McGill University Parking: Visitor Rates, Garages & Map
McGill University parking can be confusing because visitor access changes by location, time and day. Therefore, it helps to choose a garage or lot before reaching downtown Montréal. In addition, this guide explains visitor rates, evening and weekend parking, HONK payment, Main Campus restrictions, accessible spaces and Macdonald Campus parking.
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McGill University Parking: Quick Answer
For most downtown visitors, start by checking a public McGill visitor parking area rather than driving directly onto Main Campus. Currently, outdoor visitor parking costs $4.25 per 30 minutes.
During weekday daytime hours, the listed maximum is $22. Meanwhile, weekday evening parking after 5pm has an $11.75 maximum.
Weekend outdoor visitor parking also has an $11.75 maximum where parking is available. However, event restrictions or special rates can change the normal plan.
In addition, McGill states that posted rates at the parking location take priority over website rates. Therefore, always read the current sign before starting a parking session.
Best Starting Choice for Visitors
A public visitor garage or outdoor visitor lot is usually easier than trying to enter Main Campus during restricted hours. Moreover, several downtown locations sit within walking distance of central university buildings.
$22 Maximum
Therefore, use this as the normal weekday outdoor-lot planning limit.
$11.75 Maximum
After 5pm, the published outdoor visitor maximum is lower.
$11.75 Maximum
Likewise, weekend outdoor visitor parking uses the lower listed maximum.
McGill University Visitor Parking Rates 2026
Outdoor visitor parking uses the same basic 30-minute rate throughout the published schedule. However, the maximum changes according to when you enter.
Weekday Daytime Parking
From Monday to Friday, entry between 6am and 5pm is currently charged at $4.25 per 30 minutes, up to a maximum of $22.
Therefore, a short visit remains time-based while a longer daytime stay reaches the daily maximum.
Weekday Evening Parking
Entry after 5pm on weekdays still uses the $4.25 per 30-minute rate. However, the listed evening maximum drops to $11.75.
As a result, an evening class, meeting or event can cost less than a daytime stay.
Weekend Parking
Saturday and Sunday outdoor visitor parking is also listed at $4.25 per 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the maximum is $11.75 for the day.
Nevertheless, event access and lot availability can change. Therefore, check the current signs before leaving your vehicle.
Football and Special Event Rates
Normal parking prices do not always apply during major events. In particular, McGill says an increased flat rate is charged during Alouettes football games.
Consequently, do not rely on the normal $22 or $11.75 maximum during a football event. Instead, check the event-day sign.
Where Can Visitors Park at McGill University?
Downtown McGill has several parking areas. However, each entrance sits on a different street and may serve a different part of campus.
Therefore, choose your parking location based on the building you need rather than navigating only to “McGill University.”
680 Sherbrooke
Access is from President-Kennedy Avenue, just west of Robert-Bourassa Boulevard. In addition, the garage has stair and elevator access.
Bronfman Garage
The entrance is behind 1001 Sherbrooke Street West via the lane between McTavish and Peel.
Education Garage
Located at 3700 McTavish, this garage can suit destinations on the western side of downtown campus.
FDA Courtyard
Access is from the lane between 3420 and 3450 University Street. Moreover, an overhead walkway affects vehicle clearance.
Drummond Lot
Visitor parking is available in this outdoor area north of 3605 de la Montagne.
Main Campus
Main Campus visitor parking is limited. Therefore, do not treat Milton Gate as an unrestricted public entrance.
680 Sherbrooke Garage
The entrance is on President-Kennedy Avenue, just west of Robert-Bourassa Boulevard. McGill lists approximately 90 spaces in this garage.
In addition, elevator access makes it useful for some visitors. However, check the latest garage hours before planning a late return.
FDA Courtyard Vehicle Clearance
Vehicles enter the FDA Courtyard through a lane beneath an overhead walkway. Therefore, taller vehicles should confirm clearance before entering.
McGill Visitor Garage Hours
Garage opening hours are important because several visitor garages close during the evening. In addition, the main visitor garages are generally closed on weekends and statutory holidays.
680 Sherbrooke Garage
McGill’s visitor parking page currently lists this garage from 7am to 9:30pm Monday to Friday.
However, weekend and holiday visitor access is closed. Therefore, choose another legal option for those days.
Bronfman Garage
The visitor parking page lists Bronfman from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday.
Likewise, it is closed to normal visitor parking on weekends and holidays.
Education Garage
Education Garage currently has longer hours Monday through Thursday. Specifically, the visitor page lists 7am to 10:30pm Monday–Thursday.
On Friday, the listed hours are 7am to 8:30pm. Consequently, Friday visitors should pay extra attention to return time.
Main Campus McGill University Parking Rules
Main Campus parking works differently from normal public visitor parking. First, the vehicle entrance is at the corner of Milton and University Streets.
However, weekday access is restricted between 6am and 5pm. In addition, special events such as Convocation can create further restrictions.
Visitor Parking Requires Planning
Limited visitor parking is available north of the James Administration Building. However, a McGill sponsor normally arranges parking for a guest attending an academic, administrative or university activity.
The request should generally be submitted at least one business day before arrival and before 4pm. Moreover, McGill says spaces are allocated first-come, first-served.
Visitor Allocation Is Limited
McGill states that visitor requests may be refused once the visitor-space allocation has been reached. Therefore, advance approval should not be treated as automatic.
Instead, keep a public visitor garage or outdoor lot as a backup.
Main Campus Access Radar
5PM Weekday access restriction Therefore, do not expect unrestricted daytime entry through Milton Gate.
AHEAD Plan sponsored visitor parking In general, the request should be submitted before 4pm on the prior business day.
DAY Expect extra restrictions Moreover, Open House, Convocation and other events can change circulation.
How to Pay for McGill University Visitor Parking
Payment depends on whether you use an outdoor lot or a garage. Therefore, do not assume every McGill parking location uses the same payment system.
HONK Payment for Outdoor Lots
McGill now uses HONK QR checkout for daily and visitor parking in outdoor lots. First, find the QR code displayed on the parking signage.
Next, scan the code with your phone. Then, complete payment through the secure checkout page.
No HONK app download is required for this QR process. In addition, McGill lists major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay as accepted methods.
Garage Payment
Garages use a different system. McGill currently says credit and debit cards are accepted at its garages.
Consequently, look at the payment instructions for the specific garage rather than searching for a HONK QR code automatically.
Can You Park Overnight at McGill University?
Overnight parking is not automatically allowed. McGill states that overnight parking in garages and exterior lots is prohibited without prior authorization.
Therefore, a normal daytime or evening payment should not be treated as overnight permission.
Winter Restrictions
Outdoor overnight parking can be particularly sensitive during winter because snow removal requires access to exterior lots.
Consequently, contact Parking and Transportation Services before leaving a vehicle overnight.
Accessible Parking at McGill University
McGill provides designated accessible spaces at several downtown parking locations. For example, accessible spaces are listed at Main Campus, Education Garage, 680 Sherbrooke Garage, The Neuro and the Molson Stadium area.
However, an appropriate disability parking permit must be displayed. Visitors from outside Quebec can use the valid equivalent permit from their province, territory or state.
Main Campus Accessible Spaces
McGill’s parking map lists accessible spaces around Main Campus near buildings such as James Administration, Wilson Hall, Leacock and Redpath.
In addition, visitors with a valid disability parking permit may have different Main Campus access arrangements. Therefore, check McGill’s accessibility information before the trip.
Think About the Walking Route
Downtown McGill sits on sloping terrain. Consequently, the shortest route on a map may not be the easiest route for a person with limited mobility.
For this reason, compare both parking location and elevation before choosing.
Accessible Spaces
Several designated spaces are located near key downtown buildings.
Garage Space
In addition, 680 Sherbrooke includes accessible visitor parking.
Display Required
Therefore, display the valid disability parking permit correctly.
McGill Event Parking and Football Games
Special events can change both access and price. Therefore, event visitors should check the event instructions before driving to campus.
Convocation and Open House
McGill may restrict Main Campus parking and circulation during major university events. Consequently, a route that works on an ordinary day may not work during Convocation or Open House.
Alouettes Football Games
McGill states that an increased flat parking rate applies during Alouettes games.
Therefore, ignore the normal visitor maximum if event-day signage lists a different rate.
Macdonald Campus Parking Is Different
McGill’s Macdonald Campus is in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. Therefore, its parking rates should not be confused with downtown Montréal parking.
Macdonald Campus Visitor Rates
Visitor parking is currently available when space permits. The listed rate is $4.75 for a half day or $9 for a full day.
First, visitors purchase a permit from the Parking Office in Laird Hall. Afterwards, visitors are directed to the Horticulture parking lot.
30-Minute Permit-Purchase Spaces
Five short visitor spaces outside Laird Hall are available free for up to 30 minutes. However, these spaces exist so visitors can purchase a permit.
Consequently, they should not be treated as general free visitor parking.
Which McGill Parking Option Fits Your Visit?
Different visits need different parking plans. Therefore, choose by arrival time, destination and expected return.
| Option | Rate / Access | Best For | Remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor visitor lot | $4.25 / 30 min | General downtown visit | HONK QR payment |
| Weekday daytime | $22 maximum | Longer daytime visit | Entry 6am–5pm |
| Weekday evening | $11.75 maximum | Evening class or event | Entry after 5pm |
| Weekend outdoor parking | $11.75 maximum | Weekend visit | Check event access |
| Main Campus | Restricted visitor access | Sponsored university guest | Arrange ahead |
| Macdonald Campus | $4.75 half day / $9 full day | Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue visit | Separate parking system |
Simple McGill University Parking Arrival Plan
Downtown Montréal traffic is easier when you already know the parking entrance. Therefore, make the decision before reaching campus.
Practical Tips Before Driving to McGill
Save the Exact Entrance
Do not navigate only to the general McGill University pin. Instead, save the driveway or garage entrance you plan to use.
As a result, you are less likely to arrive on the wrong side of campus.
Check Your Return Time
Visitor garages have closing times. Therefore, confirm that you can retrieve your vehicle after your class, meeting or event.
Watch Vehicle Height
Some McGill garages and lots have vehicle-height restrictions. Consequently, taller vehicles should confirm clearance before arriving.
Keep a Winter Backup Option
Snow and construction can reduce parking capacity. Therefore, keep a second legal parking option available during winter.
McGill University Parking Checklist
A few checks can prevent most parking problems. Therefore, use this list before driving into downtown Montréal.
Before Leaving Home
Plan the Visit
After You Arrive
McGill University Parking Map
The map below shows McGill’s downtown Montréal campus area. However, the general campus pin should not be your only driving destination.
Instead, select a visitor garage or lot first. Then, navigate to its exact entrance.
Downtown Campus
The main downtown campus is centred around Sherbrooke Street West, University Street, McTavish Street and nearby downtown blocks.
Therefore, your best entrance depends on the building you intend to visit.
Montréal, Quebec, Canada Open Google Maps
More Parking Near McGill University
McGill-operated parking is only part of the downtown parking picture. Therefore, nearby public garages and local streets can also be useful.
Official McGill Parking Information
Parking prices, garage hours and campus access can change. Therefore, use McGill’s official pages for your final travel-day check.
Visitor Parking
Payment and Accessibility
Garage Hours and Macdonald Campus
McGill University Parking FAQs
Finally, these answers cover the main questions visitors ask before parking at McGill.