walking tours old montreal

Old Montreal Walking Tour

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Enjoy the ambiance and history of Old Montreal with our self-guided walking tour

No where else in Montreal will you discover the charm and ambiance found in its oldest district. If you can only do one walking tour while visiting Montreal, this is the one we'd recommend. It is the perfect way to explore the city if you only have one day to visit.

Our walking tour begins at Champs-de-Mars station on the Orange line and after meandering through the picturesque and charming streets of Old Montreal for a distance of 3.5 kilometers, finishes at Place-d'Armes Station on the same Metro line. The actual walking time is a little under one hour, but we would recommend that you allow a minimum of 2 - 3 hours to complete the tour, as you will want to take time to explore and photograph some of the numerous attractions that line the route, not to mention exploring the boutique shops and galleries or stopping in for some tasty cuisine at one the many restaurants.

Many of Montreals most historic attractions and landmarks are in this area. We point out their location in the step-by-step directions located under the Map & Directions tab above. For more information on the individual attractions you can click on the links which will take you to the page on our site detailing that attraction.

If you would like a fully guided tour of Old Montreal you'll really enjoy the following highly rated 2 hour tour available in English

• See the complete line of Montreal Experiences on Viator

How to get to Old Montreal Walking Tour by Metro

• Make your way to Champ-de-Mars Metro Station on the Line 2 and take the Saint_Antoine Sud (South) exit. Walk to your right (south) along Rue Gosford.
• Go left on Rue Saint-Paul where you will pass Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and also Bonsecours Market which is also one of many National Historic Sites located in Montreal.
• Go right on Rue Berri.
• Go left on Rue de la Commune East.
• Go right at Place Jacques-Cartier and follow it to the far end at the Montreal City Hall, then double back down the other side to Rue Saint-Paul. Across from the the north end of the plaza you will see two historic buildings on either side of Vauquelin Square; Édifice Lucien-Saulnier (1856) to your left and Montreal City Hall (1878) to your right. Opposite the City Hall is the Chateau Ramezay Museum .
• Go left on Rue Saint-Paul .
• Go left on Rue Saint Sulpice.
• Go right on Rue de la Commune East. The Pointe-a-Calliere Museum is ahead on the left and the Old Port Promenade is across the road by the river.
• Go right on at the stop sign (Rue Marguerite D'Youville) followed by an immediate right onto Rue Saint Pierre and look for Centre d'Histoire de Montreal (Montreal History Centre) on your right at the next corner.
• Go right on Place d'Youville.
• Go left on Rue Saint Nicolas.
• Go right on Rue Saint Paul.
• Go left on Rue Saint Francis Xavier and watch for the Centaur Theatre located in the historic Montreal Stock Exchange building ahead on the right.
• Go right on Rue Notre-Dame - Basilica of Notre-Dame is just ahead on the right.
• Go left on Place des Armes.
• Continue on Rue Saint Urbain to Place des Armes Station to complete your walk.

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Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour

• Max Guests: 10
• 10:30 am / 1:30 pm
• Every day, year-round
• Language: English.*

*Français en format tour privé ou selon disponibilité. Réserver ce tour en FRANÇAIS .   Book a PRIVATE TOUR .

Our Old Montreal walking tour is rated as one of the best experiences in Canada!

Get to know old montreal with a passionate local guide.

Join us for our top-rated walking tour of Old Montreal! A visit to the city’s enchanting heritage district is a must on any trip to Montreal. Brimming with centuries of stories and characters, Montreal’s oldest neighbourhood is best discovered on foot. On this Old Montreal walking tour, we’ll introduce you to all the historical highlights and fascinating beginnings that have contributed to making Montreal the unique, fun and diverse city that it is today. Come armed with your comfy walking shoes, camera, curiosity, and questions, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this beautiful metropolis.

Price Includes

Price Excludes

• Your certified guide’s expertise as a local Montrealer
• A personal list of recommendations for things to see, do, and eat in Montreal
• A tiny treat and a unique parting gift
• Gratuities (recommended – merci!) — Although optional, a tip/gratuity for your guide is customary and very appreciated.
• Please note that we do not go inside the Notre-Dame Basilica

Tour Highlights

• Exclusive small group of only 10 people makes for an unforgettable personal, informative and engaging Old Montreal experience!
• Receive extra surprise bonus items like our carefully curated list of recommendations, a unique parting gift and a tiny treat.
• Take in impressive and varied architecture throughout the city, including the Bank of Montreal, City Hall, and the Notre-Dame Basilica – the most stunning church in Montreal!
• Travel back in time as we learn about Montreal’s founding and the many important eras of history that followed.
• Enjoy a tailored tour experience as your amazing certified Montreal guide answers any and all questions and tells you little-known facts and personal insights about the city and culture of Montreal.
• Get insider tips from your guide, who will point out their fave places along the way and ensure you leave with plenty of suggestions for making your Montreal trip a memorable one!

What We'll See On This Walking Tour

This walking tour of Old Montreal kicks off when you meet one of our awesome certified guides outside Marché Saint Laurent cafe and boutique. This cozy shop and coffee spot is just a 5-minute walk from the Place-d’Armes metro station. If you arrive early, we recommend grabbing a tasty coffee or snack and browsing the unique local souvenirs!

After an intro from your guide, we’ll head to Place d’Armes, one of Old Montreal’s central public squares, where your friendly Montreal tour guide will share some of the history of this centuries-old square with you. We’ll admire the architecture from different eras, a particular highlight being the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica.

From Place d’Armes, we’ll visit the city’s old financial district, admire the buildings of the old “Wall Street of Canada”, and visit the inside of a re-purposed bank!

Continuing on, we’ll head to Montreal’s Museum of Archaeology and History, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. At the location of the archaeology museum, you’ll soak up the history of where the French colony of Ville-Marie (Montreal) first began back in 1642. As a bonus, we might take you to admire a little-known and exclusive viewpoint of the Old Port of Montreal.

Next, we head to Rue Saint-Paul, the oldest street in the city. Once Montreal’s main road, we’ll twist and turn along this narrow commercial artery, which is today studded with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. We’ll take a detour from the main street at some point to show you the courtyard where Montreal’s very first hospital was built, before heading back to Saint Paul Street.

The detours don’t end there! We’ll hit some back alleys as your guide tells you about the lively jazz, club, and burlesque scenes of the early 20th century, which gave Montreal its nickname “Sin City”. Then we head to Place Jacques-Cartier to learn about the old marketplace and its current reputation as the heart and soul of Old Montreal.

On the final leg of our walking tour of Old Montreal, we’ll see City Hall and Chateau Ramezay, travelling back in time as we learn about the French regime era and Montreal’s political scene.

Lastly, we’ll visit Marché Bonsecours, once the main public market in the city, to hear stories about this impressive edifice with its huge silver dome and also the neighbouring Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel. You’ll part ways with your guide here, but not without leaving you with some amazing tales from history, personal recommendations for the rest of your Montreal trip, and a new appreciation for Canada’s second-most populous city.

Meeting Point

503 Pl. d’Armes

Your MTL Detours guide will meet you outside Marché Saint Laurent boutique & café. The shop is located on the ground floor of the Edifice Aldred (tall beige-stone building) on the edge of Place d’Armes Square.

Please note , we ask that all guests arrive at least 10 minutes before the tour start time. As our tours begin on time, latecomers may not be able to join the tour.

Our meeting location is just 5 minutes from the Place d’Armes metro station (subway) on the Orange metro line.

This tour ends at Bonsecours Market, a 12-15 minute walk from the starting point.

What our customers say

Participation requirements.

This tour has an age minimum of 12 years old. Please check out our private tour option to include guests under 12.

Not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for guests with mobility restrictions or serious health issues. Please inquire about the possibility of booking a private tour.

Note that we cover a fair distance, at a decent pace. Most of the 2-hour tour is walking or standing and places to sit are limited.

What to Bring

• A camera or cell phone for taking photos
• Water to stay hydrated
• A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Umbrella or poncho
• hat, mittens/gloves, scarf, etc. As this is a walking tour, comfy footwear is essential!

About your guide

All MTL Detours guides are trained, certified, and licensed with the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec and the Association professionnelle des guides touristiques , as required by the City of Montreal.

Check out our About Us for more info on each of our amazing guides!

What language is my tour in?

Our walking tours are offered in English by default. If you’re looking for a tour in French, please contact us or check our private tours option to make arrangements. Merci beaucoup!

What is your minimum age?

The minimum age to attend is 12 years old. Please contact us or check our private tours option to schedule a tour with younger kids.

Does weather affect the tour?

This tour runs in all weather – rain, shine, or snow! However, we occasionally have to cancel a tour in the event of extreme or violent weather (severe thunderstorms, freezing rain, high winds, or major snowstorm, for example). Should this occur, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Please monitor your messages/email if inclement weather is expected.

How should I dress?

Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions! Most of the tour will be outside, with the possibility of 1-2 quick stops inside (if necessary).

Cancellation policy

Our tours are 100% refundable up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Please be mindful that the later you wait to cancel, the harder it is for us to fill your spots. If you cancel less than 24 hours ahead of time or do not show up for the date and time that you booked, unfortunately, any sums paid will be 100% non-refundable. No-shows, bookings for incorrect dates/times and late arrivals are not eligible for refunds. We can try to fit you onto another tour, pending availability, but cannot guarantee this option. If you can’t make it, please contact us in advance to notify of your absence. For PRIVATE tours, the cancellation policy is 72 hours.

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Free Montreal Tours

#1 Free Walkings Tours in Montreal!

Old Montreal Free Walking Tour

When & Where to Meet

Highlights of the free old montreal walking tour:.

• Discover some of the best parts of Old Montreal. Learn amazing stories about the history, culture and architecture of Montréal and the province of Québec
• Not only are our guides romantically in love with Montreal, they also know their stuff: All our guides received professional training
• Meet other awesome travelers and locals. Get personal recommendations for restaurants and venues after the tour.

Registrations are  mandatory !

Register your tour through online in five seconds to confirm your participation.

The Free Old Montreal Tour visits:

• The  Place Jacques Cartier
• Chateau Ramezay’s unique garden and how Montreal became an  American city  for a short while
• Notre-Dame de Bonsecours Chapel , also known as the “Sailor’s church”
• An overview of the  Old Port  and its recent transformation
• The  Place d’Armes with its many historical landmarks
• Canada’s former Wall Street  Rue Saint-Jacques West
• The  Quartier International , a true symbol of Montreal’s modern Architecture
• An introduction to the  Montreal Underground
• And many unbelievable (but true!) stories along the way!

Where does the Old Montreal tour finish?

The Walk ends at the Place Jean-Paul Rioppelle which is 20 minutes away from the starting point and right by Metro Place d’Armes.  Google Map link here

What if it rains or snows?

The Free Walking Tours are held in all types of weather.  If we have to cancel a free tour due to extreme weather  you will be notified in advance by email.

How is the Old Montreal Tour Free?

We work on a tips-only basis, so that everyone can discover our historical district. Because you choose how much you give, we do our best to offer you the greatest experience possible. Please note that there is a 5$ booking fee per ticket for this tour. The 5$CAD booking fee is to guarantee your spot on the tour, and helps us to provide the best experience possible. It does not go to the tour guide.

Group of 6 people or more?

You can book a Private Old Montreal Walking Tour at any day and any moment of the day right here. Y ou can also visit the  Group and Private Montreal Tours section  to contact us.

The Free Old Montreal Tour is offered almost everyday.

Check the calendar to see the exact tour offered. Sometimes, our guides are busy offering the  Mile-End Montreal Food Tour  

Important Notice: Please refrain from booking extra tickets for additional dates.

The popularity of our tours often leads to them being sold out, and we frequently receive requests from participants who wish to join at the last minute. To enhance our booking process, please avoid resorting to booking extra tickets . Instead, we encourage participants to secure their spots in advance and plan accordingly. By offering real-time updates on availability, setting specific booking time limits we strive to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all our customers while avoiding the need for additional tickets.

We meet on Place Vauquelin at the fountain on the West side of City Hall. Use 275 Rue Notre-Dame Est, Montréal, QC, Canada H2Y 1C6 Google maps link:

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WALKING TOUR

Old Montreal Off The Beaten Path

• What to Expect
• Where to Meet

You want to explore Old Montreal but you don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you covered.

Join us as we explore Old Montreal, a true slice of Europe in North America. We’ll wander the narrow cobblestone streets, admire architecture gems, catch some breathtaking views of the Old Port harbor, and even explore a section of the Underground City.

Our 2-hour tour is casual yet very informative, with no two tours being exactly the same. Each of Fitz’s passionate local guides -the coolest storytellers you’ll find in town- will unveil the secrets behind the most iconic landmarks and also show you their favorite off-the-beaten-path spots. Yes, there is a lot more than just beautiful monuments in this part of town!

The tour begins at the lobby of the William Gray hotel where you’ll meet your guide and set off to explore Old Montreal through the back door. We’ll visit unmissable sights such as Place Jaques Cartier, St. Paul street and Place d’Armes, but also some less obvious spots like an avant garde art gallery, Montreal’s World Trade Center, and a section of the Underground City. You’ll understand how Old Montreal was the most important and wealthy district in Canada, and how it has become the dynamic and thriving area it is today.

This tour was carefully crafted to be fully enjoyable both in summer and in winter, with some extra indoor stops planned for the cold days. If you are booking for January, Just don’t forget your gloves and you’ll be alright.

Contact us by completing the  PRIVATE TOUR REQUEST FORM

What to expect from the Old Montreal Walking Tour Off The Beaten Path

• The right pace
• You’ll be in good hands
• Space to connect and explore
• Tips for your stay in Montreal

Highlights of this tour:

• Place Jacques Cartier
• Hotel de Ville (City Hall)
• Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets
• Royal Bank Building & Crew Café
• Personalized Stops

What our guests have to say

• A MUST DO!! Such an easy and enjoyable way to learn about the development of Montreal City. We could have never learned this practical and interesting information in 3 hours without a guide!! Plus our tour guide was soooo friendly, made sure we were comfortable the entire tour- bathroom breaks, snacks, she even had extra mitts to keep us warm;). Debbie, Delaware USA
• The walk is not onerous and there are plenty of stops if you need to sit. There were a couple of opportunities for “comfort breaks” along the way. Our guide was engaging and knowledgeable and gave some real local perspective to the complex history and culture of Montreal and Quebec. If you are in Montreal for more than a week or so I strongly recommend you do this tour early in your stay as it gives you many tips on places to eat and visit. Matt, UK

2-hours | 39.95 CAD + tx & fees

About: Join us as we explore Old Montreal, a true slice of Europe in North America. We’ll wander the narrow cobblestone streets, admire architecture gems, catch some breathtaking views of the Old Port harbor, and even explore a section of the Underground City.

What you’ll see: Place Jacques Cartier, Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Old Port, Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets, Royal Bank Building & Crew Café and much more.

Schedule: Look up the schedule by selecting “Book your tickets”

Reviews for the Old Montreal Walking Tour

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Old Montréal Walking Tours

Uncover the beautiful and historic sites of the classic western or eastern areas of Old Montreal

Sightseeing

• Tour Details
• What's included
• Taking an exclusive walking tour of famous Old Montreal under the assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced guide
• Witnessing some of the area’s most famous landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, Bonsecours Market, City Hall, and so much more
• Learning interesting stories and facts about the rich history, architecture, and culture of the city
• Selecting from various itineraries that suit your preferences the best

The urban treks of Old Montreal that you get to explore are filled with architectural, historical, and anecdotal  information   highlighting the origin s  of the city. With this guided tour, we offer you the opportunity to discover the major historic sites of the eastern portion of Old Montreal along with some hidden gems  in  the city. Some of the famous attractions that you will come across are –   Cours  Le Royer, Notre-Dame Basilica, City Hall, St-Paul Street, Champ de Mars, Place Jacques-Cartier,  Bonsecours  Market, and  Bonsecours  Street.  

• Small group
• Personal Experience
• Trusted Tour Operator
• Expert guides
• No Booking Fees
• Fast & secure payment
• Best Price Guarantee

What's included

• Professional guide

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes

Not Included

Contact us for more information about this tour.

Adventures.com offers pick up service from selected Reykjavík pick up points. Note that you can always update your pick-up / drop-off location through our customer portal: https://my.adventures.com You can press the login button in your confirmation email for an easy login to the customer portal. If you experience an error with logging into the customer portal or can't find your booking, please contact us on Facebook Messenger, or send us a message here below. Chat with us on Facebook Messenger

Information

As you take this walking tour, you get the chance to  discover  the natural and artistic beauty of Old Montreal in its full glory. The tour of the western part of th is  historic city allows you to be a part of the classic  economic   efflorescence  from  the 19 th  century. At the same time, you ’ll  have   the opportunity to witness the transformation of the metropolis  throughout  the modern era. Some of the  most  famous attractions that you  will  come across in the western part of the  city  are Place  d’Armes , Place  d’Youville , McGill Street, St. Jacques Street  and its series of banks, Place Royale, and  more. 

You can opt for the combined trip of east and west Old Montreal to make it one of the most unforgettable trips of your life. The exclusive Old Montreal walking tour has been designed to allow you to witness Montreal in all its grandness. At the same time, you also get the chance to experience its energy while knowing about its culture and history.   

With this tour, you can easily find out about the majestic eras that helped shape Montreal’s historic roots and contemporary culture. The walking tour of Old Montreal is sure to impress visitors with stops at famous landmarks – from visiting the Fort Ville-Marie foundation to witnessing the grandeur of the modern city. Exploring the historic core of this beautiful city, along with its adjacent Old Port, is going to help illuminate one of the greatest cities in the world.  

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Getting around

Montréal's public transit system and pedestrian-friendly streets can take you from a day at the museum to a restaurant in the Plateau. Or hop on a BIXI public bike to explore some of the city's over 750 kilometres of bike paths.

By public transport

Public transportation* is an affordable way to get around Montréal. The metro (subway) system is clean, safe and fast. As a bonus, the public transit network is relatively simple, with just four lines connecting the downtown centre to major tourist sites, bus stops and train stations. The metro operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. (1:30 a.m. on Saturdays). The average wait time between trains is eight minutes and three minutes during rush hour.

Come experience Montréal like a local by hopping on a bike this spring, summer and fall. The city’s 780 kilometres (480 miles) of bike paths, high-quality bike rentals and tours and a popular bike festival make it a breeze to discover neighbourhoods, get to and from events, and see the city sights. Montréal’s ever-expanding bike system has been named one of the most bike friendly in North America by the Copenhagen Index, credited with inspiring other major cities around the world to build more bike paths, encourage awareness of cyclists and do it all in style. Go your own way by renting bikes, bringing your own or trying out Montréal’s BIXI system.

Whether you're walking through the Old Port, Chinatown, Little Italy or the Plateau-Mont-Royal, you'll be in good local company – Montrealers love to walk. In fact, this safe, healthy and budget-wise mode of transportation is one of the best ways to see the city’s lively neighbourhoods, day and night. From architecture to public art to stylish locals, there’s a lot to see in Montréal! When the weather isn’t inviting, you can still get your exercise by walking through the Underground Pedestrian Network. This practical network includes 33 kilometers of walkways with 2,000 shops, restaurants and services. It connects to some 40 performance venues, theatres and cinemas, not to mention many hotels, attractions and museums.

By car or taxi

Want to cruise around the city or take a scenic drive? In Montréal, it’s easy to rent a car, use car-share or even treat yourself to a chauffeured limousine service. If you prefer getting around by taxi, it’s easy to flag one down on the street. You’ll also find them at one of the city’s many taxi stands or in front of most major hotels.

Montréal is an island. And to reach its shores by water is as magical as it is practical! Water taxis run between the Old Port of Montréal and Parc Jean-Drapeau, Longueuil, and other points of interest along the St. Lawrence River.

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