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Grande Roue de Montréal | 5 facts about the Old Port of Montreal

Grande Roue de Montréal |
5 facts about the Old Port of Montreal

The Old Port of Montreal is a tourist hot spot
with more than 300 years of history.

Inaugurated in the early eighteenth century, the Old Port of Montreal has a rich history dating back 300 years. And it has always managed to change with the times, keeping pace with the expansion of the city of Montreal.

Today, the Old Port is among the most-visited places in the metropolis. It constantly reinvents itself, notably with the opening of La Grande Roue de Montréal in 2017.

Learn more about this iconic port, which has been an important witness to our history.

1. The Old Port is no longer an active port

The Old Port helped establish Montreal as a major center of trade.

However, in 1976, the port operations of this historic site were relocated eastward to the Pointe-Saint-Charles neighborhood, near the Victoria Bridge.

Yet, the Old Port remains an important hub of Montreal’s tourism and economy, thanks to the beauty of its setting and the numerous activities it has to offer.

2. The Old Port has five wharfs

All five of the Old Port’s wharfs still exist today and are used for various purposes:

  • The Clock Tower Quay: probably the best-known of the Old Port’s wharfs, it’s now home to the famous Clock Tower Beach, giving locals and tourists the opportunity to enjoy summer the way it’s meant to be enjoyed!
     
  • The Jacques-Cartier Pier: this wharf is especially valued for the beautiful views it offers of the marina and downtown Montreal. During the summers, there’s also water taxi service available.
     
  • King Edward Quay: since 2000, it has been home to the Montreal Science Centre, to the delight of curious minds of all ages.
     
  • The Conveyor Quay: this is the smallest (and most recent) of the Old Port’s five wharfs. It’s the site of Montreal’s old grain elevator, which was active during the fifties.
     
  • The Grand Quay: formerly known as Alexandra Pier, this wharf, which is accessible from the Old Port Promenade, welcomes a great number of cruise ships and overseas visitors.

3. The Old Port owes its expansion to the fur trade

It was especially because of fur trading during the eighteenth century that the Old Port of Montreal became what it is today. And the subsequent introduction of the steam boat further accelerated its development.

4. The Old Port welcomes more than six million visitors per year

Since 2017, the Old Port has experienced a significant increase in popularity! Nearly six million people now visit it each year, and their satisfaction rate is higher than 90 percent.

It’s a pleasant, historic site that has earned the unanimous admiration of tourists and Montreal residents, alike.

5. There’s something for everyone all year long!

The Old Port of Montreal has tons of varied activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family during both summer and winter.

Learn more about all the activities the Old Port of Montreal has to offer.