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Bell Centre Guide

NHL · Montreal

Last updated: 3/9/2026

Bell Centre sits in downtown Montreal, connected to both Lucien-L'Allier and Bonaventure metro stations and accessible from Gare Centrale commuter rail — making this one of the best-connected hockey arenas in North America. Canadiens games are a Montreal institution, and the underground parking garage fills quickly, so pre-booking is essential. La Cage - Brasserie sportive inside the arena complex and the surrounding Quartier des Spectacles restaurants offer pre-game options at every price point.

At a glance

Cashless: Cashless
Gates open: Gates open 3h before
Outside food: No outside food
Getting here: The Bell Centre is easily accessible by public transportation, connected to both Lucien-L'Allier and Bonaventure Metro stations, as well as Gare Centrale and Gare Lucien-L'Allier commuter rail terminals.
Family friendly: The Family Zone (La Petite Bretonne), located between sections 426 and 430, offers interactive entertainment such as games and face-painting before puck drop.

Home team:Montreal Canadiens

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Bell Centre on the calendar. See Montreal home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Bell Centre

Downtown Montreal is considered the ideal hotel neighborhood, allowing visitors to stay within walking distance of the Bell Centre and enjoy the city's nightlife.

Downtown Montreal (Ville-Marie)

Downtown Montreal is ideal for first-time visitors and those without a car, offering a central location with quick access to major hotels, high-end shopping, cultural landmarks, and a variety of international restaurants. The area also features a lively nightlife.

The neighborhood boasts excellent public transportation. The Bonaventure and Lucien-L'Allier Metro stations on the Orange Line are either directly connected to or very close to the Bell Centre. Numerous STM bus routes also service the downtown area. The Berri-UQAM station, a major interchange, connects the Green, Orange, and Yellow Metro lines, facilitating travel across the city.

Quartier des Spectacles

The Quartier des Spectacles is the cultural heart of Montreal, renowned for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere with numerous entertainment venues, festivals, restaurants, and bars. It's an excellent choice for those who enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.

This neighborhood is highly transit-friendly, featuring multiple rapid transit stations including St-Laurent (Green Line) and Berri-UQAM (Green, Orange, and Yellow Lines). Berri-UQAM is a major interchange, providing access to three metro lines, making it easy to reach various parts of the city. Over 30 bus lines also serve the area.

Shaughnessy Village

Shaughnessy Village is a historic and bustling urban enclave, known for its multicultural dining, dynamic cultural attractions, and convenient access to downtown. It offers a blend of stately old-school charm and youthful enthusiasm.

The neighborhood is easily accessible by public transit, with Guy-Concordia and Atwater Metro stations on the Green Line serving as convenient entry points. These stations provide good connections to other parts of the city.

Plateau Mont-Royal

The Plateau Mont-Royal is a charming, safe, artistic, and bohemian neighborhood known for its beautiful architecture, street art, and vibrant food and nightlife scene. It's a popular choice for young professionals, families, and students.

The neighborhood offers good metro access, particularly from the Mont-Royal or Laurier stations on the Orange Line. The Orange Line provides direct access to downtown and allows for transfers to the Green Line for the Olympic Stadium area, and Yellow Line for Parc Jean-Drapeau (via Berri-UQAM).

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

The Bell Centre is easily accessible by public transportation, connected to both Lucien-L'Allier and Bonaventure Metro stations, as well as Gare Centrale and Gare Lucien-L'Allier commuter rail terminals. It is also connected to Montreal's underground city.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zones are available near the arena.

Parking: On-site underground parking is available with rates ranging from $20 to $45 CAD depending on the day and event. Payments are accepted with credit and debit cards only. It is recommended to reserve event parking in advance.

After the event

Downtown Montreal offers various nightlife options within walking distance of the Bell Centre for post-game celebrations.

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Map context

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The game-day experience

Atmosphere area: The Bell Centre is located in downtown Montreal in the borough of Ville-Marie, near the corner of Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue and de la Montagne Street. It is directly connected to the Lucien L'Allier commuter rail terminal and across from the 1250 René-Lévesque skyscraper.
Tailgating: The Canadiens host an outdoor pre-game tailgate event at Canadiens Plaza in the Rio Tinto Courtyard, featuring activities, food, and drinks, typically from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on game nights.
Signature food: Local favorites include Lafleur hot dogs, poutine, and smoked meat sandwiches. Other popular items are Pizza Pizza, mais soufflé (popcorn), frites (fries), croustilles (chips), and peanut butter brownie cheesecake.
Fan tradition: The Place des Canadiens, an outdoor plaza, serves as a rallying point for fans, featuring statues of Canadiens legends and commemorative plaques. Pregame festivities often take place here. Montreal Canadiens fans are known for their passionate support, creating a high noise level during games, and a strong dedication to hockey.
Pregame institution: La Cage - Brasserie sportive - Centre Bell (1212 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3B 2S2, Canada)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

McKibbin's Irish Pub
1426 Bishop Street, Montreal, QC H3G 2E6 · Downtown
A cozy pub with a fun atmosphere, offering over 20 imported beers on tap and solid happy hour deals perfectly timed for pre-game. They have a substantial food menu and offer a free Jameson shot with a game ticket after the game.
What to order: Irish nachos, fish n' chips, bison burger, happy hour pints
La Cage - Brasserie sportive (Bell Centre)
Near Bell Centre · Downtown
A Montreal institution and Quebec's largest chain of commercial sports bars, known for a lively game-night atmosphere, multiple large screens, complimentary popcorn, and meals made from local products with a wide variety of beers. It's ideal for pre-game, post-game, or group outings.
What to order: Pub fare from local products, various beers
McLean's Pub
1420 Peel Street, Montreal, QC H3A 1S8 · Downtown
A classic Irish pub since 1992, known for its warm atmosphere, live sports on big screens, pool tables, and a generous selection of imported beers. It's a lively spot for pre-game drinks or a night that stretches out, also famous for 10-foot beer towers.
What to order: Crispy fries, house burgers, onion rings, pitchers, beer towers
Time Out Market Montréal
705 Saint-Catherine Street West, Montreal, QC H3B 4B5 · Downtown
An ultimate pre-game spot offering a massive space with a giant screen for games, a vast selection of local and artisanal beers, and diverse dishes from top chefs. It also features arcades and a photo booth for entertainment.
What to order: Local beers, smash burgers, crispy chicken wings, chili cheese fries, craft cocktails
Hurley's Irish Pub
1225 Crescent Street, Montreal, QC H3G 2B1 · Downtown
A welcoming Irish pub with a cozy atmosphere, featuring brick walls, carved wood, a patio, and live music. It's a great spot for draft beer, single malts, and solid food before or after games.
What to order: Guinness, draft beer, traditional pub food
La Belle & La Boeuf Burger Bar
1100 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3B 2S2 · Downtown
Located adjacent to the Bell Centre, this burger bar is devoted to the Canadiens, offering gourmet burgers and an impressive array of signature cocktails. They often have deals on pitchers and cocktails before games.
What to order: Gourmet burgers, signature cocktails in mason jars, poutine

Late-night options

Peel Pub
1196 Peel Street, Montreal, QC H3B 3C8 · Downtown
One of Montreal's largest sports bars with three floors of TVs, known for its bustling atmosphere, hearty and reasonably-priced pub food, and massive pitchers of cheap domestic beer. It caters to a university crowd and has been serving since 1962.
What to order: Burgers, pizza, wings, poutine, cheap domestic beer pitchers