach is a great place to sit back, relax and soak up the sun, just footsteps away from the busy city streets. The beach is fully equipped with parasols and chairs and the best part is, it’s free! If the sun gets too hot, simply head to the bar and cool off with a refreshing drink. For information regarding rules, visit their website.

Saute-Mouton/Jet boating (Spring – Fall)

Saute-Mouton is by far the most exhilarating activity offered in the Old Port. Departing from the Clock Tower Pier, the jet boat will take you on a one-hour ride through the Lachine Rapids of the Saint-Lawrence River. These rough and wavy waters call for an invigorating experience to say the least. This activity is available to adults ($67.00), teens ($57.00) as well as children ($47.00); packages and promotions are available to large groups. To learn more, click here.

AML Cruises (May – October)

Croisières AML has been providing top of the line services to guests aboard their ships for over 40 years. This summer, they invite you to take part in a variety of events aboard the esteemed Cavalier Maxim, stationed at the King Edward Pier. Visit the website to learn about their Gourmet Getaways ($109.95 per person), Brunch Cruises ($52.95 per person), Red Carpet Dinners Cruises and more.

Cirque du Soleil (April – May)

Despite the scale of its operations and its outstanding reputation around the world, the Cirque du Soleil comes home every summer to amaze Montrealers time and time again. The acrobatics, music and surprises of Cirque du Soleil never fail to impress. This summer, we welcome KURIOS, Cabinet of Curiosities, a show that will question your grasp on reality. Tickets are available now at on their website.’

Terrasses Bonsecours (May – September)

Over the years, Terrasses Bonsecours has made quite a name for itself in hosting some of the hottest parties the city has ever seen. At Terrasses Bonsecours, four floors of open-air patios invite you to experience urban nightlife in the outdoors. With music from some of the best DJs in the city, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else. Bonsecours has also welcomed a number of international DJs over the years, Steve Aoki and Bob Sinclair to name a few.  What’s more, the top floors of the building provide a stunning view of Montreal.