Montreal Leisure

Montreal has long held a reputation as a city where sport is considered a high priority in the lives of its residents, and much of this is the legacy of its 1976 hosting of the Olympic Games. Visitors will find more than ample opportunities for watching professionals in action, with football, hockey and baseball all popular pursuits. Meanwhile, those preferring to get active themselves will find no shortage of outdoor activities available. 

Spectator sports

There are a variety of sports available for viewing in Montreal, although visitors will need to be aware of each sport’s respective seasons if they are keen on catching some action. Hockey is especially popular and the city's own hockey team, the Montreal Canadiens, are considered something of a force to be reckoned with in the National Hockey League. Games, which are played at the Bell Centre, are extremely well supported by locals.

At the Olympic Stadium meanwhile, fans of baseball can catch the home games of the Montreal Expos, who, while suffering from something of a bad record, still see good spectator turnouts. Other sports on offer include F1 racing, which can be caught in June every year; and football, with the Montreal Alouettes playing at the Percical Molson Stadium.

Participant sports

Cycling is hugely popular in Montreal and the city is extremely well geared towards the activity, with cycling paths abundant and no shortage of places to lock your bike up while you take a break. Visitors can rent bicycles from a number of venues including from CaRoule Montreal on Wheels. Many of the shops that provide bicycle hire also offer rollerblade hire, as this is an equally popular activity and one which can be observed in parks across the city. A giant track located close to the Biosphere, off Ile Ste Helene, is also a popular spot for rollerbladers.

Visitors wanting to keep in shape will find an abundance of gymnasiums and fitness centres around the city, many of which are unfortunately open to members only.  However some will permit entry on a day pass. The alternative is to book into a hotel that has its own fitness centre, with many respectable establishments offering fully-equipped facilities that are free to guests.