Old Montreal: Self-Guided Tour from Place D‘Armes to Old Port
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
Travel back in time to the cobblestone streets travelled by early French missionaries, fur traders, and British conquerors on this self-guided walking tour in le Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal). You‘ll get an overview of the historical Place d‘Armes square, with its striking Bank of Montréal, famous Notre-Dame Basilica, and old Saint-Sulpice Seminary. We‘ll walk the narrow, cobbled stone streets of Old Montréal. You‘ll see Montréal‘s first church, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, stroll across the popular Place Jacques-Cartier square, and take in the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière). You‘ll pass the first hospital opened by the Grey Nuns of Montréal and, after walking along the animated Old Port promenade, reach the end of the tour at the Old Clock Tower. By the end of the tour, you‘ll better understand Montréal‘s colonial history and how it became an international destination where some of the world‘s most exciting annual events are held.
Available options
Old Montreal: Self-Guided Tour from Place D‘Armes to Old Port
What's included
Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Start your tour at Place d'Armes, a historic square that offers a quick overview of Old Montreal. It features the statue of the city's founder, Paul de Chomedy, along with views of the Bank of Montreal and the old Saint-Sulpice Seminary.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Marvel at the Notre-Dame Basilica, Canada’s most famous church and one of its most visited monuments. Its stunning Gothic Revival architecture and beautiful interior are must-see highlights of Old Montreal.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Walk by Montreal City Hall, an impressive example of Second Empire architecture. This historic building has been the site of numerous important events in the city's history.
4
Discover Château Ramezay, a historic building that has been occupied by the French, British, and briefly by Americans. It now serves as a museum showcasing Montreal's rich history.
5
See Montreal's first church, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, often called the "Sailors' Church." Its beautiful interior and maritime artifacts make it a fascinating stop.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Pass by the impressive Bonsecours Market, a building that has housed the Parliament of the United Province of Canada, City Hall, and the headquarters of Montreal's Housing and Planning Department. Today, it serves as a vibrant retail space.
7
Stop 7
Pass by
Stroll through Place Jacques-Cartier, a lively square lined with restaurants and shops. It’s a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists, offering a taste of Montreal’s vibrant atmosphere.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Pass the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History at Pointe-à-Callière. This museum stands on the very birthplace of Montreal and offers insights into the city's archaeological heritage.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Walk by the site of Montreal’s first hospital, opened by the Grey Nuns of Montreal. This historic building highlights the city’s early medical history and the influence of Catholic missionaries.
10
Stop 10
Pass by
Pass by the Montreal Science Centre, located along the Old Port promenade. This modern facility showcases interactive exhibits and technological innovations.
11
Stop 11
Pass by
End your tour at the iconic Clock Tower, a prominent feature of the Old Port. It offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River and serves as a reminder of Montreal's maritime heritage.
What's not included
Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Food and drinks
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
FR
Written guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour begins at the only monument in the center of Place d'Armes historic square right in front of the Notre Dame Basilica. It's a 4-minute walk from the Place d'Armes Metro station. Anyone can assist you with directions as it is one of Montreal's most visited squares.
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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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. 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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
