Montreal At Night

Montreal’s French charm and European heritage impress visitors day and night. As you venture through Montreal’s neighbourhoods, you’ll discover the city’s beautiful architecture, galleries and museums. Montreal at night has a special atmosphere, with beautifully lit buildings and magic in the air.

Performing theatres and intriguing street art are an ode to the city’s artistic heritage, and you can find many places open in Montreal after sunset to enjoy the city’s creative vibe.
Montreal is well-connected by air and rail to various parts of Canada, USA, Europe and a number of other international destinations, this beautiful city also has a well-developed public transit system that you can use without any hassles.

Montreal is located along the St. Lawrence River on an island with parks and nature reserves. If you love being outdoors, go hiking trail on Mount Royal to see lovely nighttime views of the surroundings, explore the Botanical Gardens, take a night cruise on the St Lawrence River, or go ice skating during the winter months.

Christmas is when the city lights up with colourful Christmas lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Montreal also hosts many festivals that attract crowds until late at night, concerts and sporting events like the Canadian Grand Prix segment of Formula One racing.

Montreal’s food scene is a fusion of traditional and modern culinary techniques and this city is a great place to enjoy the culinary treats in its restaurants, bistros and casual eateries. Indulge in delicious poutine, savour mouth-watering smoked meat sandwiches, or explore the city’s diverse international cuisines. Montreal’s busy Jean-Talon Market and the vibey Marché des Éclusiers are perfect for discovering fresh local produce and artisanal food treats.

Montreal At Night

20 Things To Do In Montreal At Night

1- Enjoy The Views From La Grande Roue de Montréal 

Step into a spacious cabin on the Montreal Ferris Wheel and you’ll go high into the sky with incredible views of the river and the surrounding city.

You will be treated to sparkling lights of the city’s skyline and views of distant boats moving on the river.

If you time the visit right, the vibrant hues of a sunset too.

It is hard to miss the Ferris Wheel in the Old Port area on the river bank, surrounded by entertainment options.

You can easily fit a trip to the Ferris Wheel in your itinerary as there are plenty of things to do in the area.

Opt for a package offering VIP cabins with glass floors or a Date Night package with sparkling wine. Skip the line and book your admission ticket to La Grande Roue de Montreal (Canada’s tallest observation wheel) online here. 

Recommended tour: Night in Montreal – Small Group Tour with La Grand Roue Ride

2- Take An Evening Cruise On the St. Lawrence River

There’s nothing like a relaxing river cruise with sunset views and a sumptuous dinner to make your vacation even more memorable.

Enjoy the view of Montreal from a unique perspective as your cruise ship sails down the St Lawrence River.

Montreal being an island, makes a cruise even more appealing as the landscape changes while you pass the city.

You can even see the neighbouring islands while passing under majestic bridges while enjoying your dinner.

You can even dance on the open terrace with a DJ in the background if your cruise ship and weather permitting. 

Recommended:

• Montreal: Guided Electric Boat Cruise with Onboard Bar
• Old Port of Montreal Private Boat Tour

3- Explore The Cobblestone Streets Of Old Montreal

Montreal’s oldest neighbourhood, Old Montreal, is also one of its liveliest.

The clatter of horseshoes on cobblestone streets of Old Montreal will transport you to the olden days of the French Colonial or Victorian era.

The streets are lined with shops, bistros, museums, art galleries, street vendors and even bakeries that have been serving customers for decades.

After a day of visiting the popular sites of Notre Dame Cathedral, Ferris Wheel, Science Center and Clock Tower or just after a stroll on the promenade, the Old Montreal area offers you a feast for your eyes, nose and tastebuds.

You will feel like you’re in Europe here, especially the well-lit buildings at night in Montreal are reminiscent of Paris.

Recommended tours:

• Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour
• Private Guided Evening Old Montreal Walking Tour

4- Watch A Live Performance

Montreal has a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with several venues that have regular shows and special performances.

The Quartier des Spectacles is the city’s major cultural district.

Place des Arts is in the heart of this district, a multi-venue complex where you can watch opera, orchestral performances, ballet, musicals and plays. 

Book a seat at the Montreal Symphony House (Maison Symphonique) if you like classical music.

Théâtre Maisonneuve regularly hosts local and international artists in ballet, contemporary dance and music.

The Quartier des Spectacles is where you can attend the internationally acclaimed Montreal Jazz Festival and Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and attend live performances.

5- Catch The Evening Views From Mount Royal

Montreal got its name from this 761-foot (232 m) hill, which is also the largest of the city’s parks.

Mount Royal overlooks the downtown core and is popular during the day, but nights are when the crowd dwindles, and you will have some of the best views of the city’s skyline.

There are guided tours available in the park, of which the sunset summit walk is popular for its amazing sunset views.

The park is open throughout the year, and depending on the season, you can go jogging, cycling, boating, skating, skiing or tobogganing.

A 103-foot (32 m) cross on top of the hill was placed there in 1643 and is lit up at night.

6- Explore The Underground City

Underground City, true to its name, is a large, sprawling network of connected subterranean tunnels running through the downtown core.

You can enter and exit easily from the roads and the metro rail system, making this a great place to hang out, even between visits to attractions like Place des Arts.

Air-conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter, this multi-level maze of passageways is packed with shops, restaurants, malls, indoor ice-skating rinks, and other entertainment options.

The Underground City is especially great during winter, where you can escape from the cold and snow outside, enjoy the warmth, and discover hidden gems. 

Recommended tours:

• Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour in Montreal
• Paranormal Investigation Ghost Tour in Montreal

7- Visit The Planetarium 

The planetarium is part of the amazing and unique Space For Life science museum complex that has four main components: the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Biodome, the Insectarium and the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium.

Children will love this museum complex and can spend a full day going through the various areas full of flora, fauna, science exhibits and the planetarium.

The planetarium has exhibits, live shows, guided activities and films on astronomy.

Check out the multimedia show on Aurora Borealis and the immersive film – Passport to the Universe.  

The Planetarium is open until 8.30 pm (Wednesday to Saturday) and 5.30 pm on other days. 

Recommended tour: Stargazing near Montreal

8- Indulge In Culinary Delights In The Gourmet Capital Of Canada

Montreal is the gourmet capital of Canada and for good reason.

From iconic restaurants and delightful international cuisines to and abundant variety of affordable eateries, you can always find something delicious in Montreal.

From smoked meat sandwiches, poutine and Montreal-style bagels to the tourtière, you will never be far from tasty food here, day or night.

Head to Mile End for gourmet bakeries and international restaurants or look for upscale French and international restaurants in Old Montreal.

You’ll find authentic Italian restaurants in Little Italy and the smoked meats of Schwartz’s Deli is a must-try.

Before you leave, pick up a bottle of authentic Canadian maple syrup from Montreal.

Recommended: Delicious Dim Sum in a Montreal Home

9- Attend A Comedy Show

Just For Laughs festival is one of the largest comedy festivals in the world, held annually in Montreal and a must-visit if you are here during that time.

The festival attracts some of the biggest names in comedy, showcasing a wide range of performances, including stand-up, improv and sketch comedy. 

If you can’t go to the festival, Theatre Sainte-Catherine, The Comedy Nest and Main Line Theatre regularly feature comedy performances.

10- Take A Stroll Along The St. Lawrence River

Montreal is an island in the St. Lawrence River, and the city has several picturesque banks where you can take a walk on the sandy beaches, parks and promenades and enjoy the cool breeze.

The Old Port of Montreal comes alive at night with beautifully lit streets and waterfront views.

Enjoy a romantic moment along the promenade, dine at waterfront restaurants, or relax on benches, soak in the sunset and gaze at the reflections of boat lights and the moon.

11- Go On A Double-Decker Guided Bus Tour at Night

Board a double-decker bus in Montreal and tour the attractions of Montreal at night. 

Like Paris, Montreal transforms after sunset into a fairyland with well-lit and colourful buildings; even the Jacques-Cartier Bridge lights up in flashes of colour over the St. Lawrence River.

The best way to enjoy the sights after sunset is to buy a ticket on the hop-on hop-off double-decker bus.

If you see something interesting, you can get down at the nearest station, explore and hop back on the bus.

The areas of Old Montreal, Quartier de Spectacles and Latin Quarter are intriguing to look at and explore after sunset.

The bus tour is a must-do in Montreal, especially in summer.

Recommended: Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

12- Spend An Evening With Books At Grande Bibliothèque Library

Visit the Grande Bibliothèque library in Montreal not just for the books but for movies, music, video games, vinyl, and even to borrow museum passes.

The museum is quite modern looking, and gets lighted up in a unique colourful way at night, making it look even more attractive.

There are chairs to sit down, grab a book and read till your heart’s content.

The library is very close to Quartier des Spectacles, Old Montreal and many other attractions.

It is a good stop for relaxing or letting your kids enjoy comics/manga while you shop. 

13- Have Fun At The Museum Of Illusions

This is a great place for kids and adults to have fun and enjoy mind-bending illusions.

This museum is part of the global Museum of Illusions group, with over 70 exhibits, holograms, stereograms, optical illusions and fully immersive rooms designed to trick the mind.

Children will have a great time enjoying the visual and sensory illusions and brain teasers.

Children can also learn about the science behind each illusion, including how our brain processes information and what causes our senses to be deceived, so they can learn and have fun at the same time. Skip the line and book your tickets here. 

14- Take a Night-time E-Bike Ride Through The Streets Of Montreal

Montreal has one of the longest and most well-developed bike paths in North America and home to Bixi, one of the most successful bike-sharing systems in the world.

The bike paths are perfect for exploring Montreal, connecting almost every neighbourhood, park and tourist attraction.

You can easily rent an e-bike at one of the many bike rentals and enjoy the amazing scenery around you at your own pace.

Touring Montreal at night at the safety and convenience of the bike paths allows you to explore the colourful and well-lit buildings, markets and all the off-beat places you can find.

For an even more memorable experience, join a guided tour with other e-bike enthusiasts after sunset.

The city hosts the Tour de l’Île de Montréal, a popular annual cycling event that draws thousands of visitors.

And if you like to ride a real motorbike, participate in the Tour La Nuit Festival, where you can bike on Montreal’s roads without worrying about beeping cars or pedestrians.

Recommended:

• Full-Day Family Bike Rental
• Guided Scooter Sightseeing Tour in Montreal

15- Shop And Dine In Montreal Eaton Centre

If you want a place to cool your heels, drop into the Eaton Centre in Underground City.

With a range of international shops, boutiques, eateries, you can come here to shop for anything from high-end fashion to trendy streetwear, electronics, cosmetics, and more.

Even if you aren’t here to shop, a casual stroll through the mall is enough to get your moods high.

Fashion shows, live performances, art exhibitions and seasonal celebrations – you will always find something new and happening here.

Satisfy your hunger by dropping into a bagel shop or a casual eatery, or go to a trendy café or a gourmet restaurant – you will not be short of options.

The centre is a go-to during winter months and a great place to quickly get warmth and escape the cold weather outside.

16- Visit the La Ronde Theme Park on St. Helen’s Island

La Ronde theme park is on St. Helen’s Island, on the St. Lawrence River.

The park has a number or rides and attractions for children and adults, including entertaining shows, special performances and even occasional concerts.

Visit the park during summer months for superb fireworks show and during Halloween for spooky and haunted attractions and Halloween-themed fun.

If you are travelling with family, the park offers a great place for children to spend time till late evening.

17- Enjoy Montreal’s Festival Scene

Montreal has a number of festivals that light up the streets all through the year.

The famous Montreal International Jazz Festival and Montreal Fireworks Festival are not to be missed if you are here during the time.

The prestigious Montreal International Film Festival, Montreal Fringe Festival and the amazing Just For Laughs comedy festival are just some famous festivals that will brighten your stay and lighten up your day.

If you are in the designated festival areas, you will be treated with colourful lights from every building, illuminated water fountains, laser shows, food stalls, stores and many more attractions, so don’t miss them.

Montreal also hosts several small, independent festivals organised by local establishments throughout the year.

18- Go Bar Hopping In Montreal

If you are visiting Montreal during summer, you can enjoy several regular and seasonal rooftop bars offering plenty of entertainment.

Winter sees many bars and pubs embracing the change in weather through colourful lighting, cosy interiors, special events and indoor entertainment.

Live local and international music and DJs, comedy shows, special performances – each bar has its own unique way of celebrating every season.

There are several themed bars, nightclubs, adult and exotic bars that dot Montreal’s nightlife scene throughout the year, so take your pick.

Several areas in Montreal have great pubs and nightlife, including the downtown area, Old Montreal, the trendy Mile End, Saint Laurent Boulevard and the Gay Village.

Recommended tour:

• Guided Happy Hour Brew Tour in Montreal with Dinner
• Montreal Haunted Bar Crawl

19- Experience An Ice Hockey Game

Canadians love their ice hockey.

Montreal is home to the Montreal Canadiens, one of the most storied franchises in the National Hockey League.

The iconic Bell Centre arena is where you can watch the game first hand and experience the energy of the atmosphere and spirit of the game.

You can even have a famous smoked meat sandwich or dip into the poutine while sipping beer and watching the game.

Many pubs offer special discounts and offers during the home games, drop into your local pub and enjoy the game if you can’t make it to the stadium.

You can also visit the Hockey: Faster Than Every seasonal exhibition in the Montreal Science Centre, where kids and adults can explore the science and action behind a ice hockey game. 

Day trip: Take A 1000 Islands Cruise

Not far from Montreal, the thousand islands are a group of 1800 islands right on the border between northern New York and southeastern Ontario.

Your trip to these islands would involve some ground transport followed by a river cruise.

It’s worth a visit and the tour would take you through the picturesque archipelagos, world-class wineries, castles including the famous 120-room Boldt Castle, lavish villas, and historic lighthouses – all of which hide centuries of history.

Depending on your budget and interest, you can camp under the stars, book a cosy motel, rent a beautiful riverside villa, or get dropped at a full-service hotel to stay the night.

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