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Montreal Olympic Stadium

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Landmark
—°11
Montreal Olympic Stadium (Canada)

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The Montreal Olympic Stadium, built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, is a striking architectural feat designed by French architect Roger Taillibert. The stadium is globally recognized for its inclined tower, the Montreal Tower, which stands at 165 metres and holds the record as the world's tallest leaning tower. While the stadium opened in time for the 1976 games, the tower and its original Kevlar retractable roof were not completed until the late 1980s. The structure's organic, futuristic shape has led to its nickname, 'The Big O'. Today, it continues to function as a venue for professional sports, massive concerts, and trade shows, with the tower serving as a popular observation point. Despite the controversies surrounding its construction costs and technical difficulties, it remains a monumental symbol of Montreal's global identity and skyline.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-11-10-35131922211791-7
Rain mm72687695931099598881148198

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Montreal Olympic Stadium is an iconic venue open for tours. You can explore the stadium interior and the observation tower via guided tours.
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Typical hours
Tours are typically offered daily, with exact times varying by season and events. The observation tower usually opens at 10:00 AM - check the website.
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Photography
During the stadium tour, photography is allowed in public areas. In the tower, you can shoot without flash to avoid glass reflections.
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Time needed
A tour of the stadium and tower lasts about 1-1.5 hours. Allow extra time to visit the adjacent sports centre.
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Combine with
Combine your stadium visit with a walk through Parc Olympique or to the Biodôme. Montreal's Botanical Garden is also just minutes away.
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Getting there
The stadium is accessible by metro (Viau station) or bus. From downtown, it's about 20 minutes by public transit.
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Insider tip
Book the tower tour online in advance to avoid queues. In good weather, the tower provides a fantastic view of Montreal's skyline and Mont-Royal.

Geography

Coordinates
45.55860, -73.55160

Facts

  • The Montreal Tower leans at a dramatic 45-degree angle.
  • The stadium's maximum seating capacity is approximately 56,000.
  • The total debt for the construction was finally paid off in 2006.
  • The venue was specifically designed for the 1976 Summer Olympics.
  • The tower's glass-walled funicular climbs 266 metres in just two minutes.
  • It is the largest stadium in Canada by permanent seating capacity.

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Montreal Olympic Stadium (11)

Galerie MËL🏛 museum

Galerie MËL, an art gallery near the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

🆓

Anciens ateliers Angus📍 landmark

Anciens ateliers Angus, the historic industrial complex of the Canadian Pacific Railway near the Olympic Stadium.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-21:00

Montreal Tower Observatory🌿 nature

Montreal Tower Observatory, the world's tallest inclined tower at 175 m, part of the Olympic Stadium.

Parc Fernand-Gignac🌳 park

A park opened on 18 August 2012 near Stadium Montreal.

Saint-Jean Baptiste-de-Lasalle⛪ religious

A Catholic church near the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

♿

Parc Lalancette🌳 park

A neighborhood park with playgrounds near the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-00:00

Église du Très-Saint-Nom-de-Jésu⛪ religious

A Catholic church with a distinctive dome near the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

Ruelle CLAN🌳 park

A small urban laneway park with art installations near the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.

🕒 24/7

Église Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge-d’Hochelaga⛪ religious

Église Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge-d’Hochelaga is a Roman Catholic church in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district of Montreal.

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Bain Mathieu🎭 culture

Historic public bath in the Stadium district of Montreal.

Château Dufresne🏛 museum

Historic mansion museum in the Stadium district of Montreal.

🕒 We-Su 09:30-17:00; PH off💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the stadium's tower?
The Montreal Tower, at 165 meters, is the tallest inclined tower in the world.
What was the stadium built for?
It was built as the main venue for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games.
How do you get to the top of the tower?
Visitors can ride a glass-encased funicular to the observation platform.
Is the stadium still in use?
Yes, it hosts concerts, trade shows, and occasional sporting events.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, tours are available that explain the site's history and architecture.
Montreal Olympic Stadium: where is it located?
Montreal Olympic Stadium is located in Canada.
Montreal Olympic Stadium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galerie MËL, Anciens ateliers Angus, Montreal Tower Observatory.
Montreal Olympic Stadium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Montreal Olympic Stadium: why is it worth visiting?
The Montreal Olympic Stadium, built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, is a striking architectural feat designed by French architect Roger Taillibert.
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History & landmarks

Baie-Saint-Paul — Montreal Olympic Stadium (Canada)
Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul serves as the cultural center of the Charlevoix region.