Old Port Montreal: Top Outdoor Activities & Things to Do

Thinking about checking out Old Port Montreal? The Old Port, which is also called Vieux-Port de Montréal if you prefer, is very much a fantastic place where you can find entertainment, a bit of history, and beautiful views all sort of mixed into one cool spot. Actually, there’s pretty much a never-ending supply of things that you can do there outdoors. Now, let’s wander through five cool outdoor experiences that could very well make your trip to the Old Port pretty unforgettable, and maybe give you an excuse to explore this fantastic part of Montreal.

1. Paddle Boats & the Quays: Water Fun that’s Quite Approachable

So, if you fancy something a bit relaxing but still sort of active, the Old Port paddle boats might just be right up your street. Basically, you get to float about on the water and see the cityscape from a kinda neat vantage point. As I was saying, these aren’t just any boats, they are often brightly colored and kinda cartoonish, that very way they bring a lighthearted, joyous feel to your visit. This is really the thing for families, you know, folks looking to take things kinda slow. It is almost like a small, private tour on the water.

Why It’s Cool: It’s very much a low-key way to soak in some rays and admire the skyline, that almost feels personal. Anyway, you are basically on a gentle aquatic saunter. Paddling also does tend to give you just enough workout, I mean, nothing major, still it burns off a few calories from eating all of those delicious Montreal treats!

Local Tip: Often, to miss the biggest crowds, aim for a morning or late afternoon outing, also think about maybe bringing along sunscreen and sunglasses, to avoid being annoyed at bright sunlight!
Read our full review: Old Port Montreal Paddle Boats Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Paddle Boat Rentals)

2. Montreal Science Centre’s IMAX® TELUS: Big Screen Escapism, Quite Engaging

While it’s sort of technically in a building, IMAX® TELUS is a part of the Montreal Science Centre which kinda spills its excitement to the outdoors because of the very energy and chatter of those attending, if you follow. Anyway, seeing a film here isn’t just seeing any ordinary movie, is that you are pretty much going to see images that are larger than life which totally pulls you into the action. Actually, you almost feel like you could step right into whatever you’re viewing.

What’s Good About It: They show cool stuff like nature documentaries and adventures that actually look amazing on their enormous screen, so the screen is big, yet the experience is almost really immersive. It very much broadens your horizons, kinda educational, but mostly, it’s pretty darn entertaining!

A Useful Idea: Do check what films are running, I mean ahead of time, to maybe match one to your own interests or mood. Maybe try to show up slightly early to grab a decent seat because good views actually enhance the experience.
Read our full review: Montreal Science Centre IMAX TELUS Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (IMAX Tickets)

3. La Grande Roue de Montréal: Ferris Wheel Adventures with Scenic Heights

La Grande Roue de Montréal, being a Ferris wheel, stands pretty tall over the Old Port, that very fact makes it hard to miss. Basically, it provides really breathtaking, scenic, I mean the most gorgeous views of the whole city. Anyway, the enclosed cabins kinda mean you get year-round enjoyment no matter how warm or nippy things are outside, so it is actually more like a sky-high observatory.

What’s Cool: Each turn is actually like seeing another cool angle of Montreal. Very different from the ground perspective and kinda ideal both during daylight to see landmarks very far away and later at nighttime because of the stunning city lights reflecting up above. Actually, this adds a dash of romance if you want!

Good Idea: Going around sunset gets you the benefit of seeing views both during day and also after dark which makes this really magical. Perhaps purchasing tickets beforehand could maybe save you a bit of time waiting especially when the attraction happens to be super busy.
Read our full review: La Grande Roue de Montreal Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ferris Wheel Tickets)

4. SOS Labyrinthe: Challenge Yourself at an Immense Indoor Maze

SOS Labyrinthe actually happens to be tucked inside an old shed on the pier, that said this attraction invites you into an exciting maze adventure. Is that the whole goal actually involves working cooperatively so as to solve the puzzles strewn throughout, a task requiring collaboration, as well as just a little bit of cunning! Anyway, it has a storyline tied in, involving lost treasures from the port’s past. Really, it offers a really distinctive experience which does kind of combine puzzle-solving with a dash of historical mystery, if that suits you.

What Makes it Good: It gets folks communicating because each decision basically influences the path of the group through all kinds of dead-ends and breakthroughs! Also, the shed setting is actually pretty awesome in terms of being evocative because it kinda ties together history with interaction so pretty wonderfully.

Smart tip: Wear a pair of really comfortable shoes as you may be doing quite a bit of walking (well duh, it’s a maze). Bring family and friends because having more minds very much assists in untangling these twisty problems!
Read our full review: SOS Labyrinthe Montreal Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Maze Tickets)

5. Voiles en Voiles: Pirate Ship Adventure Course for Brave Sailors

Looking sort of remarkably like a pair of old pirate ships, that is what Voiles en Voiles is! You climb, you swing, then you maybe balance high overhead, really Voiles en Voiles provides tons of adventure, anyway all under careful supervision. The area does feature numerous courses graded by level difficulty which do then allow everybody, right from young kids through serious thrill-seekers, to come participate.

Neat aspects: Aside from basic climbing stuff and zip-lines there actually is quite a bit that is family oriented so every member of the group could very well find something exciting or appropriate without issues. Then when everything’s completed, folks often feel this terrific sense involving accomplishment! Pretty invigorating all ’round!

Tip for you: Definitely ensure kids have on secure, well-fitting gear which allows everyone involved to clamber worry free. And you might really think of packing snacks along with bottled drinking water in the event anyone feels parched afterwards or a little peckish after any exertion.
Read our full review: Voiles en Voiles Montreal Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Adventure Park Tickets)