Friday December 1 2023

Good to know how to enjoy several activities or attractions free of charge

Did you that you can enjoy several attractions for free? Here is a list of activities accessible without spending a penny.

1. Museum passes

At some libraries you can borrow passes to visit museums for free. In Montreal, the Grande Bibliothèque and other city libraries offer passes to places such as the Écomusée du fier monde (translates as Eco Museum of the Proud People) and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Be patient, because demand can sometimes be high.

The Phi Foundation for Contemporary Art in Old Montreal has world-renowned exhibitions for free and the Redpath Museum of Natural History at McGill University is a well-kept secret worth the trip. The Canadian Center for Architecture is free for students, and free to the public on Thursday evenings and the first Sunday of the month.

In Quebec City, (french only), passes are available at library counters from the last weekend of September to June 24. Tickets for the Museum of Civilization, the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec and the Museum of the Plains of Abraham are available.

2. Free entry at the museum, the first Sunday of the month

Every first Sunday of the month, several museums in the province open their doors free of charge. Take the opportunity to visit institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the McCord Museum.

3. Explore Belgo building

Located near the Quartier des Spectacles in Montréal, the Belgo building houses works by contemporary artists. With 27 workshops, galleries and dance studios, it’s a free exploration of contemporary art not to be missed.

4. Quebec National Library and Archives (BAnQ) 

BAnQ’s online services offer free access to resources such as books, music, films, databases, newspapers, and archives. A subscription is required (subscription for Quebec residents is free), but the wealth of resources is worth it.

5. National parks passes

BAnQ makes passes available to its users to visit Sépaq parks. Valid for two adults, these passes provide daily access to national parks in the Montreal and Quebec region.

The pass can be borrowed for a period of three weeks, without the possibility of renewal. To see the list of participating national parks, go to the BAnQ website. (French only).

6. Outdoor Festivals 

Enjoy festivals throughout the year. From Montreal en lumières in winter to the Francofolies and the Just for Laughs festival, or the Jazz Festival in summer, many free activities are offered.

7. Plant a tree or flowers 

Some cities, such as Montreal, Quebec City and Laval, offer flowers or even trees free of charge as part of planting programs. Consult your municipality’s initiatives on the web to find out more.

Distribution days take place in spring and fall, 4,000 trees are distributed yearly as per the Quebec City website. Laval city who wishes to plant 15,000 trees on its lots before 2025, you could receive up to 10 free trees. Every year, Victoriaville (French only) has a lottery for 36 $125 gift cards for the purchase of a tree in a garden centre. New parents in Lévis can receive a free tree to celebrate the birth or the adoption of their baby as is mentioned in the Ville de Lévis website. (French only)

8. Borrowed objects and tools

Services such as l’Outil-O-thèque in Montreal allow for borrowing, free of charge, garden tools, DIY projects, etc. In Quebec City, Atelier La Patente proposes a similar service

9. Kit for new parents in Montreal

Starting January 2024, new Montreal parents  can receive a box containing a dozen educational objects. This offer is reserved for parents living in one of the 19 Montreal boroughs.

10. Sports and outdoor activities

Take advantage of the many parks to walk, run, skate in winter, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or even participate in free sports activities organized by your municipality.

From mid-November to March, it is now possible to skate for free in the city center, on the ice rink at Esplanade Tranquille. At Jean-Drapeau Park, you can put on your skates at the ice rink, go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or cycling on the park’s many trails (if you don’t have the necessary equipment, you can rent it on the spot).

11. Activities for low-income people 

Accès-Loisirs Québec proposes free cultural, sporting and leisure activities in nearly 325 municipalities in Quebec for low-income people.

Explore these free opportunities to enrich your cultural and social life without spending!