Dreaming of vibrant streets, mouthwatering poutine, and unforgettable adventures without emptying your piggy bank? Well, fantastic news! Air Transat is making your Montreal dreams a reality with their wallet-friendly direct flights to Quebec. They whisk you right into the heart of the action without breaking the bank. And guess what? Montreal is absolutely brimming with awesome free (or ridiculously cheap) things to do! Here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing this incredible city without busting your budget, with something for everyone.
What are the best free things to do in Montreal? Dive into the fun summer festivals!
MURAL Festival
When : June
Get ready to witness Saint-Laurent Boulevard transform into a massive, open-air art gallery during the MURAL Festival! Local and international artists unleash their creativity on gigantic walls. Curious about Montreal’s vibrant art scene? Catch live artistic creations for free, jump into workshops, or cruise around to discover unique masterpieces using the interactive map!
FrancoFolies
When : June
Come mid-June, Montreal pulses with the rhythm of French-language music at FrancoFolies! Held in the lively Quartier des spectacles, this festival throws several days of free outdoor concerts, showcasing a fantastic mix of artists, all celebrating the French language—a real cornerstone of Quebec’s culture.
International Jazz Festival
When : June
Every year, downtown Montreal grooves to the sounds of jazz, rap, funk, and world music during the legendary International Jazz Festival. Located in the buzzing Quartier des spectacles, you can catch over 350 concerts, and the best part? Most of them are totally free!
Montreal Complètement Cirque
When : July
Montreal Complètement Cirque brings the magic of the circus right to the city’s streets, parks, and public squares for ten whole days. Expect breathtaking acrobatics, mesmerizing juggling, and stunning aerial dances that will fill the city with a sense of wonder and enchantment. Especially with kids!
PlazaPalooza
When : July
Plaza Saint-Hubert bursts into life with PlazaPalooza, a super fun sidewalk sale packed with musical performances, awesome free activities for the whole family, creative workshops, and oh-so-tempting food trucks. Discover some seriously cool and affordable treasures, support local businesses, and snag a unique souvenir to remember your Montreal summer!
Just For Laughs Festival
When : Mid-July
Get ready to laugh your socks off! Mid-July brings the hilarious Just For Laughs Festival to the Quartier des spectacles. Local comedians, international English-speaking stars, and fresh new talents take the stage to keep you in stitches, creating a super relaxed and joyful vibe. There’s something for everyone, that’s for sure!
Fantasia International Film Festival
When : Late July
While you’ll need tickets for the indoor movie screenings, the Fantasia International Film Festival also rolls out the red carpet for free events and activities around Montreal! Think cool celebrity meet-and-greets, fascinating exhibitions, and special outdoor screenings—perfect for all you sci-fi and genre movie buffs out there.
L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec
When : July
Prepare for dazzling skies! Montreal’s L’International des Feux Loto-Quebec is a beloved summer tradition where fireworks light up the night. The main show happens at La Ronde amusement park, but you can catch the spectacular display from awesome spots like the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Old Port, and various riverside parks. Get ready for some truly magical moments, whether you’re on a romantic date or hanging out with your besties!
Montreal Pride Festival
When : August
Montreal Pride proudly amplifies 2SLGBTQIA+ voices with a vibrant festival overflowing with free and inclusive activities. Primarily located along Sainte-Catherine Street in the lively Village, Pride celebrates progress, rights, and diversity through fantastic shows, engaging activities, energetic dance parties, and the joyful, colorful parade.
Explore Montreal on foot with these free outdoor activities
Is Mount Royal in Montreal free to visit? Yes, it is!
Mount Royal—or simply “the mountain” as the locals call it—is your instant escape to nature right in the city’s heart, offering a ton of free things to do in Montreal. Super easy to get to from Park Avenue, Côte-des-Neiges, or Pine Avenue, this iconic grassy area is crisscrossed with walking trails perfect for all paces, whether you’re strolling or biking. Along the way, keep an eye out for curious squirrels, the lively Sunday tam-tam drumming sessions, and the peaceful Beaver Lake.
And at the very top, the Belvédère Kondiaronk lookout offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Trust us, it’s every bit as stunning as you’ve heard!
Visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory
Perched majestically on the side of Mount Royal in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, Saint Joseph’s Oratory is one of Montreal’s most iconic landmarks. Visiting this incredible Catholic sanctuary is free, and it’s famous for its towering dome—one of the largest in the world! Climb the steps (if you’re feeling energetic!), wander through the serene gardens and soak in the incredible panoramic views of the island of Montreal. Especially at sunset!
Step into the Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouses
Tucked away beside the lovely Westmount Park, this heritage gem welcomes the public year-round and it’s completely free. Inside its elegant Victorian-style glasshouse, you’ll discover a lush world bursting with orchids, banana trees, and all sorts of tropical plants, all lovingly tended by a team of passionate horticulture enthusiasts.
Admire Colourful Houses in the Plateau
A true living postcard, the Plateau Mont-Royal is one of Montreal’s most iconic neighborhoods—and exploring it is a must-do among the city’s free activities. Its charming colourful Victorian homes, complete with their intricate wrought-iron balconies and winding spiral staircases, tell the story of a once working-class district that’s now bursting with character. Wander around Square Saint-Louis or along the picturesque Laval, Drolet, and Mentana streets.
Wander Old Montreal’s Cobbled Streets
With its historic facades and cobblestone streets steeped in centuries of history, Old Montreal effortlessly blends European charm with that laid-back Montreal vibe. Our top recommendations? Take a leisurely stroll down Saint-Paul Street and pop into the art galleries, savor a delicious latte at the iconic Café Olimpico, catch a free street performance in Place Jacques-Cartier, or swing by the Montreal Observation Wheel for a breathtaking view of the river (though this one isn’t free, the view is worth considering!).
Relax at Village au Pied-du-Courant
Nestled along the fleuve Saint-Laurent, the Village au Pied-du-Courant is the perfect place to soak up the Montreal summer vibes. This versatile public space offers a fantastic array of free activities: urban beach, live performances, outdoor film screenings, and festive nights. By day, settle in with a good book or a picnic basket; by night, marvel at the stunning view of the illuminated Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
Stroll Wellington Street (the coolest street in the world)
Named the world’s coolest street by Time Out magazine—yes, really!—Wellington Street is the vibrant heart of Verdun, in the southwest part of the island. Lined with unique indie shops, fantastic restaurants, and cozy cafés, it has that perfect neighborhood feel we all adore, especially in the summertime. And it’s well worth a visit.
The only potential downside? You might just find yourself wanting to stay longer than you planned!
Affordable Montreal classics and cool places
Thrifting on Saint-Laurent (the Main) in Mile-End
Looking to score some seriously unique clothing while exploring one of Montreal’s most creative neighborhoods? Head straight to Mile End! The thrift shops here have that special something—think perfectly curated vintage pieces, cool retro-yet-trendy styles, and one-of-a-kind finds that won’t break the bank. Along Saint-Laurent Boulevard (affectionately known as “the Main”), each boutique has its own distinct vibe, its own story, and its own hidden gems just waiting for you to discover them.
Explore Traditional Cafés in Little Italy
Little Italy is that charming Montreal neighborhood just north of Mile End where conversations flow freely, the rich aroma of coffee fills the air, and warm hospitality is simply a way of life. You’ll walk past terraces buzz with lively chatter, baristas greet you like old friends, and every espresso comes with a story—and sometimes even a delicious biscotti on the side!
Atwater Market’s Gourmet Stalls
Located in the Saint-Henri neighborhood, Atwater Market is a true Montreal institution. Inside, you’ll find an impressive array of butchers, talented cheesemongers, fresh fishmongers, and artisanal bakeries. In the summer months, local farmers proudly display their seasonal fruits and vegetables, while horticultural vendors fill the space with colourful plants and flowers.
There’s something for something for everyone at this Montreal top attraction—ice cream, maple treats, Malaysian skewers, fresh locally-grown fruits, you name it.
Rent a Pedal Boat on the Lachine Canal
Lachine Canal is a peaceful waterway bordered by lovely bike paths and lush greenery—an ideal spot for a city escape without actually leaving Montreal. Renting a pedal boat here feels like a mini urban cruise that won’t put a dent in your wallet. Gently drift along the calm waters, admire the repurposed industrial architecture, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a heron or two. Just another classic, relaxing summer day in Montreal!
Picnic in Laurier Park
Right in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier Park is the ultimate summer picnic destination—beautifully shaded by tall, mature trees. It’s where locals gather for lively games of pétanque, enjoy impromptu concerts near the public piano, or cool off in the refreshing outdoor pool.
Find our which museums are free in Montreal on the first Sunday of the month and evenings
Canadian Centre for Architecture
Curious about how cities take shape and evolve? On Thursday evenings, admission to the renowned Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) is absolutely free! Both a world-class research hub and a fascinating museum, the CCA features thought-provoking exhibitions that delve deep into the art and ideas behind architecture.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Prepare to be amazed by one of the country’s most prestigious museums—and guess what? It’s free on the first Sunday of every month!
What makes the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts truly special is its incredibly diverse collection of over 47,000 works, spanning from ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art, all housed within five stunning architectural pavilions. The museum beautifully highlights Quebec, Canadian, Indigenous, and international art, and always features world-class temporary exhibitions.
McCord Stewart Museum
Enjoy free admission every Wednesday evening at the McCord Stewart Museum! It offers a fascinating and insightful look at the history and Indigenous cultures of Canada through engaging and educational exhibits. Discover rich and compelling stories about Tiohtià:ke (Montreal) and its unceded territory, right in the vibrant heart of downtown.
The ultimate cheap fall or winter activity? Explore Montreal Underground!
Weather got a little rainy or just a tad chilly? Head underground and explore Montreal’s extensive underground pedestrian network—a parallel universe beneath the bustling streets! Free to access and conveniently connected through the metro system, this amazing maze of tunnels links major shopping centers, fascinating museums, cozy cafés, and even universities.
It’s practical, easy on the wallet, and just another unique way to experience Montreal while enjoying free activities.
