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20 Great Things to Do in Montreal on a Shoestring Budget

9 minute read

Montreal is a city rich in history and culture, and it offers a plethora of great activities for visitors and locals alike. From romantic date ideas to family-friendly outings, there is something for everyone—even if you're on a budget. In this guide, we'll explore the best budget-friendly activities in Montreal that won't break the bank. So, get ready to discover hidden gems and unique experiences in this vibrant city!

Table of contents

1. Explore Mount Royal Park

Designed by the same landscape architect who created New York City's Central Park, Mount Royal Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park offers free activities year-round, such as:

At the summit, you'll find the Kondiaronk Belvedere lookout, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. Plus, the park's picturesque Beaver Lake is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic or a family outing.

2. Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is home to an impressive collection of art from around the world. While the regular admission price is quite affordable, the museum offers free entry to its permanent collection on the first Sunday of every month. This is an excellent opportunity for art enthusiasts to admire masterpieces from renowned artists without spending a dime.

3. Stroll through Old Montreal

Stepping into Old Montreal is like taking a trip back in time. This historic district boasts charming cobblestone streets, stunning architecture, and an array of free attractions such as:

Take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets and alleys to discover unique shops, art galleries, and cafes, making for a perfect budget-friendly date or family adventure.

4. Catch a free outdoor movie

During the summer months, Montreal hosts several free outdoor movie nights in parks and public spaces throughout the city. With a diverse selection of films ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to independent productions, these open-air screenings are ideal for a low-cost date night or a fun family activity. Just bring a blanket or some chairs, snacks, and enjoy a movie under the stars!

5. Discover the Jean-Talon Market

Located in the heart of Little Italy, the Jean-Talon Market is one of the largest and most diverse public markets in Montreal. Open year-round, the market features a wide variety of fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious street food. Exploring the market is an excellent budget-friendly activity for foodies, families, and couples alike. Don't forget to sample some authentic Quebecois maple products while you're there!

6. Experience the Lachine Canal

The Lachine Canal is a picturesque waterway stretching over 14.5 kilometers, connecting the Old Port of Montreal to Lake Saint-Louis. The canal's surrounding parklands offer a beautiful setting for a variety of free activities, such as:

The Lachine Canal is a fantastic destination for a romantic date or a family excursion in the great outdoors.

7. Check out the Biosphere Environment Museum

Located on Île Sainte-Hélène in Parc Jean-Drapeau, the Biosphere Environment Museum is an architectural marvel and an important environmental education center. While the museum's admission fee is modest, it offers free entry on the first Sunday of every month. Visitors can explore various interactive exhibits and learn about the environment, climate change, and sustainable development.

8. Get lost in the Montreal Botanical Garden

The Montreal Botanical Garden is a lush oasis in the city, featuring 75 hectares of thematic gardens and greenhouses. Although there is an entrance fee, the garden offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month (between November and April). This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the stunning flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for a low-cost date or a family day out.

9. Unwind at Parc La Fontaine

Parc La Fontaine is a beautiful urban park situated in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood. With its picturesque ponds, large green spaces, and walking paths, the park is a fantastic spot for a budget-friendly outing. Some activities to enjoy in Parc La Fontaine include:

Parc La Fontaine is perfect for a laid-back date or a leisurely family day outdoors.

10. Admire Street Art in the Plateau

The Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art scene. Each year, Montreal hosts the MURAL Festival, transforming the city's walls into stunning works of art. Take a self-guided walking tour and discover the Plateau's colorful murals, alleys, and staircases, making for a visually stimulating and cost-effective experience. This activity is ideal for art enthusiasts, couples, and families alike.

11. Attend a Free Festival

Montreal is famous for its lively festival scene, with events taking place throughout the year. Many of these festivals offer free concerts, shows, and activities, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. Some popular free festivals include:

Be sure to check the festival schedules during your visit and take advantage of these exciting, cost-effective events.

12. Browse the Atwater Market

Similar to the Jean-Talon Market, the Atwater Market is another bustling public market in Montreal. Located near the Lachine Canal, this market offers a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. Stroll through the market and savor the sights, smells, and tastes of local fare. With its affordable food options and lovely atmosphere, the Atwater Market is a great destination for food lovers, families, and couples on a budget.

13. Relax at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument

Located at the foot of Mount Royal, the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Monument is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. On weekends, especially during the summer, you'll find the area buzzing with activity as people enjoy live music, impromptu dance performances, and drum circles. Grab a seat on the steps, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the free entertainment. This lively space is perfect for a budget-friendly date or a fun family outing.

14. Explore the Underground City

Montreal's Underground City (officially known as RÉSO) is a vast subterranean network connecting various shopping centers, office buildings, hotels, and public spaces. With over 32 kilometers of tunnels, this climate-controlled labyrinth offers a unique way to explore the city—especially during the colder months. The Underground City is free to access and features numerous shops, art installations, and food courts, making it an excellent budget-friendly destination for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

15. Visit the Centre d'Histoire de Montréal

Located in Old Montreal, the Centre d'Histoire de Montréal is a small museum dedicated to the city's history. Although there is a modest entrance fee, the museum offers free admission on the first Sunday of every month. This is a great opportunity to learn about Montreal's rich heritage, from its Indigenous roots to its modern-day development. The Centre d'Histoire de Montréal is an excellent destination for history buffs, families, and couples seeking a low-cost educational experience.

16. Take a Free Walking Tour

Free walking tours are a fantastic way to explore Montreal's diverse neighborhoods while learning about the city's history, architecture, and culture. Free Montreal Tours and Fitz & Follwell are two organizations that offer guided tours at no charge—although tips are appreciated. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll uncover hidden gems and fascinating stories, making this an excellent budget-friendly activity for travelers of all ages.

17. Attend a Free Yoga Class

During the warmer months, Montreal offers several opportunities for free outdoor yoga classes in various parks and public spaces across the city. Organizations such as POP Spirit and Lole Women host these events, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for people of all skill levels. Bring your yoga mat, a bottle of water, and enjoy a mindful, budget-friendly workout in the beautiful outdoors.

18. Discover the Street Food Scene

Montreal Street Food

Montreal is known for its diverse and delicious street food scene. Throughout the city, you'll find food trucks and stalls offering affordable and mouth-watering dishes, from local Quebecois poutine to international cuisine. One of the best places to explore the street food scene is at the First Fridays event, held on the first Friday of each month from May to October at the Olympic Stadium. With a wide variety of tasty options, you can sample delicious food without breaking the bank.

19. Browse the Livres en Folie Book Fair

For book lovers, the annual Livres en Folie book fair is a must-visit event. Held in June, this massive book sale features thousands of new and used books at discounted prices. Entry to the fair is free, and you can spend hours browsing through the vast selection of titles. Whether you're a casual reader or a literary enthusiast, Livres en Folie is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a day of literary exploration.

20. Watch the L'International des Feux Loto-Québec

Each summer, Montreal hosts the L'International des Feux Loto-Québec, a world-renowned fireworks competition at La Ronde amusement park. While the park charges admission, you can catch the spectacular displays for free from various vantage points around the city, including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge and the Old Port. The fireworks shows make for an unforgettable and budget-friendly evening for couples, friends, and families.

Montreal is a city full of life, culture, and adventure—and it doesn't have to be expensive. These 20 budget-friendly activities showcase the best of what the city has to offer while keeping your spending in check. So don't hesitate to get out and enjoy a memorable journey through the enchanting streets of Montreal. Bon voyage!

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