Montreal's Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End Tour by MTL Detours

Montreal , Canada

Montreal's Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End Tour by MTL Detours

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(33 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Plateau Mont-Royal + Mile End - artistic, cultural, trendy Montreal. Get off the beaten path and explore these fascinating areas where the locals live, work and play. Discover Montreal's diversity and multicultural side, beautiful Victorian-era architecture, typical outdoor staircases, green alleys, colorful murals and street art, see several Montreal institutions, enjoy a snack (or two!) and maybe even practice your French! This MTL Detours walking tour has been carefully crafted to show you the highlights of what makes these parts of Montreal so unique and special. Your passionate local guide will keep you entertained with history, secrets, hidden gems and fun facts. This is an exclusive, intimate walking tour with only 10 people. MTL Detours is a 100% locally owned + operated small independent tour company - founded in and based in Montreal. We are the same team behind the bestselling "Explore Old Montreal" walking tour. Book your spot now and bring your curiosity!

Available options

English | Ages 12+ only

Minimum age to attend is 12

What's included

Special bonus treats

Local, certified guide with city permit = the best fun, upbeat and knowledgeable guides in Montreal!

Local taxes

MTL Detours, founded in Montreal, is a 100% locally owned + operated small independent tour company

Exclusive group of only 10 people = much more personal than other walking tours with larger groups

MTL Detours List of Recommendations for things to discover in the area and in Montreal

Detailed itinerary

Plateau Mont-Royal district - We'll concentrate our walk around the St-Laurent Blvd. axis and side streets. Meet your guide near Saint-Louis Square. See our Victorian-era architecture, our typical outdoor spiral staircases and learn about the history of the area. We'll explore some green alleys and admire some murals along the route. Learn about the waves of immigrants that shaped the area including the Jewish and Portuguese communities. Soak up the local vibes with plenty of happening cafes, boutiques and restaurants to spot on our walk. Walk past famous Schwartz's Deli. Summer brings pedestrian-only streets that are bustling day and night and that highlight the joie de vivre of Montrealers.

Stop 2

We explore one of Montreal's hippest and trendiest neighborhoods (recently named one of the coolest 'hoods in the world by TimeOut magazine!) We'll weave and zigzag through the streets of the neighborhood and enjoy the quaint residential architecture. Your local guide will explain the past and present of Mile End and will delve into fascinating stories about its working-class roots, its multiculturalism, its artistic flair and its current popularity as a tech hotspot. A little bit bohemian, a little bit industrial, a lot quirky & charming. Of course we'll see local institutions and landmarks like St-Viateur & Fairmount Bagel Shops, Cafe Olimpico, Wilensky's, St. Michael's & St. Anthony's Church, and many more. The tour will finish in the vicinity of Waverly/St-Viateur. Leave the tour armed with the MTL Detours List of Recommendations for things to eat/drink/see in the area and in Montreal.

What's not included

Although not mandatory, a tip/gratuity for your guide is customary and is very appreciated!

Hotel pick up and drop off. Guests must make their own way to our meeting location.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

23 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Tour operates from May to October. Please come prepared for weather conditions. In case of very inclement weather, please monitor for messages from us.

Not recommended for travelers with any impairments, challenging mobility restrictions due to distance covered and length of tour. Most of the tour is walking/standing.

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Minimum age to attend is 12 yrs old. All participants require a paid ticket.

This tour is in English.

This tour is owned and operated by MTL Detours Montreal Walking Tours mtldetours.ca

Please note that there is a large amount of walking for most of the 3-hour tour and spots to sit are limited.

Also available as a PRIVATE tour. Please contact us!

Bonus treats: we sadly cannot accommodate dietary restrictions

Note: this tour ends at a different location than the start point.

Meeting point

Meet outside on the sidewalk of the main entrance of ITHQ at 3535 Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3P1
Arrive 10 minutes early and note that we can't wait for latecomers.

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.