Is Montreal’s interactive Harry Potter experience worth it? We checked it out

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Like many adults who are still waiting in vain for their Hogwarts letter to arrive in the mail, my connection to the Harry Potter books, films and the magical world created by them runs deep. A grey and rainy day is known as a “Harry Potter day” in my family, because there’s no better franchise to watch for the ultimate cozy vibes.

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Until that letter shoots through my mailbox though, I have to find moments of magic in the muggle world, so when Harry Potter: Visions of Magic came to Montreal, I knew I needed to check it out.

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Located at Place Bonaventure, the immersive experience brings visitors into the world of Harry Potter as they journey through familiar scenes, wand in hand.

What: Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
Price: From $32.50 CAD for adults, from $30 CAD for kids (varies by date)
Where to book:Fever Montreal

What can you expect?

As I entered the exhibit, the iconic music from the movies flooded the room and set the tone for the rest of the experience. I was handed a wand and the magic began as I joined a group of other muggles ready to get started. After a quick intro video explaining how the process works, and a test to make sure our wands were functioning, we hopped onto the Knight bus (a static bus that really makes it feel as though you’re hurtling through London!) and found ourselves immersed in the Wizarding World.

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The experience takes you through eight familiar Harry Potter locations, from Grimmauld Place to Knockturn Alley to the Ministry of Magic. While there’s plenty to look at in each room, the magic really comes from the interactive elements, with carefully chosen props, large-scale screens and interactive video walls allowing visitors to use their wand to interact with the experience around them.

Search for the swirl icons or look for mist floating on the walls, point your wand in the right place and see the magic unfold. Whether it’s bringing Grindylows to life or discovering the Black family tree, your magical wand allows you to discover secrets throughout the experience. Waving your wand and seeing it interact with the world around you really feels as though you’re casting a spell.

My favourite space was the Hall of Prophecy. Filled with glowing orbs, there was plenty of magic to discover and it truly felt immersive. The Room of Requirement was also impressive, with familiar pieces of Harry Potter history to explore, from the Sorting Hat to the Monster book of Monsters. The final room takes you into the Pensieve and brings the explosive battle between Harry and Voldemort to life around you in a 360-degree event, before transforming into a Hogwarts firework show.

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Final thoughts

The entire experience takes 45-60 minutes, although you are free to explore at your own pace. While muggles of all ages will enjoy it, I think children will find it particularly magical. Adults may find the interactive elements a little repetitive, but aside from that, the opportunity to spend an hour immersed in the sights and sounds of the all-too familiar magical world is enjoyable and well worth it for those looking for a unique experience.

What you need to know about the event

Where: Place Bonaventure, 800, rue De La Gauchetiere. Montreal, H5A 1K6. Once inside it isn’t that clear where you need to go – follow signs for the Exposition Hall and you’ll find it on level one.

Tickets: You can buy your tickets online. Prices vary depending on when you visit, but start at $36 CAD for adults, $30 CAD for children (3-12 years old) and $32.50 CAD for seniors over 65. There are also family and group tickets available. Note: There is currently a special offer for a 20 per cent discount on these prices from now until June 29, when the exhibit closes.

Where to book:Fever Montreal

Opening hours:

• Monday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Tuesday and Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday and Friday: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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