Mount Royal hike and lookouts
The city’s great urban park, free year-round.
Free things to do in Montreal
Montreal is full of free experiences: hiking Mount Royal, public markets, murals and open-air festivals. Here are our favourites.
What to see & do
Sunday Tam-Tams
A summer drum-circle gathering at the foot of the Cartier monument.
in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal →Browsing Jean-Talon and Atwater markets
Wandering the stalls is free (the samples, nearly so).
in Villeray →Murals along Saint-Laurent Boulevard
An open-air gallery left behind by the MURAL festival.
in Le Plateau-Mont-Royal →Old Port waterfront walk
The river, the quays and the view, no ticket required.
in Old Montreal →Free museum evenings
Several museums offer free entry on set evenings or the first Sunday of the month.
in Downtown Montreal →Neighbourhoods to explore
Where to eat & explore
Places to check out
Café Saint-Viateur
Independent roaster and third-wave café in the heart of Mile End. Espresso, slow-pour filter and house pastries.
521 reviews →
Brasserie Sainte-Catherine
Lively downtown brasserie: grills, seafood and a strong cocktail list. Weekend brunch.
421 reviews →
La Table du Plateau
Neighbourhood bistro known for its market-driven cuisine and private-import wine list. Warm room on Mont-Royal Avenue.
312 reviews →
Festivals & events
- Jazz Festival outdoor stages
- MURAL Festival
- Fête des Neiges (free activities)
Dates change each year — check each festival’s official website.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best free things to do in summer?
The Tam-Tams, the murals, outdoor festival stages and swimming in the parks.
Are museums ever free?
Yes, several have free windows; check each museum’s website before you go.