The Montreal Canadiens are the city's flagship ice hockey team and an NHL regular. Here's everything you need to know about attending a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre stadium. If you're a sports fan or want to enjoy one of the city's most interesting experiences on your trip to Montreal, you can't miss a Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game. The Canadiens are one of the NHL's biggest winners and, season after season, one of the league's biggest entertainers, so if you attend one of their games, you'll be able to feel the atmosphere they generate around them. The Canadiens play their home games at the Bell Centre, one of Montreal's most famous venues. Not only can you get a seat for the game, but you can also experience the atmosphere in the stands. Sharing the stands with the fans, who wear the team's red, white and blue colors, is one of the best things to do in Montreal.
How much do tickets to a Montreal Canadiens game cost?
Ticket prices to attend an ice hockey match in Montreal can vary. As the Montreal Canadiens are a very popular NHL team, ticket prices tend to be higher than those of other local minor league teams.
Ticket prices for Canadiens games can fluctuate considerably, mainly due to stadium location. Seats in the front rows toward the rink and in areas with additional amenities are generally more expensive, while seats further back are less expensive.while seats further back or with restricted views are generally cheaper, with prices starting at around 45 euros.
Please note that these rates are dynamic and may change according to availability and demand. The most decisive matches and those against well-known teams tend to have higher prices due to greater fan interest. In addition, playoff matches, which take place between February and April, have even higher prices, some even reaching several hundred euros. In addition to the price of tickets to a Canadiens game, there are other expenses to consider, such as parking, food and drinks inside the stadium, and souvenirs, especially if you're planning to visit Montreal with children and attend the game with them.
What types of tickets are available? Are tickets available for standing room in the stadium?
You can choose tobuy tickets for each individual game , or you canpurchase a season ticket that includes reserved seating for both regular-season and playoff games. This second option is generally not recommended for visitors, as it's usually not cost-effective to attend just one game. In addition, season tickets are usually sold out by the start of the season. If you choose to buy Canadiens tickets for a single game, you can obtain them on online ticketing platforms, on the team's official website or at the the box office on the day of the game, although this option is not recommended if you plan to visit Montreal in summer or during the high season, as tickets tend to sell out. Tickets don't usually include queue-free access to the stadium, but if you opt for the more exclusive sections, you'll be able to get in quicker and wait less time at the stadium door. Please note, however, that these are the most expensive tickets.
Are tickets to a Montreal Canadiens game included in the city's tourist passes?
No. Canadiens games are not included in the Montreal Sightseeing Pass, so if you choose to purchase the Montreal Card, you'll need to buy tickets for ice hockey games separately. However, this card does include a visit to the Bell Centre stadium on a non-game day.
The Montreal Card also includes attractions near the Centre Bell, such as admission to the Le Grand Roue Ferris wheel and access to some of the city's best guided tours. While it doesn't give you access to Canadiens games, nor does it guarantee discounted ticket prices, you can still make the most of your visit to the stadium area by combining the card's attractions with a Canadiens game. Note that some tour operators, especially during the regular season from September to January, often offer packages that include certain city attractions and tickets to Canadiens games at a unified price. However, these offers have nothing to do with the activities offered by the Montreal card.
Are there tickets that include a guided tour of the Bell Centre stadium, and is it worth it?
Tickets for Canadiens games do not include a guided tour of the Centre Bell. Tours are not permitted on game day either, but you'll find options for visiting the site outside the franchise's NHL schedule.
Arenas like the Centre Bell often offer guided tours that give you the opportunity to explore the facilities, learn more about their history and immerse yourself in the culture of ice hockey. These tours allow you to visit exclusive areas such as the players' locker rooms, the press room and the luxury dressing rooms. You'll even have the chance to see trophies and historical artifacts related to the sport. These tours are ideal for field hockey fans and sports enthusiasts alike. At the Bell Centre, you'll have the opportunity to explore the heart of the stadium, take photos and hear fascinating anecdotes told by the guides.
If you'd like to visit the Montreal field hockey stadium without attending a specific game, we recommend checking the schedule and availability of guided tours in advance.
Are there discounted tickets for Montreal Canadiens games?
Discount ticket policies for NHL games depend on each franchise, and the Canadiens do not offer discount tickets except in special cases, such as for children under 2 accompanied by a responsible adult. However, if you want to save money on tickets, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Buy in advance: tickets for ice hockey in Montreal, and especially for NHL playoff games, are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly. If you're planning to attend a Canadiens game, I advise you to buy your tickets as soon as you plan your visit. That way, you can reserve your seat, get better prices and freeze your fare.
- Attend less important games at less convenient times: If you want to experience the atmosphere of an ice hockey game of any kind, and you're not interested in a particular game, a good way to save money is to opt for a game against a less important team, or for a game played during the week. Weekday matches are generally cheaper and less crowded, so you'll get better prices for a very similar experience.
- Buying from authorized resellers: this can be a very useful solution if you want to buy tickets at the last minute. This can be a very expensive option for big matches, but if you opt for smaller matches at the start of the event, you can get great rates. Pay attention to the validity of the tickets, and check that they are securely resold from an authorized site.
And don't forget that the date on which you plan to attend a match will actively influence the price. If you're planning to travel to Montreal at Christmas, for example, because of the festive season, events will be busier, including field hockey games, and prices will therefore be higher. If you travel in September or January, you'll get better prices.
Are there special tickets for children?
Most NHL teams, including the Canadiens, offer discounted tickets for children. These discounts generally apply to children under a certain age, usually between 2 and 12, although policies may vary. Children under 2 are generally admitted free when accompanied by an adult, provided they do not occupy a seat.
In addition, some teams and stadiums offer special rates for family groups. These packages are a popular option for families who want to enjoy ice hockey and are planning to visit Montreal with children.
Also note that the atmosphere and color of the stands can be a very interesting spectacle for the little ones, so it's an activity they'll love and well worth doing as a family, especially if you can take advantage of the discounts.
Why is it worth buying tickets online rather than at the box office?
If you're planning to visit Montreal during the NHL regular season, you'll be in the middle of the city's peak season, so attractions may be busier, crowds larger and you may not be able to get tickets at the box office. If you do get them, however, these prices could be very high, as fares are dynamic.
The best way to avoid last-minute price increases, avoid wasting time at the box office and get your seat at Canadiens games is tobuy your ice hockey tickets online in advance. This will also allow you to organize your itinerary around the city and combine this activity with the best Montreal tours.
If you buy your tickets online, you can also be sure of the authenticity of your tickets, know the reputation of the seller or site, and have the opportunity to complain if there are any problems on game day.
How long does it take to watch a Montreal Canadiens game?
Each ice hockey game lasts a total of 60 minutes, divided into 3 periods of 20 minutes each . there is a 15-minute break at the end of each period. If, at the end of regulation time, the score is tied, the match can be extended, decided by penalties or even a golden goal, depending on the competition in progress.
Taking into account the 15-minute break between each of the 3 periods, an ice hockey match lasts around 3 hours. then there's the travel time, which depends on how far you are from the stadium. The Bell Centre offers quick access, and you can get to the stadium by public transport or by Montreal's hop-on-hop-off tourist bus.
To enhance your experience at an NHL game, it's essential that you know the basic rules of the game. Remember that the object of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team, and that each team has 6 players on the ice. In addition, it's important to note that players can't keep the puck in their possession for more than 3 seconds, and that time is stopped during changes and time-outs, extending the overall duration of a game.
When is the best time to watch a Montreal Canadiens game?
The best time to watch a Canadiens NHL game depends on the excitement and intensity you want to feel. If you're looking to attend regular-season games, the ideal time is between September and January . During these months, teams compete in a series of back-and-forth games that determine their standings and access to the playoffs.
However, if you're looking for adrenalin and the most intense competition, you should aim for the months of February to April . This is when the league's playoffs take place. The best teams from the regular season face off in the playoffs, with the goal of reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
During the regular season, you can enjoy action and strategy for several months, watching a wide range of games against different teams. The playoffs, meanwhile, offer an even more electrifying atmosphere, with the chance to witness decisive games that will determine the road to the championship.
How do I get to the Centre Bell stadium?
The Centre Bell, home of the Canadiens, is one of Montreal's most emblematic venues, and there are several transportation options to get there. One of the most practical solutions is to use public transport . Montreal's efficient metro system has a station near the stadium, called Lucien-L'Allier. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk to the Bell Centre. Several bus lines, such as the 150, 402 and 747, also stop close to the stadium, as does the city's tourist bus.
You can also use cab services or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. These services will take you directly to the Bell Centre and are particularly useful if you prefer a more private and comfortable ride.
If you prefer the comfort of your own vehicle, you can choose to drive to the stadium. Parking is available at the Centre Bell for event participants. However, it's important to note that parking can fill up quickly on popular event days, so it's advisable to arrive well in advance.
Our tips for attending a Montreal Canadiens game
If you do end up getting tickets for a Canadiens game, we recommend you follow these tips to maximize your experience and enjoy the show to the full:
- Buy your tickets in advance: ice hockey in general and the Canadiens in particular are very popular in Montreal, so tickets for games tend to sell out early in the season. So, if you're planning to attend an NHL game, it's a good idea to buy your tickets in advance, so you can reserve your seat, freeze the price and save money.
- Don't be late getting to the stadium: although the Bell Centre is a state-of-the-art venue, with fluid entrances and convenient traffic flow, Canadiens games draw large crowds, which can lead to traffic jams at the entrances. If you're late, you risk missing pre-game entertainment or even getting to your seat once the game has started.
- Add to the stadium atmosphere: one of the best experiences you'll get from these games is the atmosphere generated by the fans, with their flags, scarves, jerseys, jackets and Canadiens colors. Cheer, scream and experience every action of the game like a fan.
- Enjoy the half-time shows: like other sporting events in the U.S., NHL Canadiens games offer much more than just watching field hockey. During halftime, especially if you're planning to attend a playoff game, you can enjoy musical performances and shows by various national and international artists.
- Complete the experience by eating in the arena: no ice hockey game is complete without sampling the food at the Centre Bell. From fast-food outlets to more elaborate restaurants, the dining options are numerous. Don't miss out, take advantage... and go Canadiens!
