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Montreal City Hall

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Montréal City Hall, located in Old Montreal , serves as the political and administrative center of the city. Completed in 1878, this historic building, designed in the Second Empire style, features a stunning central clock tower and ornate architectural details that make it a must-see example of 19th-century public architecture.

Visitors can admire the grand staircase, elaborate moldings, and ornate ceilings that adorn the interior. Despite undergoing several renovations and additions, the city hall has managed to preserve many of its original features, making it an enduring symbol of Montreal's rich history.

Today, it is open to the public for tours and events, offering a glimpse into the city's past and present!

What to Know

Montreal's local government is housed in the impressive Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Montréal), a five-story building located at 275 Notre-Dame Street East in Old Montreal. Architects Henri-Maurice Perrault and Alexander Cowper Hutchison designed the building in the Second Empire style, and it was built between 1872 and 1878.

As the first city hall built in Canada exclusively for municipal administration and one of the finest examples of the Second Empire style in the country, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984.

The Montreal City Hall has been temporarily closed for renovations since May 2019. It is currently undergoing extensive heritage restoration aimed at modernizing and upgrading it to meet contemporary standards, while still preserving its historical significance. This renovation is also intended to enhance the building's adaptability to democratic functions. 

Montreal City Hall's political and democratic functions have been relocated to the Lucien-Saulnier building, which is located at 155 Rue Notre-Dame Est, in Vieux-Montréal (near the Champ-de-Mars metro station).

Despite the move, residents can still engage in the democratic process by attending virtual city council meetings, executive committee meetings, agglomeration council meetings, and public consultations held by the council's standing committees, all of which are webcast every month.

How to Get There

The city hall's location, between Place Jacques-Cartier and the Champ de Mars, makes it easily accessible from the Champ-de-Mars Metro station on the Orange Line. The best way to get to this attraction is by booking guided tours that'll save you the hassle of navigation.

Montreal Food Walking Tour is highly recommended which will take you on a culinary journey across Montreal as you sample the best treats of the city and take in the sights and sounds of Montreal City Hall. You'll also get to see Old Montreal and the stunning Gothic Revival architecture and stained glass windows of Notre-Dame Basilica

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Montreal City Hall would be during its opening hours, which are from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday) and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends and public holidays.

Visitors can choose to come during the day to admire the exterior architecture of the building or take a guided tour of the interior. Those who prefer to avoid crowds may want to visit during weekdays when there are fewer tourists.

It is important to note that the City Hall may be closed on certain holidays, so it is advisable to check the schedule before planning a visit!

Enjoying Montreal Food Walking Tour

National Historic Site 

The Montréal City Hall was granted the status of a national historic site of Canada in 1984 for two main reasons. Firstly, it was the first city hall in Canada that was constructed exclusively for municipal administration.

This was a response to the growth in urban population and the need for more complex municipal services towards the end of the 19th century. The City Hall's location on Place Jacques-Cartier also reflected the city's changing economy and the diminishing significance of the port area, where the original city hall was situated.

Secondly, the City Hall's design in the Second Empire style and its interior, which includes a stunning hall of honor and council chambers, make it one of the most magnificently decorated buildings in Canada.

The choice of style and the building's large scale allowed the city to showcase its French heritage, demonstrate its importance in North American trade and commerce, and highlight local craftsmanship. Despite undergoing renovations, including those after a fire in 1922, the original architectural design has been preserved.

The history of Montreal City Hall dates back to 1872 when construction on the original building began. However, a devastating fire in 1922 swept through the original Montreal City Hall building, destroying numerous historic records and leaving only the outer wall intact.

Architect Louis Parant was then commissioned to rebuild the city hall, opting for a self-supporting steel structure that was constructed within the shell of the ruins.

Parant modeled the new building after the city hall in Tours, France, and made several changes, including a remodeling of the Mansard roof to a new Beaux-Arts-inspired model, complete with a copper roof. The new building opened on February 15, 1926.

In 1967, the building's balcony gained international attention when Charles de Gaulle, the President of France, delivered his Vive le Québec libre speech from there.

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Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)

Montreal City Hall ( Hôtel de Ville ) is one of the city’s most impressive buildings. Located in the middle of Old Montreal ,it features a unique French Second Empire architecture. City Hall is used as the administrative headquarters of Montreal. Montreal’s mayor also has an office in the building. Amazingly, it is the only City Hall building that Montreal has ever had.

City Hall’s Architecture

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Address : 275 Notre Dame Est, Montreal, QC Schedule : Open for tours Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (Closed on Holidays) Telephone : (514) 872-0311 Official Website View in Virtual Tour

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Montreal city hall tours.

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Visit Montreal City Hall

If you've got time to stop for a while in Old Montreal , Montreal City Hall is an interesting place to start your exploring. This historic government building is one of numerous attractions that'll keep you on the go here. Notre Dame Basilica, Saint Joseph's Oratory, and Bell Centre are also waiting to be explored close by.

Plan a trip to see Montreal City Hall

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Food, drink & nightlife.

Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours

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Adventure & outdoor.

Montreal: Downtown and Old Montreal Highlights Bike Tour

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Fatbike rental - Au Canal-de-Lachine

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Cruises & boat tours.

Evening Cruise in Montreal

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Jet Boating Montreal's Lachine Rapids

Guided Panorama Sightseeing Cruise

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Popular places to visit, chateau ramezay museum.

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Chateau Ramezay Museum in Montreal. Experience the fascinating museums and lively festivals in this vibrant area.

Jacques Cartier Square

Learn about the local history of Montreal with a stop at Jacques Cartier Square. Discover the lively festivals and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.

Bonsecours Market

From 1847 to 1963, this Montreal landmark served as the central farmers’ market. Today, it’s an upscale mall featuring the best of Quebec’s creativity and style.

Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel

You can learn about the history of Montreal with a trip to Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and stunning cathedral in this vibrant area.

Place d'Armes

Learn about the local history of Montreal with a stop at Place d'Armes. Experience the acclaimed art scene and great live music in this vibrant area.

• Notre Dame Basilica

The incandescent blue and gold interior of Montreal’s spiritual heart dazzles visitors and pilgrims. It was once the largest house of worship in North America.

Best Lodging Options Near Montreal City Hall

Check availability on hotels close to montreal city hall.

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Our suggestions for guided tours in Montréal

Tourisme Montréal

This article was updated on May 17, 2024.

There’s no better way to discover (or rediscover) Montréal than with an expert certified guide. Explore a neighbourhood’s culture, art, history or food on foot, by bicycle or even on a scooter! Here’s where to book your next tour.

16/42 tours

Montréal | Schedule: all year round

Stroll through Montréal’s many different neighbourhoods on a guided tour with  16/42 tours . Whether it’s Mile End, Old Montréal, downtown or Parc-Extension, there’s a tour for everyone. Plus, children under 12 can come along for free!

For more information and to make a reservation,  visit their website.

Aventures H2O

2727 B Saint-Patrick Street | Schedule: May to September

Navigate the waters of the Lachine Canal or the St. Lawrence River by kayak with  Aventures H2O . Beginners can take the two-hour introductory kayaking course, and rentals of pedal boats, kayaks, electric boats and canoes are available on site.

For more information and to make a reservation,  visit their website .

Montréal en Wheels (Ça Roule Montréal)

27 De la Commune Street East | Schedule: May to October

Since 1995,  Montréal On Wheels  has been offering a variety of themed bicycle tours of the city.  Choose from a classic city tour, an architecture tour, a tour for families with young children or even a gourmet bike tour. Montréal On Wheels also gives you the option of following their tours on a standard or electric bike, and they offer bike rentals by the hour or by the day. Their guided tours are available in several languages, including Spanish, German, Portuguese and Italian.

80 Prince-Arthur Street | Schedule: all year long

Strap on your helmet and hop on an electric scooter for a guided tour of Montréal!  Jusst  offers two city tours: “Montréal’s Essentials” and “Insta Worthy”. The three-hour tours include basic training on the scooter, the rental of an electric scooter, a snack and the services of a certified guide. Rental and purchase of electric scooters are also possible.

Fitz Montréal Bike Tours

1251 Rachel Street East | Schedule: all year long

Treat yourself to an authentic experience with  Fitz Montréal Bike Tours . By bike or on foot, certified guides will help you discover Montréal like a local. Interested in a bike tour to see the city’s hidden gems, or a tour on foot to uncover the secrets of the underground pedestrian network? Fitz offers private tours suitable for every member of the family.

360 Saint-François-Xavier Street | Schedule: all year long

In business for 37 years,  Guidatour  specializes in guided tours of all kinds, from Old Montréal and murals to spooky ghost tours. They also offer services in several languages (French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Mandarin, etc.).

Montréal Ghosts

Speaking of ghosts, do you know that they haunt the historic district?  Montréal Ghosts   invites you for a walk through the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal to discover the mysteries, sordid stories and criminal intrigues that have marked the history of the neighborhood. This tour is offered in French or English.

Héritage Montréal

480-3575 boulevard Saint-Laurent | Schedule: all year long

Héritage Montréal offers a number of themed guided tours, such as the ArchitecTours and the urban itineraries of Heart of the city . Like an invitation to explore, they invite you to contemplate the remarkable architecture and rich heritage that enrich Montreal's street corners, while discovering their past and recent evolution, and their influence on city planning and living.

For more information and reservations, visit their website .

Local Montréal Food Tours

Montréal | Schedule: all year long

Foodies will love discovering the cultural and culinary richness of Montréal neighbourhoods with  Local Montréal Food Tours . Follow the guide to take in the sights and flavours of Old Montréal and Mile End, and learn about the city’s rich and varied gastronomy scene.

Museum of Jewish Montréal

5220 Saint-Laurent Boulevard | Schedule: all year long

Discover Montréal’s Jewish community through its culture, food and history on a private walking tour with the  Museum of Jewish Montréal . Guided by a museum researcher, the various tours are available for groups of up to eight people. There are currently four themed tours to choose from.

Le Petit Navire

Quai Jacques-Cartier | Schedule: May to September

Climb aboard the  Petit Navire  for a relaxing boat ride by the Old Port or on the Lachine Canal. A partner in the City of Montréal’s Sustainable Development Plan, the Petit Navire will show you the city from a whole new angle. Tours last from 45 minutes to 2 hours, and private tours can be arranged. 

Quartier des Spectacles

Quartier des Spectacles | Schedule: June to October

Learn about the evolution of this colourful neighbourhood, from its vast public space to its ephemeral installations and festivals. A certified guide will tell you about the many cultural institutions and performance venues in the district. Best of all,  tours of the Quartier des Spectacles  are free!

Spade & Palacio

3201 B Saint-Denis Street | Schedule: all year long

Known for their “non-touristy” tours that let you experience Montréal like a local,  Spade & Palacio  offers guided tours, on foot or by bike, in several neighbourhoods. Stroll through the streets and alleys, and dive into the creative spirit of the city and its eclectic street art. Their private tours are great if you’re looking for a made-to-measure experience.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit  their Facebook page .

'Round Table Tours

348 Argyle Street | Schedule: all year long

For a culinary adventure in Montréal, choose one of the guided tours offered by  ‘ Round Table Tours . With 13 mouth-watering gourmet tours, you’re sure to find the one to suit your tastes.

Parc Beaubien or Parc Atwater St-Charles | Schedule: all year long

Bruno Vélo ’s customized bike trips are perfect for business travelers, tourists and Montrealers alike. Certified instructors ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience, adapted to all levels and your needs.

On your cellphone | Schedule: all year long

Explore Montréal’s eclectic and colourful neighbourhoods on foot with  TourBird , a selection of self-guided audio walking tours that can be done at any time. There’s no need to download an app as each tour can be purchased and accessed from a mobile browser. Each tour can be broken down into parts so if it starts to rain or snow, simply pause the tour and pick it up again later. Walk through the Plateau’s maze of murals or stroll the streets between Square Victoria and the Old Port. Certain tours are available in French, English and German, with Spanish coming soon.

MTL Détours

Schedule: all year long

See the sites of Montréal through the eyes of a local with  MTL Détours , a company specializing in small group walking tours. With groups limited to a maximum size of 10 people, everyone gets a chance to ask questions, hear the guide and get in on those secrets only locals know. Visit the storied streets of Old Montréal or take a walk through the colourful Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End neighbourhoods. MTL Détours even offers participants a chance to snake through Montréal’s underground city. These carefully curated walking tours reveal why Montréal is so special.

Get to know Montréal with  N-tours , a tour company that organizes a variety of tours of the city and excursions into the surrounding areas, including the Eastern Townships, all while providing those curious about the city with in-depth knowledge about Montréal, its many landmarks and its inhabitants. Perfect for individuals or small groups.

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• Tours & Sightseeing

Montreal City Guided Sightseeing Tour

• Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• 3-hour sightseeing tour of Montreal aboard a comfortable coach
• Admire famous sites such as Old Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica and St Joseph's Oratory
• Soak up the quaint French atmosphere and enjoy live commentary from your knowledgeable guide

Inclusions & Exclusions

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (only subject to downtown hotels)
• Transport by air-conditioned coach
• Professional guide
• Live commentary
• Local taxes
• Gratuities (recommended)

Departure & Return

Tour departs from downtown Montreal hotels; or you can meet at the pier or Peel Street

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

Returns to original departure point

What To Expect

Get to know the city of Montreal, Quebec and its top attractions on this entertaining and educational guided tour. The tour begins with a downtown Montreal hotel pickup, or meet the guide and the rest of the tour group on Peel Street.Climb aboard a comfortable motor coach and enjoy the view of more than 200 points of interest, with a live commentary of interesting facts and stories from an expert guide who knows this historic city inside and out. Learn about the past, present and future of Montreal, the largest city in Quebec, as the coach rolls along from one location to the next.Enjoy a journey through time in Old Montr eal, located between the St. Lawrence Seaway and the downtown skyscrapers. Founded in 1642, this old town is one of the most popular attractions for visitors and locals alike. It's also the home of the Notre-Dame-Basilica, widely recognized as one of the most impressive landmarks in the world. The original stained-glass windows here paint a story of Montr eal's religious history.There's also Olympic Stadium, created for the Summer Olympic Games in 1976. This architectural masterpiece features the tallest inclined tower in the world at 165 meters (539 feet). Mount Royal Park offers an impressive view of the city from its lookout location and St. Joseph's Oratory is the largest Italian Renaissance-style basilica in Canada.Other points of interest include Chinatown, Old Port, Montreal Harbour, Bonsecours Market Building, Place Jacques Cartier, City Hall, Place Ville Marie, Place des Arts, Fine Arts Museum, Habitat 67 and much more.It truly is a fun and fast way to get to know the city of Montreal and the many amazing attractions it offers.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Tours are offered in French and English with a professional bilingual guide
• Not wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Your Contact Details

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