Bassin Alexandra harbour basin in Quebec Canada with boats and waterfront buildings

Quai Alexandra

Quai Alexandra (Grand Quai): Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide to Montreal’s Historic Waterfront

Date: 04/07/2025

Quai Alexandra—modernly known as the Grand Quai—stands as a remarkable testament to Montreal’s rich maritime heritage and urban renewal. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, along the scenic banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Grand Quai seamlessly blends historical significance with cutting-edge design, making it a must-visit destination for travelers, cruise passengers, and locals alike.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to plan your visit: history, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical tips for making the most of your experience at Montreal’s iconic waterfront.

History and Evolution
Grand Quai Visiting Hours & Ticket Information
Facilities, Accessibility & Transportation
Top Things to Do and Nearby Attractions
Events, Tours, and Insider Experience
Sustainability and Community Engagement
FAQs
Conclusion & Resources

Skyline of Montreal city with skyscrapers under partly cloudy sky

History and Evolution

Origins and Early Development

Quai Alexandra was constructed at the turn of the 20th century and named after Alexandra of Denmark, the Queen Consort of the United Kingdom. Its creation signaled Montreal’s rise as a major North American port, serving as a crucial embarkation and arrival point for transatlantic liners and millions of immigrants (Commission de toponymie du Québec). The pier’s original purpose included facilitating both passenger travel and grain export, helping Montreal become a pivotal player in global trade (GrandQuebec).

Mid-20th Century Shifts

The 20th century brought significant changes: the rise of air travel reduced ocean liner traffic, and the shift towards container shipping altered port operations. The pier’s massive grain hangars were successively converted into cruise terminals and parking, which temporarily diminished public access to the riverfront (World Landscape Architect).

Revitalization and the Grand Quai

A transformative redevelopment in the 2010s, led by Provencher_Roy, reimagined the site as the Grand Quai—a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space and state-of-the-art cruise terminal (Provencher_Roy). The development included:

A modern cruise terminal
A vast green roof with 24,000+ flowering plants
Wide promenades and gardens
The Port of Montréal Tower, a 65-meter observation landmark offering panoramic city and river views
Interpretive panels and public art celebrating Montreal’s maritime and immigrant heritage

Today, the Grand Quai is celebrated for restoring Montreal’s connection to the St. Lawrence and for its role as an architectural, cultural, and community hub (mtl.org, Radio-Canada).

Grand Quai Visiting Hours & Ticket Information

Regular Hours

Outdoor areas and green roof: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM (extended to 11:00 PM during high season: June 21–September 1)
Port of Montréal Tower: Generally open seasonally (May–October), 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Check the official site for updates or special event schedules.

Admission and Tickets

Promenade, gardens, and most public spaces: Free entry
Port of Montréal Tower: Ticket required; adult prices are typically CAD 10–15, with discounts for children, students, and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site.
Cruise terminal access: Included with cruise passage; luggage storage available at $5 CAD per bag for cruise passengers.

Facilities, Accessibility & Transportation

Getting There

Metro: Square-Victoria and Place-d’Armes stations (10–15 min walk)
Bus: STM lines 715, 35, 61, and 75
Bicycle: BIXI bike-sharing stations and Lachine Canal path connect directly
Car: On-site parking (250–350 spaces; high season rates: $35–55 per day), plus nearby Quays of Old Port parking ($20–25/day)
Pedestrian: Easily accessed from Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets

Accessibility

Fully accessible site: ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and reserved parking
Multilingual signage (French and English)
Bilingual staff and tourist information desks

Amenities

Clean public restrooms and baby changing facilities
Free WiFi throughout the site
Charging stations for electronic devices
Event and conference spaces
Seasonal kiosks, pop-up cafés, and food stalls (restaurants are nearby in Old Montreal)

Top Things to Do and Nearby Attractions

Climb the Port of Montréal Tower for 360-degree city and river views
Stroll the Grand Quai Promenade and relax in lush gardens or on the green roof
Enjoy Commencement Square for prime fireworks viewing and summer events
Visit the Montreal Science Centre (adjacent IMAX theatre and interactive exhibits)
Explore Old Montreal: Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, Pointe-à-Callière Museum, and artisan shops
Take a river cruise, ferry, or amphibious bus tour departing from the Old Port
Cycle or walk along the Lachine Canal

Events, Tours, and Insider Experience

Festivals and Events: Hosts major city events including C2 Montréal, Startupfest, Martinique Gourmande Festival, and Loto-Québec International Fireworks (travelpulse.ca).
Seasonal Highlights: Summer brings bustling gardens and concerts; winter features light installations and holiday markets.
Private and public events: Multipurpose rooms and terraces available for weddings, receptions, and conferences (up to 3,000 guests).
Guided tours: While the Grand Quai itself does not offer regular tours, many Old Montreal walking tours include the site.

Insider Tips

Arrive early during cruise season for easy terminal access
Comfortable shoes recommended for walking cobblestones and promenades
Bring a light jacket for cool river evenings, even in summer
Use on-site luggage storage if arriving/departing by cruise

Sustainability and Community Engagement

Certified carbon neutral; green roof and native plantings
Active transportation: Bike-friendly access and ample racks
Waste diversion: Recycling bins throughout the site
Community events and open spaces: Encouraging public use and local engagement (mtl.org)

FAQs

Q: What are the Grand Quai’s visiting hours?
A: Public areas are open from 7:00 AM to 10:00/11:00 PM. The Port of Montréal Tower is open seasonally, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Entry to outdoor spaces is free; Port of Montréal Tower requires a ticket.

Q: How do I get there by public transit?
A: Take the metro to Square-Victoria or Place-d’Armes, or use STM bus lines 715/35/61/75.

Q: Is the Grand Quai accessible to all?
A: Yes, the entire site is wheelchair accessible and offers accessible amenities.

Q: Are there food and drink options?
A: Seasonal pop-ups are on-site; Old Montreal’s restaurants and cafés are nearby.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not directly on site, but many Old Montreal tours include the Grand Quai.

Conclusion & Resources

Quai Alexandra (Grand Quai) is a vibrant symbol of Montreal’s maritime past and future—combining historic architecture, sustainable design, and engaging public spaces. Whether you’re arriving by cruise, exploring Old Montreal, or seeking panoramic views and cultural events, the Grand Quai offers a memorable experience for all.

For the latest visiting hours, ticket info, and event updates, visit the links below. To enhance your trip, download the Audiala app for maps, guides, and insider tips, and follow local tourism channels.

Additional Resources

Visuals tip: Include high-quality images of the promenade, Port of Montréal Tower, and green roof with descriptive alt text (e.g., “Grand Quai green roof and tower at sunset”). Interactive maps showing access points and nearby attractions further enhance the guide.