French Capital of the Americas: Audio Tour of Old Montréal
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French Capital of the Americas: Audio Tour of Old Montréal

Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Welcome to Montréal, the French Capital of the Americas in the middle of the grandiose St.Lawrence River. It’s a unique and multicultural city that’s proud of its French and English heritage, and also open to the world. On this self-guided audio tour with Context Travel expert and tour guide, Bruno-Serge Boucher, you’ll find out how the city got its start. You’ll also see where the French dropped anchor, where the Catholic Church established its churches, and where English entrepreneurs founded their banks and businesses. The tour starts on the corner of Place d’Youville and Place Royale, at the very place where Montréal was founded in 1647. After being struck by the splendour of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, you’ll continue to Place Jacques-Cartier, a square regularly filled with markets and festivities. You’ll end the tour at the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel – the very same chapel that’s featured in the song “Suzanne”, by Leonard Cohen, who was a Montreal-native.

Available options

French Capital of the Americas: Audio Tour of Old Montréal

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

1

Walk through this historic square where Montréal was founded in 1647, marking the birthplace of the city. Experience the convergence of old and new as modern buildings stand alongside centuries-old architecture.

2

Marvel at this iconic brutalist housing complex across the Saint Lawrence River, featuring stacked concrete cubes that create a striking geometric pattern. Explore a revolutionary architectural vision that transformed urban living when it was built for Expo 67.

3

Pass by this imposing financial building where major Canadian banks established their head offices. Discover the heart of Canada's answer to Wall Street on historic St. James Street.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Admire this prestigious multi-purpose venue that once served as home to the Canadian Bank of Commerce. Experience a beautifully preserved example of Montréal's transformation from commercial hub to cultural destination.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

Stroll through this central square surrounded by some of the city's most significant buildings. Enjoy the energy of this historic gathering place where Montréal's French and English heritage meet.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

View one of the oldest seminaries of its kind in North America, dating back to the city's earliest days. Marvel at the simple yet dignified stone architecture that has survived centuries of urban change.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Step inside this breathtaking Gothic Revival masterpiece with its stunning blue vaulted ceiling and intricate woodwork. Experience the splendour of one of North America's most dramatic religious spaces.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

Walk through this lively square regularly filled with markets, street performers, and festivities. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved public space that has been the heart of Old Montréal for generations.

9
Stop 9 Pass by

Pass by this grand Second Empire-style building that has served as the seat of municipal government since 1878. Admire the ornate French architecture that reflects the city's European roots.

10
Stop 10 Pass by

Explore this stunning neoclassical building that served as the city's main public market for 100 years. Grab a tasty treat from this beautifully restored landmark now filled with local food vendors and artisans.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

Visit this historic chapel immortalised in Leonard Cohen's song "Suzanne," featuring the tomb of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. Experience a spiritual landmark that has welcomed sailors and pilgrims since the 17th century.

12
Stop 12 Pass by

Stroll along the waterfront where 19th-century warehouses once bustled with industrial activity. Enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River from this transformed space that connects Montréal's past to its present.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones
Food and drink
Transportation
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Important information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

This tour starts at Place royale/Pointe-à-Callière Archeology Museum. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, bilingual city that beautifully blends European charm with North American energy. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning architecture, it's a city where cobblestone streets meet modern skyscrapers, and world-class cuisine meets bustling festivals.

Top Attractions

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

The historic heart of Montreal, featuring cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th-century architecture, and charming cafes.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Mount Royal Park

A large urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering stunning views of the city and numerous recreational activities.

Nature Half day Free

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

One of Canada's most prominent museums, featuring an impressive collection of art from various periods and cultures.

Museum 2-3 hours Free to $22 CAD (varies by exhibit)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Montreal-style Bagels

Smaller, sweeter, and denser than New York bagels, often topped with sesame seeds.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian

Poutine

A dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Smoked Meat Sandwich

A sandwich made with smoked brisket, often served on rye bread with mustard.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Royal Park Skiing in Mont-Tremblant Picnicking in Parc La Fontaine Spa day at Bota Bota Visiting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Exploring Old Montreal Swimming at Oka Beach Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest tourist season with warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities. Expect lively streets and numerous events.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: French
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5:00), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4:00) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Montreal is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air
  • Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By train

Gare Centrale

By bus

Gare d'autocars de Montréal

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and easy to use. The metro system is a convenient way to get around Montreal.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plateau Mont-Royal Downtown (Centre-Ville) Mile End

Day trips

Quebec City
250 km (155 miles) • Full day

A charming city with a rich history, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a fortress overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Mont-Tremblant
130 km (81 miles) • Full day to overnight

A popular resort town known for its ski slopes, hiking trails, and charming village.

Oka
50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A small town known for its beautiful beach on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains and its historic Oka Abbey.

Festivals

Montreal International Jazz Festival • Late June to early July Just for Laughs • July Montreal World Film Festival • Late August to early September

Pro tips

  • Visit Mount Royal Park for a panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset.
  • Explore the Underground City, a network of tunnels connecting shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Try local specialties like poutine, smoked meat, and Montreal-style bagels.
  • Attend a Montreal Canadiens hockey game for a true local experience.
  • Use the STM app for easy navigation of the metro and bus system.
Get Price per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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