Montreal City Hall (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Montreal City Hall?
What makes it 58% Kids-Friendly: Older kids can spot chandeliers and learn civics on a free 60-min tour, yet no hands-on displays, long talking parts, and no in-house play area may cause boredom after 30 min.
Positives:
- Historic Decor: Kids love the grand chandeliers and stained glass windows in the Hall of Honour.
- Central Location: Right in Old Montreal, with easy access to Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port.
Challenges:
- Limited Tour Schedule: Guided tours run weekdays only June–September; book early to get family spots.
- Quiet Space: Interior tours require low voices; prep kids to whisper during the visit.
What is Montreal City Hall?
- A 19th-century seat of municipal government housing the offices of the mayor and city council of Montreal
- An architectural landmark blending French Second Empire and Baroque Revival elements, marked by its ornate mansard roof and copper-clad dome
- Rebuilt after a 1922 fire using early steel-frame construction and designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984
What is so special about Montreal City Hall for with kids?
- Free 60-minute guided tour through historic rooms
- Interactive Cité Mémoire light show with kid-friendly app
- Open lawn at Champ-de-Mars for play and picnic
- Central spot in Old Montreal near other family sites
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for the guided tour, Cité Mémoire walk and a picnic break without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Montreal City Hall
Guided Family Tour:
Join the free 60-minute tour of the Hall of Honour, Council Chamber and historic rooms.
Tip: Book ahead June–September and arrive 10 minutes early to pick up kids’ audio guides.
Cité Mémoire Projection Walk:
Watch outdoor video projections of Montreal’s past on walls around City Hall.
Tip: Download the free Montréal en Histoires app. Start after dusk and let kids tap icons for fun audio stories.
Play & Picnic at Champ-de-Mars:
Let kids run on the lawn behind City Hall and enjoy snacks on the grass.
Tip: Bring a blanket and pre-packed snacks. Spot the nearby Old Port playground for extra playtime.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Montreal City Hall
- Reserve Tours Early: Check the City’s website and reserve free tour slots as soon as they open.
- Use Public Transit: Take Metro to Place-d’Armes station to avoid parking hassles near Old Montreal.
- Combine Nearby Sites: Visit Notre-Dame Basilica next door before or after your City Hall tour.
Reviews of Montreal City Hall
Marta Stashevska
Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) is a stunning example of architecture, with its grand façade, mansard roof, and ornate detailing. Built in the 1870s, it’s one of the most beautiful civic buildings in Canada. It was also famously the site where Charles de Gaulle gave his “Vive le Québec libre!” speech in 1967. Today, it remains the seat of local government and is full of political energy.
INsightful EXplorer
Montreal City Hall is a beautiful building with wonderful architecture. It's very much worth seeing. Also, across the street from Montreal City Hall is Château Ramezay, which is an excellent museum and a historical site to visit and to learn more about the history of Montreal. There are many other sites of interest to visit around city hall. I would highly recommend it.
Singhania Group
Montréal city hall is one of the best examples of the Second Empire style in Canada, and the first city hall to have been constructed in the country solely for municipal administration, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984. Construction on the building began in 1872 and was completed in 1878. The original building was gutted by fire in March 1922, leaving only the outer wal...
Bernie
Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Montréal ) is the heart of local government in Montreal. It serves as the main office of the city government and is bustling with political and administrative activity. This stunning building showcases the beautiful Second Empire architecture and was built in 1872, making it a true historical treasure. The City Hall stands tall and proud at the top of the s...
Fatcatter
A beautiful building open to the public. It has newly been renovated and a new balcony with sweeping views of downtown and the Champ de Mars has been added.
When is the best time to visit Montreal City Hall (Montreal, Canada)?
Summer: best for projections and picnic after sunset. Winter: tours still run indoors; dress warmly and confirm tour times.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Guided tour | CAD 0 |
| Cité Mémoire app | CAD 0 |
| Snacks for picnic | CAD 20 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 20 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Montreal City Hall
Address: 275 Rue Notre Dame E, Montréal, QC H2Y 4B7, Canada
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