Avenue Des Canadiens De Montréal

Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal: Complete Visitor Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Attractions

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal is a flagship thoroughfare in downtown Montreal, uniquely blending the city’s celebrated hockey heritage with dynamic urban culture. Formerly part of historic De la Gauchetière Street, this avenue was renamed in 2009 to honor the centennial of the Montreal Canadiens, one of the world’s most storied hockey teams. Anchored by the iconic Bell Centre—Canada’s largest hockey arena—the avenue has evolved into a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, modern architecture, and city life. Along its route, visitors encounter a mix of heritage landmarks, striking new developments, and easy access to the best of Montreal’s culinary, cultural, and shopping experiences (Wikipedia: De la Gauchetière Street, Sportskeeda: Montreal Canadiens Arena).

This guide offers everything you need to plan your visit: from historical insights and architectural highlights, to practical details on visiting hours, tickets, accessibility, transit, parking, and nearby attractions. Whether you’re a hockey enthusiast, culture lover, or first-time visitor, Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal is a must-see Montreal landmark.

Origins and Historical Development
Renaming and Modern Transformation
Architectural and Urban Landmarks
Visiting Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal
Nearby Attractions & Activities
Cultural Significance & Events
Visitor FAQ
Plan Your Visit
References & Official Resources

Origins and Historical Development

The roots of Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal trace to the 19th-century De la Gauchetière Street, named after Joseph-Daniel Migeon, Sieur de la Gauchetière (Wikipedia: De la Gauchetière Street). This historic artery played a crucial role in Montreal’s urban layout, connecting downtown, the International District, and Chinatown. Its importance grew with the construction of Windsor Station (1888-1924), a Romanesque Revival masterpiece that became the headquarters of the Canadian Pacific Railway (Parks Canada: Windsor Station).

Renaming and Modern Transformation

In 2009, the stretch of De la Gauchetière in front of the Bell Centre was officially renamed Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal to commemorate the Montreal Canadiens’ centennial (Wikipedia: De la Gauchetière Street). This symbolic renaming solidified the avenue’s status as the epicenter of Montreal’s sports culture. The Bell Centre, home to the Canadiens since 1996, accelerated the district’s transformation into a lively hub for entertainment, residential development, and city events (Sportskeeda: Montreal Canadiens Arena).

Architectural and Urban Landmarks

Windsor Station is a National Historic Site showcasing remarkable Romanesque Revival design, with arched openings, steep roofs, and Montreal limestone details (Parks Canada: Windsor Station). While no longer a train terminal, it now houses offices and event spaces, retaining its heritage value.

Modern Developments such as L/Avenue (50-storey mixed-use skyscraper) and Tour des Canadiens (luxury residential tower) have dramatically shifted the skyline and offer direct connections to Montreal’s extensive underground city (Broccolini: L/Avenue, Rent It Furnished: Tour des Canadiens).

Visiting Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal

Visiting Hours & Access

Avenue: Open to the public 24/7.
Bell Centre: Box office generally open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (weekdays), 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (weekends). Event days may alter hours—always check the Bell Centre website.
Windsor Station: Public areas accessible during office hours; interior visits may require advanced arrangement.

Tickets & Tours

Walking the Avenue: Free and open year-round.
Bell Centre Events: Tickets required for hockey games, concerts, and special events. Buy in advance via the official Bell Centre website or authorized outlets.
Guided Tours: The Bell Centre offers behind-the-scenes tours (dressing rooms, press gallery, private suites). Book ahead—especially during peak seasons (Centre Bell Guided Tours).

Accessibility

Wheelchair & Stroller Access: Avenue and major venues are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible seating.
Transit: Lucien L’Allier (Green Line) and Bonaventure (Orange Line) metro stations offer accessible subway entry (The Stadiums Guide).

Getting There & Parking

Metro: Lucien L’Allier (Green Line), Bonaventure (Orange Line)
Bus: Multiple STM routes serve the area
Train: Central Station within a 10-minute walk
Parking: Underground parking at the Bell Centre (1225 Saint-Antoine Ouest) from $20–$45 depending on event; height restrictions apply (Centre Bell Parking Info, seatgraph.com). EV charging stations available.

Nearby Attractions & Activities

Bell Centre: NHL games, concerts, and top-tier entertainment (Sportskeeda: Montreal Canadiens Arena)
Windsor Station: Historic architecture and the Angel of Victory statue (Parks Canada: Windsor Station)
Place du Canada & Dorchester Square: Historic green spaces for relaxation or a picnic
Chinatown & International District: Diverse dining and shopping within walking distance
Montreal’s Underground City: Access from Tour des Canadiens and adjacent buildings
Old Montreal: Historic quarter just 15 minutes away on foot (Old Montreal Guide)

Dining & Nightlife

Restaurants: La Cage Brasserie Sportive, Bazarette, 9-4-10 Steakhouse, and more (Nearby Restaurants)
Crescent Street: Bars, patios, and nightlife a short stroll away (Crescent Street Guide)

Cultural Events

Seasonal Festivals: Outdoor concerts and public celebrations, especially during hockey playoffs and summer (Montreal Summer Festivals)
Statues & Monuments: Bronze tributes to Canadiens legends Jean Béliveau, Maurice Richard, Guy Lafleur, and Howie Morenz line the approach to the Bell Centre (mapquest.com)

Cultural Significance & Events

Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal is a locus of Montreal’s sports and cultural identity. From Stanley Cup parades and public viewing parties, to international concerts and festivals at the Bell Centre, the avenue buzzes year-round. On event nights, it transforms into a corridor of excitement, with fans filling the street and local bars, creating a celebratory atmosphere unique to Montreal.

Visitor FAQ

Q: Is Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal free to visit?
A: Yes, the avenue is open to the public at all times. Tickets are only required for Bell Centre events.

Q: Where can I buy tickets for Canadiens games and Bell Centre events?
A: Purchase tickets online through the Bell Centre website or at the box office.

Q: Is the area accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
A: Yes, both the avenue and all major venues are accessible, with ramps, elevators, and dedicated seating.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, the Bell Centre offers official guided tours. Check schedules and book in advance (Centre Bell Guided Tours).

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: The avenue is lively all year, but especially vibrant during Canadiens home games, concerts, and summertime festivals.

Q: How is public transport connectivity?
A: Excellent—served by metro, bus, and commuter train, with ample signage and accessible infrastructure.

Plan Your Visit

Check event schedules and buy tickets in advance for major games and concerts.
Arrive early to enjoy pre-event activities, explore statues and public art, and avoid crowds.
Use public transit or reserve parking in advance if driving.
Download the Audiala app for interactive maps, audio guides, and insider tips.
Follow local etiquette—French is the primary language, and tipping is customary in restaurants and bars.

References & Official Resources

Conclusion

Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal is where Montreal’s past and present meet—offering world-class sports, rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively urban spirit. From the electric atmosphere of Bell Centre game nights to peaceful strolls past historic landmarks and vibrant dining, this destination encapsulates the essence of Montreal. For an optimal experience, plan ahead, leverage public transit, and immerse yourself in the culture and excitement that define this iconic avenue.

Start planning your adventure—download the Audiala app for exclusive audio tours and real-time event updates. See you on Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal!