Stretching for over two kilometres along the St-Lawrence River in Old Montreal, the Old Port Of Montreal has been the social, economic and cultural soul of Montreal ever since early French fur traders used it as a trading post in 1611. It was here that the city and the port came to life more than 350 years ago.

Shipping has been moved further east to the present Port of Montreal site, leaving the riverside area of Old Port adjacent to Old Montreal as a recreational and historical area. A major redevelopment of the city's Old Port took place in the early 1990s, and today the riverfront welcomes over seven million visitors per year.

The historical Old Port offers Montrealers and visitors alike access to a wide variety of activities, including the Montr?al Science Centre, with an IMAX Theatre, and the Montreal Clock Tower. It offers riverfront access for walking, cycling, roller-blading, quadricycle, pedalo and Segway rentals. It is also located at the eastern end of the Lachine Canal, which has itself been extensively refurbished as a popular destination for cycling, roller-blading and pleasure boating. Cultural events include the Festival Montr?al en lumi?re, Igloofest and the Matsuri Japon festival.