Discover Montreal's Most Famous Movie Locations: A Cinematic Guide

Explore Iconic Movie Spots in Montreal: From X-Men to Catch Me If You Can

Alright, let’s talk about Montreal—a city that’s basically one giant film set, hidden in plain sight. This place has got it all, from cobblestone streets straight out of a European romance to futuristic landmarks that make you feel like you’ve jumped into a sci-fi thriller. Montreal’s got this vibe that just fits whatever Hollywood throws at it. I mean, they’ve turned parts of the city into New York, France, and even alien landscapes without skipping a beat. For a film buff like me, there’s nothing better than wandering these spots, imagining the movie scenes that unfolded right where I’m standing.

Think about grabbing coffee at a market where Leo DiCaprio filmed a quick scene, or standing in front of McGill University where Scream 6 brought its latest horror twist. So, grab your walking shoes and let’s dive into Montreal’s film locations—it’s like living in a movie marathon, one epic location at a time.

1. Old Montreal – “Catch Me If You Can” Charm

Old Montreal is like time-traveling without a plane ticket. With its European vibe and narrow cobblestone streets, it’s no wonder Catch Me If You Can used this area as a stand-in for France. Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, always on the run, would’ve fit right in here among the historic buildings and lively street performers. Walking down Rue Saint-Paul, you get that “back in time” feel, with boutiques, art galleries, and cafes lining every corner.

Traveler’s Tip: Start your walk at Place Jacques-Cartier and make your way down to the Old Port. Grab a coffee and a croissant along the way—this area’s charm is best enjoyed slowly.

Address: Rue Saint-Paul, Old Montreal
Take the Metro to Place d’Armes or Champ-de-Mars and wander your way through.

2. Parc Jean-Drapeau – “X-Men” Mutant Action

Parc Jean-Drapeau has a futuristic vibe that made it the perfect location for X-Men: Days of Future Past. The Biosphere and remnants from Expo 67 give this place an otherworldly atmosphere, and it’s where Magneto and Mystique go head-to-head in the film. You can practically picture them here, surrounded by the unique architecture and scenic views of the Montreal skyline.

Traveler’s Tip: Rent a bike to explore the park! It’s huge, so biking makes it easier to catch all the cool landmarks while you take in the sights along the water.

Address: 1 Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
Hop on the Metro’s yellow line to Jean-Drapeau station, then you’re ready to roll.

3. Mount Royal – “The Whole Nine Yards” Comedic Scenes

Mount Royal’s lookout is the spot where Montreal’s skyline comes alive. In The Whole Nine Yards, this scenic park is where Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry’s characters plot and hang out, using the mountain’s peaceful vibe as a break from the movie’s antics. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and city views, making you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

Traveler’s Tip: Head to the lookout at sunrise or sunset for stunning views—and fewer crowds. It’s one of the best places in the city to take it all in and snap some epic photos.

Address: Chalet du Mont Royal, 1196 Voie Camillien-Houde
Take the bus or enjoy the hike up from Mont Royal Metro station for the best experience.

4. Victoria Square – “The Day After Tomorrow” Apocalyptic Drama

Victoria Square played an icy New York in The Day After Tomorrow, with snow and fake ice creating a dramatic post-apocalyptic scene. Today, it’s bustling and modern, surrounded by office towers and street art installations. It’s a little surreal to imagine this spot frozen over while you’re standing in the heart of Montreal’s business district.

Traveler’s Tip: Look out for the ever-changing art displays—there’s usually something cool to see, plus it’s super close to some amazing coffee spots if you want a pick-me-up.

Address: Victoria Square, Montreal
Take the Metro to Square-Victoria-OACI and you’re there!

5. Notre-Dame Basilica – “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” Elegance

Notre-Dame Basilica is breathtaking on its own, and in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, it added that timeless feel to the film. The inside is all blue ceilings and golden stars, with a vibe that’s both mystical and grand. You’ll be mesmerized by the stained-glass windows and intricate wood carvings that give this place its fairytale charm.

Traveler’s Tip: Attend one of the “AURA” light shows if you can—it’s a total experience that brings the basilica’s beauty to life with music and lights.

Address: 110 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal
Right in Old Montreal, just a short walk from Place-d’Armes Metro station.

6. McGill University – “The Covenant” Eerie Vibes

McGill University has the academic vibe of an Ivy League campus with a bit of a dark edge, which made it a fitting location for The Covenant. Its Gothic-style buildings and ivy-covered walls feel like they’re straight out of a supernatural thriller. The architecture is timeless, and walking through campus feels like a trip to a different era.

Traveler’s Tip: Fall is the best time to visit when the ivy turns red and orange—add some moody fog and you’re basically in a movie.

Address: 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal
Take the Metro to McGill station and explore from there.

7. Atwater Market – “Catch Me If You Can” Market Scenes

Atwater Market makes a quick appearance in Catch Me If You Can, but it’s worth a full visit if you’re in Montreal. This market is packed with everything from fresh produce to local cheeses and pastries, making it a foodie’s paradise. Strolling through, you’ll feel the energy that gives the city its charm—plus, it’s a perfect spot to grab picnic supplies.

Traveler’s Tip: Grab some local cheese and fresh bread, then head to Lachine Canal just nearby for a picnic. Nothing says Montreal like an outdoor lunch by the water.

Address: 138 Avenue Atwater, Montreal
Metro Line 1 to Lionel-Groulx, then a short walk to the market.

8. Vieux-Port de Montréal – “The Score” Heist Drama

The Old Port is rich with history, which is why it made an ideal setting for The Score, starring Robert De Niro and Edward Norton. Its narrow streets, historic warehouses, and waterfront views make it a natural fit for a heist scene. Walking around, you get the sense that this area has seen all kinds of stories unfold.

Traveler’s Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, try the zipline across the Old Port for a totally different view of the area. And trust me, it’s an adrenaline rush worth taking.

Address: Old Port of Montreal
Just a short walk from Old Montreal or Metro Line 2 to Champ-de-Mars.

9. Olympic Stadium – “Battlefield Earth” Sci-Fi Spectacle

Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, with its futuristic design, starred in Battlefield Earth as part of an alien-invaded Earth. The massive structure and sloping tower look like they’re straight out of a sci-fi movie. Even if you’re not a fan of the film, it’s worth visiting to check out the architecture and get a unique view of Montreal.

Traveler’s Tip: Take the ride up to the Montreal Tower for panoramic views of the city—it’s one of the best photo ops around.

Address: 4141 Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, Montreal
Metro Line 1 to Pie-IX brings you right to the stadium.

10. Square Saint-Louis – “The Young Victoria” Victorian Drama

Square Saint-Louis is like stepping into a Victorian painting, which made it a perfect fit for The Young Victoria. The colorful, French-style row houses and shaded benches make this spot feel like a quaint escape within the city. With fountains, greenery, and charm to spare, it’s ideal for a quiet afternoon stroll.

Traveler’s Tip: Bring a book or grab a coffee from a nearby café, then find a bench to settle in. It’s one of the most peaceful places in the city to kick back and relax.

Address: Rue Saint-Louis and Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal
Just a short walk from Sherbrooke Metro station on Line 2.

11. McGill University – “Scream 6” Horror Thrills

If you’re a fan of horror, McGill University was a prime filming location for Scream 6, where it doubled as “Blackmore University” in New York City. It’s wild to think that this iconic Montreal campus, with its Gothic buildings and Ivy League vibes, became the chilling backdrop for the opening scene. In the movie, the fictional Blackmore University is where Tara, Mindy, and Chad navigate college life (and the occasional stabby villain). Walking through McGill, especially at night, you can almost feel the tension—and a little bit of that horror thrill.

Traveler’s Tip: Visit the campus at dusk when the Gothic buildings start to feel eerie. The downtown campus is the main filming location, so wander around Sherbrooke Street and the central green to spot key areas from the movie!

Address: 845 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC
Accessible by Metro Line 1 to McGill station, with campus entrances nearby.

12. Saint Joseph's Oratory – “The Scarlet Letter” Historical Drama

Saint Joseph’s Oratory, with its massive dome and sweeping views, is iconic on its own. But in The Scarlet Letter, it doubled as a grand 17th-century religious setting, adding to the film’s historic ambiance. The towering basilica and stone staircases have this sacred vibe that transports you straight into another time. This site isn’t just famous in movies—it’s also a pilgrimage site for thousands of visitors each year, known for its beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere.

Traveler’s Tip: Climb the outdoor staircase and explore the gardens around the basilica. The views from the top give you an incredible perspective of the entire city, especially beautiful during sunset.

Address: 3800 Queen Mary Road, Montreal, QC
Take Metro Line 5 to Côte-des-Neiges and follow the signs to the Oratory.

13. Westmount Park – “The Aviator” Glamour of Old Hollywood

Westmount Park brought a bit of Old Hollywood glamor to Montreal in The Aviator, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes. With its green lawns, charming pathways, and fountains, it created a sophisticated backdrop that fit right into Hughes’s world. The park is filled with gorgeous scenery, making it a quiet, peaceful spot that feels almost cinematic.

Traveler’s Tip: Grab a picnic and relax by the pond or in the gardens. If you’re there in fall, the changing leaves turn the park into a colorful, picture-perfect scene.

Address: 327 Avenue Melville, Montreal, QC
Take Metro Line 1 to Atwater station, then walk about 15 minutes to reach the park.

14. Bonsecours Market – “The Words” Literary Drama

Bonsecours Market’s neoclassical architecture made it a perfect location for The Words, where it doubled as a European street scene. With its grand columns, domed roof, and river views, this historical building feels like stepping into another era. Once a hub for Montreal’s traders, it’s now a vibrant market and event space that captures the city’s unique blend of old and new.

Traveler’s Tip: Head inside to browse local art and crafts, or visit at night when the dome lights up for a beautiful riverside photo op.

Address: 350 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montreal, QC
A short walk from Champ-de-Mars Metro station, right in the heart of Old Montreal.

15. Habitat 67 – “Arrival” Sci-Fi Architecture

Habitat 67 is one of Montreal’s most famous architectural landmarks, known for its futuristic, modular design. In Arrival, this space-age building played a key role in setting the sci-fi tone. The building’s maze-like layout of stacked cubes feels otherworldly, making it a popular spot for photographers, architecture lovers, and, of course, film crews.

Traveler’s Tip: The area is closed to the public, but you can take a river cruise for an up-close view, or snap some shots from Parc de Dieppe across the water.

Address: 2600 Avenue Pierre-Dupuy, Montreal, QC
Take Metro Line 4 to Jean-Drapeau and catch a ferry for the best view from the water.

Exploring Montreal’s movie spots feels like uncovering hidden gems, each one with its own story and a touch of cinematic magic. Whether you’re wandering the historic streets of Old Montreal, checking out the Gothic vibes of McGill, or standing in awe at Habitat 67’s wild architecture, each location has that “larger than life” feel. You don’t have to be a film buff to appreciate these spots—they’re perfect for anyone who wants a deeper look into Montreal’s soul.

So next time you’re in the city, take a moment to stop, look around, and imagine the scenes that played out right where you’re standing. Montreal’s ready to be your film set, and who knows—you might even feel like the main character in your own adventure. Stay tuned with Woke Waves for more travel stories and film-worthy explorations!

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