Pie Ix

Pie-IX Montreal Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction: The Legacy of Pie-IX Boulevard in Montreal

Pie-IX Boulevard is a cornerstone of Montreal’s urban fabric, blending a storied past with modern infrastructure and vibrant community life. Named after Pope Pius IX in 1874, this major 11-kilometer artery traverses the city from the Port of Montreal northward into Laval. Over time, Pie-IX has evolved from a modest street into a critical connector of Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods, including Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie, Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension, and Montréal-Nord.

Pie-IX’s significance was cemented during the 1976 Summer Olympics with the construction of the Olympic Stadium and the adjacent Metro station, serving as an emblem of Montreal’s global aspirations. Today, the boulevard is recognized for its robust transportation network—featuring the state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and accessible metro infrastructure—alongside a rich array of attractions, public art, and green spaces.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Pie-IX Boulevard: its history, transit options, visiting hours, ticketing details, accessibility, and nearby points of interest. Whether you are a tourist, a transit enthusiast, or a local resident, you’ll find everything you need to experience one of Montreal’s most dynamic and inclusive corridors.

For official transit schedules and accessibility details, consult the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) website, and for attraction-specific information, visit the Montreal Botanical Garden and Olympic Stadium.

Pie-IX Metro Station in Montreal showing modern platform and signage

Pie-IX Montreal Metro station entrance with distinctive arched roof

Introduction & Historical Overview
Urban Development and Olympic Legacy
Transit and Accessibility
- Metro, BRT, and Bus Services
- Cycling and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Visiting Hours & Tickets
- Key Attractions: Botanical Garden, Olympic Park, Biodome, Insectarium
- Ticketing and Parking Information
Neighborhood Integration & Cultural Significance
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Future Prospects & Ongoing Projects
Useful Links & References

Historical Overview

Origins and Urban Expansion

Pie-IX Boulevard, officially established in 1874, reflects Montreal’s Catholic heritage and early 20th-century urban ambitions. Originally developed as “rue Pie-IX,” the boulevard was part of a citywide beautification program and quickly became a vital north-south axis, stretching from the port area through a series of expanding, diverse neighborhoods.

Olympic Era and Transformation

The 1976 Summer Olympics marked a turning point for Pie-IX. The construction of the Olympic Stadium and the Pie-IX Metro station (opened in June 1976) necessitated advanced infrastructure, positioning the boulevard as a major transit corridor and a symbol of Montreal’s international prominence. The Pie-IX Metro station, with its direct underground connection to the Olympic Stadium, remains a unique feature in the city’s network.

Transit and Accessibility

Metro and Commuter Rail Access

The Pie-IX Metro Station, located on the Green Line, is the primary transit gateway to the boulevard’s attractions and neighborhoods. It has undergone substantial accessibility upgrades, now featuring elevators, widened corridors, and improved signage, making it one of Montreal’s accessible metro stations.

Pie-IX is also served by the Montréal-Nord commuter rail station, which connects to the Exo regional network, further enhancing access to and from the northern suburbs.

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Bus Services

The Pie-IX BRT system, launched in 2022, features dedicated center-lane busways, modern shelters, and real-time information systems. High-frequency routes—including the 139 Pie-IX, 439 Express Pie-IX, and overnight 355 Pie-IX Night Bus—provide 24-hour service, connecting key neighborhoods and major attractions.

Cycling and Pedestrian Improvements

Significant investment in active transportation has resulted in dedicated bike lanes and improved pedestrian crossings along Pie-IX, particularly near major intersections and attractions. These upgrades support sustainable mobility and make the corridor accessible by foot, bike, and public transit.

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Key Attractions

Montreal Botanical Garden

Hours: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer; hours vary by season and event.
Tickets: Adult tickets about CAD 20; discounts for seniors, children, and families. Buy in advance on the official Botanical Garden website.
Accessibility: Main entrance at Pie-IX and Sherbrooke; accessible paths throughout most of the garden. Some terrain may be uneven.
Parking: On-site parking is $12–$12.50/day; free street parking available north of the gardens (10–15 min walk) (TripSavvy).
Highlights: Themed gardens (Japanese, Chinese, First Nations, Rose), Frédérick-Back Tree Pavilion, and signature events like “Gardens of Light.”

Montreal Insectarium

Located within the Botanical Garden. Entry included with Botanical Garden admission.
Features thousands of live and preserved insects in engaging displays (Le Québec pour tous).

Olympic Park & Stadium

Hours: Generally open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; check official website for event-specific times.
Tickets: Required for tours and observatory access; purchase online or at the venue.
Highlights: Montreal Tower Observatory (panoramic views), Esplanade (markets, festivals), and proximity to Saputo Stadium (MTL.org Olympic Stadium).

Montreal Biodome

Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tickets: Admission required; buy online or onsite (MTL.org Biodôme).
Highlights: Five recreated ecosystems, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly programming.

Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium

Features immersive astronomy shows in two unique theaters.
Check the official website for schedules and ticketing.

Maisonneuve Park

Expansive green space across from the Botanical Garden.
Offers walking/cycling paths, picnic areas, and hosts community events.

Saputo Stadium

Home to CF Montréal soccer; ticket info at cfmontreal.com.

Neighborhood Integration & Culture

Pie-IX Boulevard is the spine for a series of neighborhoods, each contributing unique cultural and commercial character. Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve boasts street art and local eateries; Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie is known for green spaces and a family-friendly vibe; Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension is celebrated for its multicultural community; and Montréal-Nord serves as a commercial and social hub.

This diversity is reflected in Pie-IX’s array of shops, restaurants, public art installations (such as “Kyrielle” by Jean-Sébastien Denis), and community spaces.

Practical Visitor Tips

Transit: Use Pie-IX Metro Station (Green Line) and BRT for fast, reliable travel. Check the STM site for real-time schedules.
Accessibility: Major attractions are wheelchair accessible; Metro and BRT have elevators and tactile guidance.
Parking: Paid lots at major attractions; free street parking nearby (allow for extra walking).
Dining: A wide range of options from on-site cafés to local restaurants in Montréal-Nord and Rosemont.
Events: June is especially busy with the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, International Jazz Festival, and other events (AllEvents.in).
Navigation: Use apps like Moovit for trip planning; traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
Safety: Cross only at designated areas; construction and revitalization projects may affect routes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Montreal Botanical Garden?
A: Generally 9:00 AM–6:00 PM in summer; check the official site for seasonal changes.

Q: Is Pie-IX Metro station accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes, it features elevators and improved facilities.

Q: How do I buy tickets for attractions?
A: Purchase online via attraction websites or onsite; advance purchase is recommended for popular events.

Q: What is the best public transit option to reach Pie-IX?
A: The Metro Green Line to Pie-IX station or the high-frequency Pie-IX BRT lines.

Q: Are there guided tours available?
A: Yes, at major attractions like the Botanical Garden and Olympic Stadium; check their websites for details.

Future Prospects & Ongoing Projects

Pie-IX continues to evolve with major investments:

Blue Line Metro Extension: Construction began in 2024 for a new Pie-IX Blue Line station, with completion expected by 2031.
Pie-IX Railway Bridge Rehabilitation: Ongoing work to improve structural integrity and goods movement, scheduled for completion in December 2025.
Streetscaping and Accessibility: Ongoing upgrades to lighting, safety features, and green infrastructure.

Useful Links & References

Montreal Botanical Garden: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/botanical-garden
Olympic Stadium: https://olympicstadium.ca
Montreal Metro and BRT: https://www.stm.info/en
Exo Commuter Rail: https://exo.quebec/en
CF Montréal: https://www.cfmontreal.com
TripSavvy Botanical Garden Guide: https://www.tripsavvy.com/montreal-botanical-gardens-guide-2392688
Le Québec pour tous Botanical Garden Accessibility: https://lequebecpourtous.com/en/exploring_the_botanical_garden/
AllEvents.in Montreal Events: https://allevents.in/montreal/june
Montreal Tourism: https://www.mtl.org/en
Moovit App: https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-2030_Boulevard_Pie_IX-Montreal_QC-site_22699235-342
Over Your Place: https://overyourplace.com/discover-montreal-a-guide-to-local-culture-traditions/
Waves and Cobblestones Botanical Garden Review: https://wavesandcobblestones.com/montreal-botanical-garden/
Tiny Footsteps Travel Itinerary: https://www.tinyfootstepstravel.com/montreal-and-quebec-city-itinerary/

Plan Your Visit and Stay Connected

Pie-IX Boulevard captures Montreal’s unique blend of history, culture, art, and modern mobility. With accessible transit, world-class attractions, and continual investment in infrastructure and public spaces, Pie-IX is a must-explore destination for anyone seeking to experience the heart of Montreal’s east end.