The Best of Montreal: Private Highlights Driving Tour

Montreal , Canada

The Best of Montreal: Private Highlights Driving Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover all the highlights of Montreal on a whirlwind three-hour driving tour of this vibrant city with an expert private guide. Perfect for taking photos of all the must-see landmarks! Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, a French-speaking metropolis, famous for its vibrant arts and music scene, its many festivals, its passion for sport, the home of Cirque du Soleil, being the birthplace of Leonard Cohen, as well as its beautiful old French colonial architecture and fascinating history dating back to 1642.

Enjoy whizzing around all the major highlights of Montreal, being able to take photos of all the must-see sights, and learn the whole history of this fascinating city. Admire the French colonial architecture in Old Montreal and compare it with the modern skyscrapers and epic murals, graffiti, and street art around Saint Laurent Boulevard.

Available options

The Best of Montreal: Private Highlights Driving Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Pickup and drop-off from centrally located hotels

Private vehicle

Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

A friendly, professional English Speaking tour guide for your own private group

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Travel back in time to Old Montréal as you visit Place d'Armes, the Old Port, City Hall and the Bonsecours Market. Hear how the city was founded as Ville Marie - the City of Mary - by French missionaries, and later named Mount Royal after the triple-peak mountain around which the city was built.

Explore the hustle and bustle of downtown Sainte Catherine Street, and the grand and stately McGill College Avenue.

Stop 3

See a little of the RÉSO Montréal - more commonly known as the Underground System - a network of subterranean offices, hotels, cafes, shopping malls, a whole other city.

Stop 4

Admire the Square Mile dating back to the Victorian era, then cross Mount Royal Park - to arrive at a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Stop 5

Visit the awe-inspiring and iconic Saint Joseph Oratory, Canada's largest church - attracting 2 million pilgrims every year.

Explore the Bohemian, laid-back districts of Plateau Mont-Royal, and the Latin Quarter - learning about the cultural and ethnic diversity of the city.

Be astonished at the famously vibrant and colourful street art, murals, and graffiti on Saint Laurent Boulevard, and enjoy the greenery and peace of Jean-Drapeau Park with Saint Helen and Notre Dame islands - an oasis of calm.

What's not included

Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend snacks along the way

Gratuities

Attraction tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

If we don't receive your hotel information, your guide will meet you at the entrance to Pointe-a-Calliere Museum, 350 place Royale, Montreal.

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.