Bell Centre | Montreal, Canada

Welcome to the Bell Centre (French: Centre Bell), an unmissable city landmark in the heart of Montreal, Quebec. More than just a home ice for the legendary Canadiens, this entertainment powerhouse has become one of the city’s most recognized tourist attractions and cultural sites. Whether you’re a sports buff, music enthusiast, or architecture admirer, Bell Centre promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the very best of Montreal’s vibrant cultural heritage.

From Molson Centre to Bell Centre: A Story of Montreal Greatness

The tale of the Bell Centre begins in the early '90s—a period when the Canada-wide love affair with hockey was at its zenith. With the Montreal Canadiens fresh off their 24th Stanley Cup victory in 1993, the decision was made to construct a new, cutting-edge arena. The doors opened on March 16, 1996, then called Molson Centre after the iconic brewing family. Only in 2002 did Bell Canada step in, giving the venue its current name.

Did you know? The Bell Centre replaced the famed Montreal Forum, bridging the city’s storied sports past with its energetic future. Since its debut, the arena has consistently ranked among the busiest in the world—host to sold-out NHL games, sold-out concerts, and international sporting and entertainment events.

A City Landmark in Ville-Marie

Centrally located in downtown Montreal’s Ville-Marie borough, Bell Centre is inseparable from the city’s urban life. Perched at the intersection of Canadiens-de-Montréal Avenue and De la Montagne Street, this site is not only convenient for locals but also for curious travelers—it’s directly connected to Lucien L'Allier and Bonaventure Metro stations, and even linked to the city’s ingenious underground network, keeping Montrealers warm through snowy winters.

• Steps from major hotels and shopping, perfect for urban explorers.
• Close to renowned skyscrapers such as 1250 René-Lévesque.
• Easy access to both metro and train for seamless city exploration.

Largest Arena in Canada: Where Every Seat’s an Experience

When it comes to city landmarks, Bell Centre is hard to beat. With a stunning seating capacity of 20,962 (for hockey), it’s the largest indoor arena in Canada and the second largest hockey arena in the world! Yet, it’s not just about the numbers. The arena was designed by Montreal architects—not by the usual North American stadium designers—giving it several quirky twists:

• Steeply sloped grandstands for unbeatable view lines
• Variety of exclusive dining options and six in-arena restaurants
• Unique scoreboards—one of the largest in the NHL until 2012

Each seating tier sports its own character, from the vibrant “reds” at rink level to the lively Coors Light Zone with in-house cheerleaders and a band. There’s even a dedicated Family Zone ensuring everyone, from die-hard fans to first-time visitors, gets in on the fun!

Bell Centre: More Than Just Hockey

Though hockey is the heart and soul of this famous building, Bell Centre shines as a cultural monument, hosting world-class concerts and shows. It has welcomed musical royalty such as Céline Dion, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and The Rolling Stones—not to mention, Céline Dion has graced its stage over 50 times, which is more curtain calls than most people have dinners out in a year!

Major sporting events beyond hockey make regular appearances too:

• NBA preseason games
• UFC and other mixed martial arts matches
• WWE and AEW professional wrestling spectacles
• International figure skating championships

Each event writes a new chapter in Montreal’s cultural heritage, making Bell Centre not just a sports facility but a true pillar among the city’s historical landmarks.

A Living Monument to Hockey Legends

No visit to Bell Centre would be complete without pausing beneath the banners immortalizing Canadiens’ greats. Eleven Stanley Cups, a legacy of retired numbers, and even a nod to the city’s beloved Montreal Expos baseball team—these aren’t just cloth; they’re woven stories of Montreal pride and perseverance.

“To step into the Bell Centre is to walk among legends, to feel the pulse of a city that truly loves its team, its artists, and its community.”

Explore Bell Centre with AllTours: Your Best Self-Guided Tour Experience

Whether you’re yearning to marvel at stunning architecture, retrace the footsteps of hockey legends, or simply bask in the buzz of a live show, Bell Centre stands tall among Montreal’s must-see tourist attractions. Thanks to today’s technology, you can now uncover every story at your own pace with self-guided tours and audio tours by AllTours—no need to wait for a group or nod off behind a guide’s umbrella.

The Bell Centre features as a highlight in AllTours’ “Echoes of Ville-Marie: From Cathedrals to Comic Con” GPS-guided city exploration package. Discover the heritage sites that make Montreal unforgettable—let Bell Centre kick off your downtown adventure or mark the perfect finale to a day of exploration.

Ready to immerse yourself in Montreal’s energy? Explore Bell Centre and much more on the Echoes of Ville-Marie tour with AllTours and uncover the city’s dazzling blend of history, sports, and culture—one landmark story at a time.