Walking in Montreal
Montreal is a city filled with history and charm, and one of the best ways to explore it is on foot. If you're visiting Montreal this year, walk or stroll uninterrupted by cars.! You'll be able to explore Montreal's pedestrian-only streets and learn about the city's unique charm. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular Montrealer, this walk is a great way to get to know the city!
Montreal has several streets that transform into pedestrian-only zones during the summer, creating lively and bustling spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Ten pedestrian-only streets in Montreal in the summer of 2024, with more than 8.3 kilometres, are closed to traffic.
- Mont-Royal From St-Laurent to St-Denis (June 5–Oct. 14), St-Denis to de Lorimier (June 5–Aug. 26)
- Wellington From 6th Avenue to Régina (June 3–Sept. 15)
- Ste-Catherine From Bleury to St-Laurent (May 1–Oct. 31), from St-Hubert to Papineau (May 17–Oct. 17)
- Ontario E. From Pie-IX to Darling (June 17–Sept. 7)
- Duluth E. From St-Laurent to St-Hubert (May 14–Oct. 15)
- St-Denis (as well as Emery Street) From Sherbrooke to de Maisonneuve (June 18–Sept. 17)
- Place du Marché-du-Nord (Jean-Talon Market) From Casgrain to Henri-Julien (June 16–Oct. 13)
- Bernard From Wiseman to Bloomfield (May 17–Sept. 27)
- De Castelnau E. From St-Denis to de Gaspé (May 15–Oct. 31)
- Plaza St-Hubert From Bellechasse to Jean-Talon (July 4–Aug. 25)
“Pedestrian streets have become a signature of the Montreal summer and a symbol of the dynamism of our commercial arteries. Each year, pedestrianization attracts thousands of families and visitors, from here and elsewhere, to our commercial arteries, thus contributing to the economic vitality of the districts. I invite the people of Montreal to take ownership of these new public places that reflect the creativity, beauty and vitality of our city.”
—Valérie Plante (Mayor)
My Favourite Pedestrian-Only Streets
Avenue Mont-Royal: Avenue Mont-Royal, located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, is a vibrant street that attracts locals and visitors year-round. I prefer to visit it outside the summer season, but I must admit when it is open to pedestrians only, it is terrific. While it's not entirely pedestrian-only, certain sections of Avenue Mont-Royal are closed to traffic on weekends during the summer, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The street is known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, bars, and street art, making it a lively and enjoyable place to explore. Metro: Orange Line/Mont-Royal- Wellington Street (Rue Wellington): Located in the borough of Verdun, Wellington Street is a bustling commercial thoroughfare that undergoes a vibrant transformation in the summer. A significant portion of Wellington Street, from Rue de l'Église to Rue Rielle, becomes pedestrian-only. Less frequented by tourists makes this a fun visit. This lively pedestrian zone features outdoor terraces, street art, pop-up shops, and cultural events. It's a fantastic place to explore local boutiques, enjoy outdoor dining, and experience the unique energy of this up-and-coming neighbourhood. Metro: Green Line/de l'Église
Rue Sainte-Catherine: Another popular location for visitors, Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the most iconic streets in Montreal and serves as a major commercial hub throughout the year. During the summer, a portion of Rue Sainte-Catherine in the downtown area, between Rue Mansfield and Rue Bleury, becomes a pedestrian-only zone. This stretch, known as the “Quartier des Spectacles,” hosts various cultural events, festivals, and outdoor performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for pedestrians and tourists alike. Metro: Orange Line/Place Des Arts
Ontario E: Last year was the first time I have walked the entire length of Ontario E while it is pedestrian, and I love it! I think one of the reasons is that it hasn't been as gentrified as some of the other areas. It is also a little bit further afield for tourists to visit. Metro: Green Line/Joliette- St. Paul Street (Rue Saint-Paul): Rue Saint-Paul is the very first street and was created near a route that bordered a fort that once stood in the city. Rue Saint-Paul was designed by François Dollier de Casson and was named for Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, who founded Montreal. It is also the street I live on, so I am biased. Situated in the historic district of Old Montreal, St. Paul Street is known for its charming cobblestone roads, historic buildings, art galleries, and upscale shops. During the summer, a section of St. Paul Street, from Rue Bonsecours to Place Jacques-Cartier, becomes one of the pedestrian-only streets. Visitors can stroll along the street, admiring the beautifully preserved architecture, browsing art galleries, and exploring the boutiques and antique shops. Thanks to the cruises in the summertime, it is jam-packed and overpriced. Metro: Green Line/Place Des Arts
Rue Saint-Denis: Rue Saint-Denis is a bustling street in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood. During the summer, a portion of this street, between Avenue des Pins and Rue Gilford, is closed to vehicles on weekends. Pedestrians can wander through the vibrant neighbourhood, visit shops, dine at outdoor terraces, and experience the energetic ambiance that Rue Saint-Denis offers. Metro: Orange Line/Sherbrooke
Avenue Mont-Royal: Avenue Mont-Royal, located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood, is a vibrant street that attracts locals and visitors year-round. I prefer to visit it outside the summer season, but I must admit when it is open to pedestrians only, it is terrific. While it's not entirely pedestrian-only, certain sections of Avenue Mont-Royal are closed to traffic on weekends during the summer, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. The street is known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, bars, and street art, making it a lively and enjoyable place to explore. Metro: Orange Line/Mont-Royal
Rue Sainte-Catherine: Another popular location for visitors, Rue Sainte-Catherine is one of the most iconic streets in Montreal and serves as a major commercial hub throughout the year. During the summer, a portion of Rue Sainte-Catherine in the downtown area, between Rue Mansfield and Rue Bleury, becomes a pedestrian-only zone. This stretch, known as the “Quartier des Spectacles,” hosts various cultural events, festivals, and outdoor performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere for pedestrians and tourists alike. Metro: Orange Line/Place Des Arts
Ontario E: Last year was the first time I have walked the entire length of Ontario E while it is pedestrian, and I love it! I think one of the reasons is that it hasn't been as gentrified as some of the other areas. It is also a little bit further afield for tourists to visit. Metro: Green Line/Joliette
Rue Saint-Denis: Rue Saint-Denis is a bustling street in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood. During the summer, a portion of this street, between Avenue des Pins and Rue Gilford, is closed to vehicles on weekends. Pedestrians can wander through the vibrant neighbourhood, visit shops, dine at outdoor terraces, and experience the energetic ambiance that Rue Saint-Denis offers. Metro: Orange Line/SherbrookeA free bike rickshaw (pedicab) service is also available to take people up and down Mont-Royal and Ontario E. See the image for contacting and reserving.
Pedestrian-Only Streets or Shared: what's the Difference?
In Montréal, several types of streets prioritize pedestrians and foot traffic:
- The pedestrian street, which, as the name implies, is reserved exclusively for use by pedestrians.
- The pedestrian street with a slow zone may be used by cyclists, skateboarders, scooter enthusiasts and in-line skaters, provided they ride slowly and prioritize pedestrians at all times.
- The shared street is where pedestrians, bicycles and motor vehicles coexist – but where pedestrians are prioritized! They can go wherever they want, in any direction they choose, and may cross the street at any time in any place. The vehicle speed limit is 20 km/h, and the street must be laid out safely.
These pedestrian-only streets in Montreal provide a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere, explore local shops and eateries, and enjoy various cultural events and activities during the summer. They offer a unique experience to embrace the city's charm and connect with its dynamic urban fabric while strolling freely without the presence of cars.
