Explore Downtown Montreal - Private Walking Tour
Active
2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This is the perfect fun and informative private walking tour to discover Downtown Montreal - the city's urban heart & soul. Unlike other city centres, Montreal's downtown core is vibrant and alive all day and all night, well past 9-5 business hours! We begin in the Museum District and walk through the posh "Golden Square Mile". See some impressive Victorian era architecture and stroll through beautiful McGill University campus. Take a detour past ice hockey mecca the Bell Centre - home to the legendary Montreal Canadiens. Sainte Catherine Street is bursting with fashion, food and festivals and is sure to delight. Parks and public squares, cathedrals and churches, monuments and murals - we'll cover all the highlights during our 2-hour walk. We finish at Phillips Square, where modern downtown began. Your passionate local guide will keep you entertained with history, secrets, hidden gems and fun facts. Book now and bring your curiosity!
Available options
English or French
2 hour private walking tour: English or French
For up to 10 people maximum
What's included
Maximum private group size is 10 people
Local, certified guide with city permit = the best fun, upbeat and knowledgeable guides in Montreal!
Local taxes
MTL Detours List of Recommendations for things to discover in the area and in Montreal
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Meet your guide outside the main entrance of the museum.
2
Learn about the impressive Victorian-era homes and the wealthy Montrealers who resided there.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
See Dorchester Square and Place du Canada public squares
4
See the Place Ville-Marie esplanade and the impressive art installation "The Ring"
5
Walk through beautiful McGill campus and see Mont-Royal
6
Stop 6
Pass by
See Montreal's main commercial artery - thriving Rue Sainte-Catherine
7
The tour finishes at Phillips Square where you'll learn about the beginnings of modern Montreal. You'll receive our list of recommendations for things to eat/see/explore in Montreal.
What's not included
Although not mandatory, a tip/gratuity for your guide is customary and is very appreciated!
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers with challenging mobility restrictions due to distance covered and length of tour. Most of the tour is walking/standing with 1-2 stops to sit down.
Tour operates rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. This tour will only be cancelled in the case of very extreme or dangerous weather. In case of inclement weather, please monitor for messages from us.
Maximum private group size is 10 people
Meeting point
Meet outside the main entrance near the red hearts sculpture. Closest metro is Guy or Peel on the Green line and and both stations are a 7-8 minute walk from the meeting spot. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start. The tour will begin on time and we cannot 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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
