Montreal Olympic Park & Olympic Tower

The Montreal Olympic Park is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and a surprisingly great family destination — not just for the dramatic architecture, but because it shares its campus with some of Montreal's best museums.

Built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, the Olympic Stadium is a massive, visually striking structure that impresses from a distance and up close. Its sweeping concrete form and the attached Olympic Tower create one of Montreal's most recognizable skyline elements. The Tower, at 175 metres, holds the title of the world's tallest inclined tower, leaning at a 45-degree angle — steeper than Pisa's famous tower.

Kids love this comparison.

Important note for 2025 visitors: the Olympic Tower observatory is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in fall 2027. When it reopens, families will again be able to ride the exterior funicular to the glass-enclosed observation deck for stunning 360-degree views of Montreal, the St. Lawrence River, and the surrounding landscape — on clear days, visibility reaches 80 kilometres.

Even without the tower, the Olympic Park campus is well worth visiting because it is home to the entire Espace pour la vie complex. The Biodôme (four recreated ecosystems), Planetarium (immersive space shows), Insectarium (recently renovated, world-class), and Botanical Garden (one of the largest in the world) are all within walking distance of each other on this campus. A family can easily spend an entire day hopping between these attractions.

The grounds themselves are free to explore. Walking around the stadium, admiring the architecture, and taking photos costs nothing. The esplanades and pathways are stroller-friendly and well-maintained. The Viau metro station (Green line) is right at the park entrance.

The Olympic Park also hosts events, exhibitions, and markets throughout the year. The stadium interior is occasionally open for events and concerts. Check the website before your visit to see what is happening during your dates.

For families planning a day at Olympic Park, the smart strategy is the Espace pour la vie combo pass, which gives access to multiple museums at a significant discount compared to individual tickets. Start at the Biodôme (the most popular with young kids), add the Planetarium, and squeeze in the Botanical Garden if time and energy allow.