Memorial
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Clock Tower

4.5
·2k reviews·Montréal, Canada

Iconic Montreal Clock Tower, a historic maritime memorial offering stunning Old Port views. Climb to the top for panoramic vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Interior access & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Memorial

Clock Tower

Best Time

Summer mornings

Interior access & fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Montreal Clock Tower, a historic maritime memorial offering stunning Old Port views. Climb to the top for panoramic vistas.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful and historic landmark that everyone should see at least once."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Interior Access Hours

The tower's interior is often seasonal. Verify opening times before your visit to climb to the top. 🎟️

Walkable from Old Montreal

Easily accessible by foot from Old Montreal; enjoy the scenic stroll along the waterfront. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 2,429 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Climb to the Top

Climb to the Top

Interior of the Clock Tower

Ascend approximately 192 steps for panoramic views of the Old Port and St. Lawrence River.

Historic Maritime Memorial

Historic Maritime Memorial

Base of the Clock Tower

Admire the stunning architecture dedicated to sailors lost at sea, a poignant piece of Montreal's history.

Old Port Waterfront Views

Old Port Waterfront Views

Surrounding area

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the St. Lawrence River, La Ronde, and the Biodome from the tower's vicinity.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Interior Access

The Montreal Clock Tower's interior, offering a climb to the top, is generally only accessible during summer months and specific hours. Check local listings before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Parking and Access Considerations

While the tower is accessible via a walking path, direct access to the beach and yachts may require a parking fee. Consider parking in the old city and walking to enjoy the views without extra cost. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Interior access & fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Less busy for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Are people still allowed to climb the Old Port Clock Tower?

I've only been there once and I didn't climb to the top cause I am scared of going up the ladder. Anyway I am wondering if it's still open to public, I used to see it on Old Port website, and now I can't find it.…

Check Interior Access Hours

The tower's interior is often seasonal. Verify opening times before your visit to climb to the top. Reddit 🎟️

Walkable from Old Montreal

Easily accessible by foot from Old Montreal; enjoy the scenic stroll along the waterfront. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Which of these things should I combine to do in one day?

I'm planning on a trip to go to Montreal and these are the places that I want to visit during my time: * Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal * Montreal Botanical Garden * Mount Royal * Vieux-Port de Montréal * Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History * Old…

reddit.com

Clock tower beach

How much $ is the access?

Consider Parking Fees

Parking near the tower can be costly. Explore alternative parking in Old Montreal and walk. Reddit 🚗

Appreciate from Outside

Even when closed, the tower's exterior is striking and offers great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Interior Access Hours

The tower's interior is often seasonal. Verify opening times before your visit to climb to the top. Reddit 🎟️

Walkable from Old Montreal

Easily accessible by foot from Old Montreal; enjoy the scenic stroll along the waterfront. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

Consider Parking Fees

Parking near the tower can be costly. Explore alternative parking in Old Montreal and walk. Reddit 🚗

Appreciate from Outside

Even when closed, the tower's exterior is striking and offers great photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Montreal Clock Tower is a beloved historic landmark offering stunning waterfront views and a connection to the city's maritime past. Visitors appreciate its striking architecture and the rewarding climb to the top when accessible. However, seasonal interior access and potential parking costs are points to consider.

"Here is tge famous iconic clock tower of Montreal, right by the coast in the old district. It is a popular place for locals to do running and cycling. It can be a very good experience to go around the tower and admire the beauty of the structure which has been in Montreal for a very long time."

Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari

"The Montreal Clock Tower is a beautiful and historic landmark that everyone should see at least once. Built between 1919 and 1922, it was dedicated to sailors who died at sea and also functioned as a lighthouse for the port. The architecture is stunning and when it is open you can climb about 192 steps to reach the top. It is worth noting that you cannot always go inside since according to Google the interior is generally only open in the summer and during specific hours. Even when closed, the tower is striking to see up close and the surrounding views of the Old Port, the St. Lawrence River, La Ronde, and even the Biodome across the bridge are incredible. It is also very accessible. You do not need a car or a tour to get there, you can simply walk, and even though the road feels long it is actually a very quick trip.

When I visited with my dad at around 9:45 in the morning, there were two other people nearby and unfortunately I came across something that really shocked me. Behind the tower there was human faeces. It did not smell but I was so disgusted I nearly threw up. I do not know who did it or what the situation was, but this is not acceptable in such a public and meaningful place. There were also signs of vandalism around the area, which was disappointing to see. There are many public washrooms available in Montreal, so there is no reason for this kind of behaviour. Staff were not yet on site since the tower does not open until 11 AM, so I could not report it at the time, but I hope it was cleaned up and addressed quickly after.

Even with that unpleasant surprise, the Clock Tower itself remains a very special landmark. The history, the design, and the views make it unforgettable. It is a true gem in the Old Port and I would still recommend visiting to appreciate its beauty and significance. 🕰️🗼"

Google User

"Fun spot to sit on the artificial beach or just gaze at the water rushing bye. Plus I have a geocache placed here!"

Tim Eccles

What People Like

Historic maritime memorial
Panoramic waterfront views
Impressive architecture

What People Dislike

Seasonal interior access
Potential parking fees

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Clock Tower is located at the entrance of the Old Port of Montreal. It's easily accessible by walking from Old Montreal. If driving, be aware that parking directly at the tower may incur fees, so consider parking in the Old City and enjoying a scenic walk along the waterfront. Reddit

While there isn't a direct metro station to the tower itself, you can take the metro to stations near Old Montreal (like Place-d'Armes) and then enjoy a pleasant walk to the tower. Reddit

Yes, the area around the Clock Tower is popular for cycling. There are bike paths along the waterfront, making it a great option for exploring the Old Port. Reddit

From downtown, you can take a bus that heads towards the Old Port, or take the metro to a nearby station and walk. The walk itself offers lovely views of the city and river. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, but it can be expensive, especially if you want access to the beach and yachts. Many visitors opt to park in Old Montreal and walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can admire the Clock Tower from the outside for free. However, to climb to the top, you typically need to purchase a ticket, and interior access is usually limited to the summer months. Reddit

The exterior is always accessible. For interior access and the climb, hours are generally limited to summer and specific times. It's best to check local listings closer to your visit. Reddit

Pricing for climbing the tower can vary. While the exterior is free, there's usually a fee for the interior climb. Specific costs should be confirmed with local authorities or visitor centers. Reddit

You can see and walk around the Clock Tower year-round. However, the ability to go inside and climb to the top is typically restricted to the warmer months, usually summer. Reddit

Access to the artificial beach and yacht areas near the Clock Tower may require a parking fee, which can be substantial. You can still enjoy views of the tower from the walking path without paying for parking. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the historic architecture, learn about its maritime history, and, if open, climb the 192 steps to the top for panoramic views of the Old Port and St. Lawrence River. The surrounding area also offers waterfront activities and a beach. Reddit

From the top, you get incredible views of the Old Port, the St. Lawrence River, La Ronde amusement park, and even the Biodome across the bridge. It's a fantastic vantage point. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the exterior views and the surrounding waterfront. Climbing the tower might be challenging for very young children due to the stairs. Reddit

Built between 1919-1922, the tower was erected to commemorate sailors lost at sea and also served as a lighthouse for the port. It's a significant historical landmark in Montreal. Reddit

Public washrooms are generally available in the Old Port area, though their proximity and availability can vary. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Great photo opportunities exist from the waterfront, capturing the tower against the river and sky. The surrounding Old Port area also offers charming backdrops. Reddit

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for dramatic shots. Midday can be harsh, but the tower's imposing structure still makes for a striking image. Reddit

If the interior is open, photography is usually permitted, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions. The stairwell itself can make for interesting shots. Reddit

Try capturing it from the artificial beach area for a different perspective, or from a distance across the river for a wider cityscape shot. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the full tower and its surroundings. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or long exposures of the water. Reddit

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