The 9 Best Free Activities to Experience in Montréal

As one of North America's most vibrant cities, Montréal boasts treasure-filled museums, a lively music scene, and majestic churches steeped in intriguing histories.

The best part? Many of the city’s top attractions are absolutely free. Here’s your guide to the must-see sights and activities in Montréal that won’t cost you a penny.

1. Explore the Redpath Museum at Your Own Pace

Nestled on the McGill University campus, the Redpath Museum exudes a sense of 19th-century exploration. Established in 1882, this historic building showcases the collections of Sir William Dawson, featuring displays of ancient fossils, Neanderthal skulls, Ptolemaic mummies, and extinct taxidermy specimens. Curiosities await at every turn—be sure to check out the handwritten letter from Charles Darwin.

Tip for Planning: Grab a scavenger hunt sheet and see if you can find some of the Redpath's hidden treasures.

2. Join the Vibrant Drummers at Les Tams-Tams du Mont-Royal

Every Sunday in the summer, the lush area at the base of Mont Royal becomes a lively gathering spot for drummers, dancers, and picnickers who come to enjoy a spontaneous jam session. The festivities usually begin around noon and continue until nearly sunset, near the statue of Sir George-Étienne Cartier in the Plateau neighborhood. Everyone is invited to join in the fun.

3. Explore the Trails of Mont-Royal

Before, after, or even instead of joining the tam-tam festivities, you can put on your hiking boots or sneakers and stroll through the wooded paths of Parc du Mont-Royal. Locally known as la montagne (the mountain), this 200-hectare (494 acres) park serves as a lush retreat within the city.

This park is a destination throughout the year. The well-marked trails welcome hikers in the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter, making any time a great opportunity to ascend to the Belvédère Kondiaronk for breathtaking views of the city.

4. Enjoy Ice Skating at Parc La Fontaine

When winter arrives, the people of Montréal don't retreat indoors. Instead, they celebrate the cold season by ice skating, snowshoeing, and skiing. Many neighborhood parks, including the beautiful Parc La Fontaine, feature free skating rinks during the winter months.

After skating on a frozen pond, you can cozy up with hot beverages at Robin des Bois, which overlooks the rink. If you don’t have your own skates, rentals are available.

Planning tip: Why not make your search for skates an opportunity to shop? Look for a secondhand pair at a thrift store like the three-story Eva B on St-Laurent Blvd.

5. Experience the past through dynamic projections around the city

On select evenings throughout the year, the walls and streets of Montréal transform into a canvas for lively projections that animate the city's history. Known as Montréal en Histoires, these displays occur at numerous locations, showcasing tales from culture and mythology, from Algonquin creation myths to the iconic 67 Expo.

These projections also pay tribute to several of Montréal’s legendary figures, including social advocate Marguerite d’Youville, Irish philanthropist Joe Beef, songwriter Leonard Cohen, and hockey icon Maurice Richard, among others.

Planning tip: Download the complimentary Montréal en Histoires app to navigate the circuit and access audio guides in French, English, or Spanish.

6. Join a free walking tour of Old Montréal

For a deep dive into the city’s rich history, join a walking tour that explores historic sites in Old Montréal. Engaging guides will share stories of sailors, nuns, soldiers, aristocrats, and others who have influenced the city over the years. Although the tour is free, it’s recommended to book in advance and remember to leave a tip at the conclusion.

7. Explore contemporary art at the Belgo

Housed in a 1912 structure that was once one of Montréal’s first department stores, the Édifice Belgo has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Today, it's recognized for its collection of galleries spanning four floors.

All galleries are free to explore and typically open from Wednesday to Saturday, around noon to 5 PM — except during vernissages (gallery openings) on select evenings when art enthusiasts gather to admire new pieces (and enjoy complimentary wine). Check here for a list of galleries and current events.

8. Light a candle at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours

Constructed in 1741, this elegantly designed chapel serves as a tranquil escape from the lively atmosphere of Old Montréal. Hidden history can be found in Montréal’s oldest chapel, which actually stands atop an even older church dating back to the 1650s.

Notice the statue of the Mother of God on the left, which emerged unscathed when the original chapel was destroyed by fire in 1754. Look up to spot small sailing ships hanging from above. These votives were offered in gratitude for safe travels, earning the chapel its alternate title: the Sailors’ Church. You can discover more during a free self-guided smartphone tour while you're there.

9. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Oratoire St-Joseph

The largest shrine ever dedicated to Jesus’s earthly father has long attracted devout Catholics, many of whom climb the 99 steps on their knees. Whether you ascend on foot, on your knees, or via escalator, reaching this stunning structure nestled in the western Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood is absolutely worthwhile.

Visit the third level for sweeping vistas over a wide stretch of northwest Montréal, then descend into the crypt where hundreds of candles flicker over the tomb of Saint André. A monk of modest beginnings, Brother André envisioned the oratory back in 1904, and some attribute miracles to him. Interestingly, his heart isn’t buried in the tomb; it rests on the fourth floor in a reliquary.