Welcome to Montreal’s Old Town: Private 2-hour Walking Tour

Montreal , Canada

Welcome to Montreal’s Old Town: Private 2-hour Walking Tour

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About this experience

Explore the charming Old Town of Montreal with an expert private guide, and learn about its nearly 400 years of history as you tour its cobbled streets, iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Basilica, and of course the scenic Old Port.

With a history stretching back almost 400 years, the Old Town of Montréal is a treasure trove of historic architecture, public buildings, churches, markets, and of course stunning views from the Old Port along the Saint Lawrence River. It was a thriving fur trading port from the early 17th century and grew in stature, prosperity, and religious and cultural influence.

A sea-faring trading city, you'll be able to enjoy views from the Old Port as well as the very modern, vibrant atmosphere prevalent today!

Available options

Welcome to Montreal’s Old Town: Private 2-hour Walking Tour

What's included

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

Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Walk through the International District to the cobbled Saint Paul Street - a vibrant street lined with 19th-century buildings that are now cafes, bars, and boutiques.

Stop 2

Stop outside the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History - founded in 1992 to mark the birthplace and 350th birthday of Montreal.

Stop 3

Admire the Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary the oldest building in Montreal, built between 1684 and 1687; it is a beautiful U-shaped building and houses the oldest private garden in North America, its neo-classical façade of rough-cut limestone with gate and Ionic columns dates to 1740, and its clock dates to 1701 - possibly the oldest in America.

Stop 4

Appreciate the majestic Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal from the outside, famous for its spectacular Gothic Revival architecture, it is a testament to the city's cultural and religious history.

Stop 5

Wander around Place d'Armes and see the Monument to Paul de Chomedey, the founder of Montreal. Walk through Old Montreal Streets stopping by the Old Montreal Courthouse, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Montreal City Hall.

Stop 6

Pass by the Château Ramezay - a museum dedicated to the history of Montreal and once the home of the Governor.

Stop 7

Walk to the Old Port of Montreal - a 2km stretch along the Saint Lawrence River it has been used as a trading post since the 1600s and is today full of family attractions from a Ferris wheel to arcades, cinemas, restaurants, and shopping malls.

What's not included

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

Gratuities

Hotel pickup/drop-off

Transportation

Tickets to attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you beside the Queen Victoria Monument at Victoria Square located at Rue du Square-Victoria, Montréal.

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.