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Centre Bell Guide

NHL · Montreal

See Montreal weekends

Last updated: 3/20/2026

Direct access from the Lucien-L'Allier Metro station means visitors staying in Downtown or Old Montreal don't need a car to reach Centre Bell. The toughest part of your commute will be deciding which bar on Rue Crescent to visit after the game.

At a glance

Bag policy
Size-restricted bags
Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Direct access via Lucien-L'Allier Metro station (Orange line) and linked to the AMT commuter train network.
Family friendly
Offers nursing rooms and family-friendly event programming; check specific event details.
Home team:Montreal Canadiens

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

Where to stay for Centre Bell

Downtown Montreal (near Peel or McGill Metro stations) or Old Montreal for proximity.

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).

See full Montreal stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Direct access via Lucien-L'Allier Metro station (Orange line) and linked to the AMT commuter train network.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated pick-up/drop-off areas are located along Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal.

Parking: Use the indoor parking garage accessible via Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal; pre-booking online is recommended.

After the event

Various bars and restaurants on Rue de la Montagne and Rue Crescent.

Works well with these Montreal venues

Map context

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, integrated into the Windsor Station/Quartier des gares area.
  • Tailgating: Not permitted. Centre Bell is located in a dense downtown urban environment with no dedicated parking lots for tailgating.
  • Signature food: Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches and poutine.
  • Fan tradition: Singing 'Ole, Ole, Ole' and wearing team jerseys throughout the downtown core on game days.
  • Pregame institution: Bar 1909 Tavern Moderne (1280 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3B 5G6)

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