17 exciting activities to do near the Cirque du Soleil's Big Top in Old Montréal

Rising above the Old Port of Montréal, just steps away from the Cirque du Soleil Big Top, is where you’ll find La grande roue de Montréal, one of the most popular attractions to admire incredible views of the city before a show.  Reaching a height of 60 metres, see the sights while comfortably seated in one of the 42 heated and air-conditioned gondolas depending on the season. From downtown to Mount Royal, Habitat 67, Old Montréal, the majestic St. Lawrence River and Sainte-Hélène Island, this is a magical panorama to discover.

Looking for thrills and a unique view of the Old Port of Montréal before a Cirque du Soleil show?  Get your adrenaline fix on the first urban zip line circuit in a Canadian city at MTL Zipline. The flight of more than 360 metres over Bonsecours Island guarantees thrills and an exceptional viewpoint.

Traps, dead ends, hidden treasures and puzzles await you at SOS Labyrinthe. On a 2-kilometre course that changes every month, navigate and problem solve your way to the exit, uncovering four hidden treasures along the way. Located in Hangar 16 of the Old Port of Montréal, this giant labyrinth is a hit with all ages, perfect if you’re looking for something to do in Old Montréal with kids. 

Creative workshops and captivating exhibits on science and technology are on the agenda at the Montréal Science Centre. Just a stone’s throw from the Cirque du Soleil Big Top, you’ll find  many permanent and temporary exhibitions, plus the Imax Telus theatre shows exciting films in 3-D for the whole family.

Inspired by Notre-Dame Basilica, the Notre-Dame Basilica located in the heart of Old Montréal is an iconic landmark that should not be missed. A true architectural masterpiece, the richness of its vaulted structures are highlighted in the multimedia show AURA, a creation of Moment Factory.

Multimedia projections, performances, interactive exhibitions, workshops and conferences, the PHI is full of sights and sounds with its diversified programming throughout the year. Its mission is to bring human experiences to life through art, which is at the heart of all its performances.

Steps away from the Old Port of Montréal, the Fonderie Darling is a  centre for contemporary art and a venue with visual art of all kinds  that surprises with every visit. Showcasing emerging and international artists, workshops and special events, both art enthusiasts and neophytes come out with endless topics for discussion.

History and archaeology meet at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. Travel back in time through 4,500 years of First Nations presence to the present day, in the very place where the city of Montréal was founded. Exhibitions, guided tours, videos and family activities let you discover more about the past. 

Follow in the footsteps of the famous Marguerite Bourgeoys at this historic site in her honour. Teacher, religious figure and scientist of her time, she marked history in her own way. The museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions both on her exploits and on the history of Montréal from past to present.

At La Ronde, adrenaline rushes are guaranteed throughout the summer. With the Goliath, one of the fastest roller coasters in North America, plus over forty rides and special events, children and adults alike are guaranteed a good time. Easily accessible from the Old Port of Montréal, it’s a fantastic family activity before catching a show under the Big Top. 

Located at the Port of Montreal’s Grand Quay, this landmark attraction offers one of the most stunning views of Old Montréal and the St. Lawrence River; impossible to miss, the Port of Montréal Tower stands tall on the waterfront.

Rising 65 metres high, this glass observation tower delivers a spectacular panorama of the city, the river and the port facilities. Beyond the view, interactive exhibits and augmented reality experiences bring Montréal’s maritime history and the evolution of the port to life.

For those seeking a thrill, step into a glass cage suspended 55 metres above the ground and fully experience the height of the observatory.

Head over (and up!) to the Convoyeurs Quay to try this unique experience of leaping into the void over the St. Lawrence River from a  64-metre platform offering a 360-degree view of Montréal. Thrills guaranteed!

For a simple and fun activity in the Old Port, Mini-Putt Montreal offers an outdoor mini-golf course that’s accessible to all. Each hole features its own obstacles and challenges, requiring a mix of precision and strategy to score your best. It’s an ideal activity for families or groups looking to have some fun before heading to see Cirque du Soleil ECHO!

Inspired by the world of pirates and adventure ships, Voiles en Voiles transforms the Old Port of Montréal into a true aerial playground. The park features multiple high ropes courses, zip lines, and suspended bridges built around two large ships. Climb, navigate obstacles and move from platform to platform, with different levels designed for both children and adults.

Anyone who loves to solve puzzles and challenges will find plenty to enjoy at A/Maze Escape Game Old Port. In these immersive, themed rooms, you’ll explore your surroundings, gather clues and solve a series of puzzles and riddles to escape before time runs out. Communication, logic and teamwork are key to making your way through each scenario.

In the heart of the Old Port of Montréal, Panorama Experience – Living Waters offers a spectacular immersive journey through a 360-degree projection. Located at the Port of Montréal Grand Quay until December 31, 2026, it places you right in the centre of the action, capturing the intensity of the rapids and the power of the St. Lawrence River through large-scale visuals and immersive storytelling. This multimedia experience offers a unique way to discover the landscapes and raw force of the water.

Original article in French by Maude Carrier, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.