SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Short-term rentals (i.e. Airbnb) are illegal in Old Montreal. The only exception is a unit that is the principle residence of the person offering it for rent – but in this case, a registration number must be displayed on all advertising, contracts or websites connected to the rental. If you don’t see a CITQ license number in the online posting for a rental, it is an illegal rental.
To report an illegal short-term rental, click here.
BEHAVIOUR
Old Montreal is not only a destination for sightseeing, dining and fun – it is a community of residents and workers. If you are visiting, please respect the people who live and work in the neighbourhood by not making excessive noise, littering, riding bikes or scooters on sidewalks, or being generally disruptive.
Old Montreal is also an historic district with buildings that date back 100 years of more. Do not desecrate these buildings with graffiti or stickers.
To report graffiti in Old Montreal, click here.
OLD MONTREAL VS. OLD PORT
Many people refer to “Old Montreal” and the “Old Port” interchangeably – but they are different!
Old Montreal is the historic district between rue Saint-Antoine to rue de la Commune and from rue Saint-Hubert to rue Longueil and rue Des Soeurs-Grises. The Old Port, which is federal land, consists of the area between rue de la Commune and the shore of the St. Lawrence River.
BEFORE YOU GO
Old Montreal has many cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks, and steep hills – and in the summer months it is typically crowded with people. Pedestrians should wear sensible footwear and persons with limited mobility should use caution.
Many areas of Old Montreal – and many shops and restaurants – are not wheelchair accessible.
The street signs in Old Montreal are red. “Rue” is French for “Street” and “O” and “Ouest” indicate “West.”
Old Montreal is generally a safe area to visit, but crime does occur so be vigilant and exercise caution. Vehicle break-ins and other forms of theft are most common but there have also been a number of assaults as well as shootings (mostly outside certain late-night clubs).
SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted on restaurant/bar patios (known locally as terrasses). Fines range from $250 to $1,500 for individuals and $500 to $25,000 for business owners.
VEHICLES
Motorcycles are prohibited in Old Montreal from 11pm and 7am.
During the busy season, parking can be very difficult to find in Old Montreal.
If you are lucky, you will find metered street parking throughout Old Montreal – but read the signs carefully!
Take note of the letter and number on the black pole where you parked and proceed to a nearby “Pay and Go” meter or use the convenient app. (If you are parked in front of one of the machines, your spot number is displayed on the side of it.) For more information, click here.
There are also a few parking lots and garages in Old Montreal.
Warning! Vehicle break-ins are common in Old Montreal. Do not leave valuable items in plain view in your vehicle.
You will find Communauto throughout Old Montreal and in the Old Port.
When driving in Old Montreal, be aware that many streets run in one direction and several are routinely closed to vehicle traffic during summer months and for special events.
You are never permitted to turn right on a red light and you can only turn left when the light is a solid green (not on a green arrow pointing ahead).
PUBLIC TRANSIT
STM | Old Montreal is steps away from the following metro stations: Square-Victoria-OAC (western edge of Old Montreal); Place D’Armes (middle of Old Montreal); and Champs-De-Mars (eastern edge of Old Montreal).
Old Montreal is also served by bus routes 14, 55, 129, 361, 363 and 715.
PUBLIC WASHROOMS
You will find a public washroom on rue de la Commune E. at the foot of rue Saint Jean Baptiste. There are also several public washrooms throughout the Old Port.
BIXI
There are several Bixi stations in Old Montreal. Click here for a convenient map.
WHERE ARE THE HORSES?
Horse-drawn carriages (also known as calèches) have not been permitted in Montreal since Jan. 1, 2020.
PANHANDLERS
Montreal is one of the poorest major cities in Canada so you will see panhandlers as well as evidence of homelessness while driving or walking around Old Montreal.
FILM & TV LOCATIONS
Dozens of films and TV shows have shot scenes in Old Montreal. Here’s a look at a few of the productions that have put the historic district on screen.
OLD MONTREAL / OLD PORT INFORMATION
Old Montreal | City of Montreal official site
Old Montreal | Tourism Montreal official site
Vieux-Montreal | Business Development Corporation official site
Montreal en Histoires | Historical information
Old Port Montreal | Old Port official site
WEATHER
oldmontreal.guide 