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Best Places for Bowling in Montreal and Surroundings

Montrealers are just as comfortable spending time indoors as they are outdoors. Bowling in Montreal has been a big help in passing the winter months, and many of us even look forward to seeing our friends and league mates once the cool weather moves in.

Although Laurentian Lanes is rated the best bowling alley in the Greater Montreal Area, it faces fierce competition from other lanes that offer slightly different experiences for locals and tourists alike.

Whether you’ve just moved here or only staying the weekend, here are the best places to go bowling in Montreal, Quebec, or surroundings.

Man Bowling in a Neon Lit Alley - Anderson Schmig - From Unsplash
Photo: Anderson Schmig from Unsplash

1. Laurentian Lanes – Best Overall Bowling Lane

Laurentian Lanes is a well-established bowling alley known for its welcoming atmosphere and excellent facilities. The venue boasts 56 lanes, making it one of the area’s larger bowling alleys and ensuring ample space for everyone.

Their specialty here is accommodating a wide range of bowlers with both ten-pin and five-pin bowling options, the latter of which is less common but particularly popular in Canada. In addition to catering to daily visitors, the team at Laurentian Lanes is adept at hosting various events.

Birthday party packages often include perks like food, drinks, and decorations, taking the stress out of planning and allowing everyone to focus on having fun. Corporate events are also well handled, providing a unique team-building experience outside the usual office environment. League play is a staple here, with multiple leagues for different skill levels and age groups, creating a sense of community among local bowlers.

2.  Quilles G Plus Bowling – Best for Families

Quilles G Plus Bowling has multiple locations within a stone’s throw of downtown Montreal and is renowned for their vibrant, family-friendly ambiance. The colourful decor and lively music create an inviting, fun, and relaxing atmosphere. Their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all ages is evident through their strict adherence to cleanliness and security protocols.

Their centres offer various promotional deals and packages tailored specifically for families. These packages usually include game deals, shoe rentals, and even meal combos, making it an affordable outing option. The on-site snack bar serves an array of kid-friendly foods like pizza, burgers, and fries, ensuring every child is happy.

Schedule your visit on one of their themed nights or family-oriented events that add an extra layer of excitement to the evening. From glow-in-the-dark bowling nights to holiday-themed events, there is always something special happening. These outings often feature activities and games beyond bowling, such as face painting or mini-golf, which further enrich the quality of family time.

Little Boy Who Bowling - Josh Applegate - From Unsplash
Photo: Josh Applegate from Unsplash

3. Montreal Forum Sports Bar & Games Centre – Most Entertaining

Located within the historic Montreal Forum in the heart of downtown Montreal, this venue seamlessly blends entertainment, history, and modern amenities, creating an unbeatable atmosphere for bowlers of all skill levels.

If you’re looking for something a little less traditional, the cosmic bowling nights, with neon lights and upbeat music, create an exciting environment perfect for friends and families looking to have a great time. Beyond bowling, the centre hosts an array of special events and promotions. League competitions target those looking for a more structured bowling experience.

The pricing at the Montreal Forum Sports Bar & Games Centre is reasonable, making it accessible for many visitors. Special deals and packages, such as discounts on multiple games or family bundles, are almost always available, enhancing the overall value.

4. Salon de Quilles Centre Commercial Le Domaine – Best for Traditional Bowlers

Salon de Quilles Centre Commercial Le Domaine stands out as Montreal’s ultimate destination for old-school style bowlers. This bowling alley is a nostalgic yet well-maintained environment for those who appreciate the classic vibe of traditional bowling.

The atmosphere at Salon de Quilles Centre Commercial Le Domaine is quintessentially retro, featuring genuine, vintage decor and a cozy ambiance. The wooden lanes and manual scoring system evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Music from past decades often fills the air, further enhancing the throwback vibe.

Affordability is one of the many perks of this venue. Prices per game usually range from $3.90 to $6.50, with shoe rentals costing $2.50. Special offers, including discounted rates for children, seniors, and multiple-game packages, make it an affordable outing for everyone.

Montreal Bowling Centre - Haim Charbit - From Unsplash
Photo: Haim Charbit from Unsplash

5. Club 300 – Best for Beginners

Club 300 Bowling Alley, just across the river from downtown Montreal, is a top-notch destination for beginner bowlers. It offers an inclusive and supportive environment perfect for those just starting in the sport. This modern facility combines excellent amenities with a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that novices feel comfortable and encouraged as they learn to bowl.

One of the standout features of Club 300 is its user-friendly setup, tailored specifically for beginners. The staff are friendly and always ready to give tips and assistance, which adds to the positive, learning-focused setting.

One of the busiest and most vibrant nights is Thursday, often known as β€œCosmic Bowling” night. This unique event features neon lights, glowing pins, and lively music, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere that is particularly attractive to beginners.

Green Bowling Ball - Engin Akyurt - From Unsplash
Photo: Engin Akyurt from Unsplash

Montreal is More Than Just Bowling

Even after you’ve hit the lanes, the excitement doesn’t stop in this incredible city. Use these guides to help you find your next activity, and you’ll see why so many people flock to Montreal, no matter the time of year.

Here are some other amazing tours in Montreal you may want to book!

  • Try your hand at a bagel making workshop, an iconic Montreal institution!
  • VΓ©lo Festif MTL partying with friends (or new acquaintances) and biking collide.
  • Combine bike and spa for sore joints with Fitz Tours.
  • Spade & Palacio lead activities like Beyond the Bike Lanes, Beyond the Market, Beyond the Basilica, Mural Tours, and Beyond the Village.
  • Secret Montreal offers hidden history tours of the Montreal red light district around what we now call the Quartier des Spectacles.
  • Watch a Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Bell Centre.
  • Take a History Walking Tour of Old Montreal with Guidatour.
  • Quartier des Spectacles offers a free walking tour around the Place des Festivals in the summer.
  • Urban Marmotte and his owner Michel take you around the city for a Montreal by Night tour!
  • Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City + Downtown Tour.
  • If you’re into architecture and quirky living spaces, Habitat 67 tours are for you!
  • Indulge in some of the best bites in the city with Secret Food Tours.
  • In the Shadow of the Mountain: Montreal Jewish History Walking Tour.
  • The Montreal Street Art & Mural Tour with Fitz Montreal.
  • Montreal’s Sin City Era & Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours.

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Montreal / Quebec Destinations / Trip Planner / What to See and Do
About Author

Passionate about travel and food, Jennifer DorΓ© Dallas is a freelance travel writer, author and creator since 2010. On top of this amazing Chasing Poutine blog, she also founded Moi, mes souliers in 2010 and she is the author/co-author of around two dozen Lonely Planet, Ulysse and Parfum d'encre travel guidebooks, in addition to having contributed to other books and hundreds of tourism and Web platforms, magazines, DMOs and Websites over the years. As a lecturer in Web writing and SEO for a Quebec college and consultant for various companies and DMOs, she loves combining technological advances with the classic beauty of words, and is a member of TMAC, SATW, NATJA and IFTWTA!

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