Family getaway in Old Montreal

Last updated: July 11, 2022

To the parents who work in Old Montreal and want to show their children the richness of a unique historic district: there is a plethora of offers to entertain everyone and please all ages. For a great walking trip and bite-sized activities, here is our program for a family weekend that’s out of the ordinary!

Learning While Having Fun

• Château Ramezay: Jump into the past, and jump into the fun! The costumed entertainers, the fascinating décor, and the great storytelling make it a must-see in the area. Whether for a guided tour or a fun stroll through the gardens, everyone will enjoy it.

• All summer long, Pointe-à-Callière Museum will be multiplying the activities based around their VIKINGS – Dragons of the Northern Seas exhibit. During Family Sundays, both young and old may learn about combat, weaving, and game techniques practiced by the Scandinavian people for free. In addition, you will be able to hear their myths and legends with a reconstructed Viking camp as your backdrop. And then, during the month of August, the 18th-century themed public market returns, during which visitors may learn more about New France, pick up some groceries, and meet many colourful characters, all to the sound of music of the time!

• At the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum, take an archeological tour led by a passionate guide, and play detective in the Bonsecours In Flames activity! Armed with your investigator’s notebook, your mission will be to identify the cause of the fire that destroyed a part of the neighbourhood in 1754.

• Would you like to learn the basics of photography, master photo editing software, and nurture your creativity? The business Entre quatre yeux offers workshops, private courses, and (our favourite) a day camp for teens! They will get the chance to explore a new pastime within the walls of a professional studio, and most importantly, in the beautiful city streets of the neighbourhood!

Guided Tours for Apprentice Discoverers

• Guidatour, is a sure choice for the little ones, the older ones, the fans of legends, and the history buffs – they know all the secrets of the neighbourhood. Do you dare take on the challenge of the Family Scavenger Hunt?

• August is Archeology Month in our fair province, and Old Montreal is bringing its game! For this, the 18th running, we propose you join some archeological dig simulations, make a visit to the old site of the Canadian parliament, or experience many of the workshops about New France, where you can get some exercise by chopping down a tree, weave cotton, and light a fire… using the techniques of the time, of course!

For a meal or just a snack, gourmet pleasures for everyone

• La Pop, glorious waffles or delicious iced LOVpops made for you to take with you on the go, with as many colours and flavors as you can think of, and made fresh before your hungry eyes. Choose, dip, garnish… then feast!

• The parents among you who are beer fans can slake their thirst, even with the family in tow! At 3 Brasseurs, children get their own menu, including classics like burgers, grilled chicken, and mac & cheese. The little ones can also dine like the grown-ups with their own mini versions of the restaurant’s famous flammekueches! And one more favourite of families around Old Montreal: Chez Suzette, which has held business here for more than 25 years! At any time of day, you can drop by here to enjoy crêpes and sweet or savoury fondues, and chase it down with a smoothie, a café au lait, or a glass of wine. And the kids get their own menu here, as well!