10 Things to Do in Montreal at Night

Montreal is considered the second largest city in Canada, second only to Toronto, and part of its appeal lies in the fact that it is a major industrial, commercial and cultural centre of North America, but also that it offers a wide range of attractions to discover, both day and night, including viewpoints, entertainment venues and dining options.

Some of the best things to see and do in Montreal to discover the city at night include taking an evening cruise on the St. Lawrence River, checking out the local casino, discovering the panoramic views from Mont-Royal, taking a night-time bike tour, visiting the bars on Boulevard Saint-Laurent and attending a live jazz session.

Taking an evening cruise on the St. Lawrence River is a fascinating experience that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of Montreal from a unique perspective. After sunset, the city lights come on and the river becomes an ideal backdrop for exploring an alternative side, making it one of the best things to do at night.

During your cruise, you'll be able to see Montreal's most iconic buildings, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Jacques-Cartier Bridge. The city, with its numerous walkways, creates an unmissable atmosphere, which you can also enjoy from the tranquility of the St. Lawrence River, which is distinguished by its calm waters.

Depending on the excursion option you choose, you can have different services on board, such as the best cruise tours in Montreal that include gastronomic alternatives ranging from local dishes to international elaborations. In addition, some of these cruises include live music shows or entertainment for the whole family, making it one of the best things to do with children in the city.

In addition to the scenic beauty, you'll also have the opportunity to learn about Montreal's history and culture through informative narrations on board the cruise. The guides will provide you with interesting facts and amazing anecdotes about the highlights along the St. Lawrence River.

Located in the Île Notre-Dame building, this casino is one of the most popular destinations for those looking for a bit of nightlife fun in Montreal, especially since this place not only stands out for the gaming tables and entertainment options, but also for the bright lights outside and inside.

The casino offers a wide range of options for every type of player, from slot machines to blackjack, poker and roulette tables. In addition to gaming, the casino also has bars and restaurants where you can spend the evening and attend musical performances, as Montreal is one of Canada's most cultural cities.

From concerts and performances by international artists, to comedy shows and special events, you will always find an exciting alternative at the casino, especially if you plan to visit Montreal during the summer.

In addition to the excitement of gambling and shows, the casino offers a very interesting visual experience, as the sleek modern design of the building, combined with the artistic lighting and contemporary art installations, make visiting the casino a must-see aesthetic experience, which is why it is often included during the tours of the best tours of Montreal.

Seeing the night views of the city from Mont-Royal is a magical experience that allows you to appreciate the illuminated skyline. Located in the heart of the city, Mont-Royal is a natural oasis that offers a panorama of Montreal, especially if you make it to the top, where you'll be treated to a panoramic view that stretches to the horizon.

From Mont-Royal, as night falls, the lights of the buildings and streets begin to glow, creating a scene that contrasts with the dark sky. From there, you can see the glittering skyscrapers, the illuminated bridges and the neighbourhoods disappearing into the horizon.

This visual spectacle allows you to see the sheer size of Montreal, which is why it is often included in night tours of the city.

In addition to the views, Mont-Royal also offers a calm and serene atmosphere at night. You can find a quiet corner to sit and enjoy the peace and calm found at the top of the mountain. It's a perfect place to reflect, relax and enjoy the fresh air while gazing at the night glow of the city at your feet. If you visit Montreal during Christmas, you'll also be able to see the Christmas Eve decorations from here.

Visiting the bars of Boulevard Saint-Laurent in Montreal will allow you to immerse yourself in the city's nightlife. Known as the Boulevard of bars, this iconic street is a meeting place for fun and music lovers, as along the boulevard you'll find a variety of bars and clubs offering experiences for all tastes.

Each bar on Boulevard Saint-Laurent has its own atmosphere and style, from cosy cocktail bars to live music venues and dance floors. You can wander the street and choose the place that appeals to you or even take a multi-bar crawl to enjoy different experiences in one night or take shelter from the cold, especially if you plan to visit Montreal in winter.

Montreal's cultural diversity is reflected in these bars, where you'll find a mix of music, from rock and pop to jazz and electronica. You'll also be able to enjoy local drink highlights, including craft beers, creative cocktails and regional wines.

Note that the bars on Boulevard Saint-Laurent are especially popular on weekends, so you're likely to find a large crowd and an even livelier atmosphere on those nights. Don't forget to check the opening hours and special events at each bar to make sure you don't miss out on any unique experiences during your visit.

Taking a night bike tour in Montreal is a unique way to explore the city under the stars, especially for those who prefer physical activity to car tours or sightseeing tours on Montreal's hop-on-hop-off bus. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails that allow you to cycle safely around the city and enjoy the illuminated cityscapes.

During the night bike tour you can cycle through Old Montreal and admire the historic architecture of its buildings. You can also stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and stop at iconic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica and City Hall, which look even more impressive in the moonlight, making for some of the best photos of your trip.

Another option is to explore the Lachine canal, which offers lovely scenery and a peaceful cycling experience. The canal trail takes you through green areas, over historic bridges and past beautiful views of the water. It is especially attractive at night, when the city lights reflect on the canal, creating a unique atmosphere.

If you are looking for a more lively experience, you can head to Sainte-Catherine Street, one of Montreal's main shopping arteries. This street is famous for its vibrant atmosphere and bright lights, especially in the Quartier des Spectacles area. You can cycle along the street, enjoy the illuminated shop windows and stop at the bars and restaurants in the area to relax and enjoy refreshments.

To attend a show in Montreal's Quartier des Spectacles is to immerse yourself in a world of culture, art and entertainment. This vibrant area of the city is known for being the epicentre of cultural and artistic events. You'll find a wide variety of performances, from concerts and festivals to theatrical performances and audiovisual screenings, as well as the city's best museums.

The Quartier des Spectacles is famous for its iconic Place des Festivals, a central square that becomes the setting for numerous events and festivals throughout the year. At night, the square is filled with lights, creating an exciting atmosphere. You can enjoy open-air concerts, light shows and multimedia projections that will transport you to a world of sound and visual wonders.

In addition to the Place des Festivals, the Quartier des Spectacles is home to a large number of theatres, concert halls and cultural venues. You'll find live music, theatre and contemporary dance performances. The diversity and quality of the events held in this area attract renowned local and international artists.

During your visit to the Quartier des Spectacles, you will also have the opportunity to explore its lively streets, full of restaurants, bars and cafés. You can enjoy a delicious dinner before the show or have a drink afterwards to extend the evening. The area is known for its festive atmosphere and varied gastronomic offerings, making it the perfect place to enjoy a full evening out.

If you want to immerse yourself in the city's ancient history, a stroll through the illuminated streets of Old Montreal is a must. With its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, this neighbourhood comes alive at night to become the centrepiece of the local past.

As you walk the streets of Old Montreal, you'll marvel at the French colonial architecture and centuries-old buildings that house the shops, art galleries and restaurants that once gave the city its status as the main French-speaking capital outside France. The illuminated facades and vintage signs create an enchanting scene that will transport you to another era.

In addition to enjoying the architectural beauty, you can explore the hidden corners of Old Montreal at night. The cobblestone alleyways and inner courtyards highlighted by dim lights create a cosy and quaint atmosphere. You can discover small boutique shops, cafés with terraces and bars with live music, which add even more charm to your evening stroll.

A must on your stroll through Old Montreal is the Old Port, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and the illuminated waterfront. It's a great place to take pictures, relax and enjoy the serenity of the river under the starry blanket of the night sky. You'll also find the Pointe-à-Callière museum and La Grande Roue Ferris wheel.

Taking a ghost tour in Montreal allows you to immerse yourself in the mystery and haunted history of the city. With a rich heritage and a wealth of legends and ghost stories, Montreal offers the opportunity to explore haunted places and discover the stories behind them on night walks.

During these ghost tours, you will be able to visit different points of historical interest, such as old buildings, cemeteries and dark alleys. Guided by an expert in paranormal stories, you will discover the secrets and unexplained events that have occurred in these places over the years.

The ghost tour will take you to the darkest and creepiest corners of Montreal, where you will hear tales of spectral apparitions, strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena. Each story is rooted in the city's history and will give you a sense of the unknown. Moreover, they are usually short tours, compatible with an express visit to the city. If that's your case, here's a list to discover Montreal in 3 days.

If you like mystery and are excited by the idea of delving into the world of paranormal phenomena, a ghost tour in Montreal offers a unique alternative experience. Get ready for chills and thrills as you discover the fascinating and spooky history hidden behind the city's stately façade.

Touring the Montreal Botanical Garden at night could prove to be a magical experience. This green oasis, known as one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, takes on a new life under the moonlight. As you explore the paths and spaces of the garden, you will be immersed in a calm and serene atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

During your evening visit to the Botanical Garden you can enjoy special exhibitions and themed events that take place exclusively at night. You can delight in the artistic lighting and ambient music that enhances the natural beauty of the garden's flowers, plants and sculptures, creating a visual and sensory experience not to be missed.

One of the Botanic Garden's most popular attractions is the Garden of Light, a light display that transforms the landscape into a spectacle of colour and form. As you enter this illuminated garden, you'll be amazed by the interactive light installations and projections that envelop the environment in an enchanting atmosphere, whatever time of year you visit Montreal.

In addition to enjoying the garden's nocturnal beauty, you can also take part in special activities such as guided tours, workshops and educational presentations on the flora and fauna. These opportunities allow you to learn and discover more about nature and conservation while enjoying a unique and captivating environment.

Enjoying a live jazz session at night in Montreal will allow you to get right into the city's vibrant music scene. Known as the birthplace of jazz in Canada, Montreal offers a wide variety of clubs and bars where you can enjoy the improvised music and intimate atmosphere that characterises this genre.

During your visit, you can enjoy talented local and international musicians who come together on the city's jazz stages to create captivating melodies. From traditional jazz to contemporary jazz and fusions of styles, there is something for all tastes and musical preferences.

Jazz clubs in the city tend to have a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a memorable night out. You can sit at a table near the stage, enjoy a drink and let yourself be carried away by the rhythms and improvisations full of passion and talent. You can also take part in special festivals and concerts, especially if you plan to visit Montreal in June or during the summer months.

In addition to live music, many of these clubs also offer dining options so you can enjoy a delicious dinner while indulging in jazz. The combination of great music and delicious food creates a complete and satisfying experience for music and culture lovers.