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. :ticket:

Walkable from Old Montreal

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

Third hero image

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?

Check Interior Access Hours

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

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?

reddit.com

Clock tower beach

Consider Parking Fees

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

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 :ticket:

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 :car:

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

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families can enjoy the exterior of the Montreal Clock Tower and the surrounding Old Port area. The waterfront is great for a stroll or a picnic, and the artificial beach offers a fun spot for kids to play. Climbing the tower's 192 steps might be a challenge for very young children, so consider their stamina. The historical significance of the tower as a memorial and lighthouse can also be an interesting educational point for older kids. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Montreal Clock Tower is a fantastic free attraction from the outside. You can walk around the base, admire the architecture, and enjoy the waterfront views without spending a dime. If you choose to climb to the top, there will be a fee, and interior access is seasonal. To save on costs, consider parking further away in Old Montreal and walking, rather than paying for prime parking spots. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Clock Tower offers numerous photographic opportunities. Capture its imposing structure against the sky, the waterfront, or the charming streets of Old Montreal. The best light is often during sunrise or sunset. If the interior is open, the stairwell can provide unique architectural shots. Don't forget to explore the surrounding Old Port for wider cityscape and river views. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Beacon of History: The Montreal Clock Tower's Past

The Montreal Clock Tower, a prominent landmark at the harbor's entrance, stands as a testament to the city's maritime heritage. Constructed between 1919 and 1922, its primary purpose was twofold: to serve as a memorial to sailors lost at sea and to function as a vital lighthouse guiding ships into the port. This dual role underscores its significance not just as an architectural piece, but as a functional element of Montreal's bustling harbor for decades. The tower's design, while perhaps not as ornate as some European counterparts, possesses a sturdy, functional beauty that reflects its era and purpose. Reddit

Visitors today can appreciate the tower's historical context by understanding its dedication. The approximately 192 steps inside lead to a viewing platform that offers a unique perspective on the Old Port and the St. Lawrence River. While the interior access is seasonal, the exterior itself is a powerful reminder of the lives and livelihoods connected to the sea. The surrounding area, once a hub of commercial activity, now offers a more recreational space, but the tower remains a constant, silent guardian of the harbor's stories. Reddit

Experiencing the Clock Tower: Views and Accessibility

The experience of visiting the Montreal Clock Tower is largely dependent on whether its interior is open. When accessible, climbing the 192 steps is a rewarding endeavor, offering breathtaking panoramic views. From the top, you can survey the expansive Old Port, the dynamic St. Lawrence River, the distant La Ronde amusement park, and even catch a glimpse of the Biodome across the bridge. This elevated perspective provides a comprehensive understanding of the area's layout and its connection to the water. Reddit

Even when the interior is closed, the tower remains an impressive sight. The surrounding area is perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, or simply sitting by the water. The artificial beach nearby offers a unique spot to relax and enjoy the waterfront ambiance. While direct parking can be costly, the tower is easily reachable on foot from Old Montreal, making it an accessible attraction for most visitors. The walk itself is part of the experience, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of the historic port. Reddit

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