Visit the tallest incline tower in the world at 575.8 feet (165 meters) high at the Montreal Olympic stadium. See the best aerial view of Montreal from the Observation tower. It’s also the only funicular in the world that is built along a curved structure. Overall the tower hangs at a 45 degree angle. Important to note that the Tower of Pisa only tilts 5 degrees. Designed by French architect Roger Taillibert the original design featured a retractable roof. Which has caused nothing but issues since it’s conception.
360° Aerial View Of Montreal
I highly recommend taking a ride on the curved funicular to the Observation Tower. Due to the fact that on a clear day, you can see 50 miles (80 km) away. The Observation tower offers a wonderful 360° aerial view of the city of Montreal. For this reason, the Michelin guide gives this tower the highest available ranking of panorama three stars. Make sure you go see it during your trip in Montreal.
The “Big Owe”
Nicknamed “The big O” for the donut shaped roof but is now called “the big Owe” because of the astronomical budget it took to build this thing. It is the fifth most expensive stadium ever built. In order to make sure that the tower would not fall over, they had to anchor it to the bedrock below.
Why Did The Montreal Olympic Stadium Cost So Much?
Mostly due to a retractable roof that was finally completed in 1985. However immediately after it’s completion, it suffered numerous rips which allowed water to leak into the stadium. As a result the roof was completely removed in 1998. To make way for a permanent roof to be installed. Consequently a year later a 350 sq foot portion of the roof fell down. Thankfully no one was injured. Be it as it may, they haven’t finished spending money on this stadium. As a matter of fact, the Montreal Olympic Stadium is scheduled to get yet another new retractable roof for the 2026 world cup. Hopefully this one lasts for a few years. So that the city can pay it off before having to invest in a new one again.
Fun Facts
- Montreal was the first Canadian city to host the Olympics and the only one to host the summer games.
- 2004 is the last season the Montreal Expos played at the stadium.
- Hydraulics system keeps the funicular cabin horizontal as it ascends on a curve.
- In 1976 a special tobacco tax act was implemented to pay off the Olympic Stadium. The indoor smoking ban of 2006 greatly affected these revenues.
- During the summer of 1991, a 55-ton concrete beam fell and crashed onto a walkway. Forcing the Expos to play their last 13 regular-season home games on the road. Because the Montreal Olympic Stadium was closed for repairs.
- 1976 Montreal Olympics cost the Quebec government $1.5 billion — 13 times its projected cost — and the deficit took 30 years to pay off.
Save Money, Get Your Tickets Here!
From USD$23.75
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Duration:
30 to 40 minutes
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Departs:
Montreal, Canada
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> Ascent to the Observatory is by cable car. The view of the city is magnificent …
The Best Deal
If you want to visit as many sites as possible, your best bet is to purchase the Montreal Attraction Pass. Not only will you have access to the funicular. But you will also have access to all the other attractions at the Montreal Olympic Stadium. Such as the Botanical Gardens, Planetarium and Insectarium.
Other Montreal Attractions
This pass gives you 3 days of unlimited access to Montreal attractions. On top of giving you access to the attractions at the Montreal Olympic stadium. It also gives you access to other attractions such as the Biosphere, McCord Museum, Chateau Dufresne and more. In Conclusion, this is the best deal to see all the sites in Montreal.
From USD$99.89
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Duration:
3 days
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Departs:
Montreal, Canada
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Experience Montreal’s Joie de vivre by visiting it’s 28 must-see touristic …
Hours
| March 5 – June 14, 2019 |
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Monday Closed |
| June 15 – September 15, 2019 |
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm |
Monday 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| September 16 – October 14, 2019 |
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Monday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| October 15 – December 23, 2019 |
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Monday Closed |
| December 24-25, 2019 | Closed | Closed |
| December 26-31, 2019 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Observation Tower Rates:
$23.75 per adult
$19 students
$21.50 Seniors
$11.50 child
$59.25 family
If you plan on seeing more than just the Observatory Tower while you are at the Montreal Olympic Stadium, I recommend buying a combination ticket for the venues that you plan on seeing. It will save you a few dollars per venue.
Accommodations
There are accommodations all over Montreal. If you would like one that is walking distance from the Montreal Olympic Stadium. Hotel Universel de Montreal is walking distance from the Montreal Olympic Stadium. My link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available.
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