Montreal , Canada

Old Montreal Private Walking Tour

Active

(311 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

Find out more about all the eras that shaped Montreal with a private 2-hour walking tour. With your local guide, learn the city's history, from the foundation of Fort Ville-Marie in 1642 to today. Visit important public squares, such as Place d'Armes, Place Royale, and Place Jacques-Cartier; pass by the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, City Hall, and walk along the former ''Wall Street'' of Canada; take a picture at the oldest building of the historic district, and enter Notre-Dame, if you choose. The historic heart of the city and its adjacent Old Port will help illuminate the story of one of the greatest cities in the Americas. Private tour is limited to a maximum group size of 15.

Available options

French Private Tour

Spanish Private Tour

English Private Tour

What's included

Professional guide

Private tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet your private guide at Notre-Dame Basilica

Stop 2

Walk through of Old Montreal, where your guide leads you through a maze of narrow streets to find a multitude of historical buildings. Explore the birthplace of this city during this voyage back in time.

Stop 3 Pass by

This is a private tour, so the itinerary may vary, but typical sights you'll see can include important public squares such as Place d'Armes and Place Royale.

Stop 4 Pass by

Place Jacques-Cartier, where you can admire the monuments and works of art on display there. Check out the external architecture of a variety of impressive buildings, such as the three courthouses, the Château Ramezay, and Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours),

Stop 5 Pass by

Pass by Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and City Hall, and walk along the former 'Wall Street' of Canada, St-Jacques Street. Just off charming St-Paul Street, discover the foundation site of the city's first hospital, Hôtel-Dieu, in the Cours Le Royer

Enjoy a photo op of the Sulpician Seminary, the oldest building of the historic district

Stop 7 Pass by

Learn about the Old Port. By the time your tour ends, you'll have new appreciation for Old Montreal's long history and landmarks.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

152 reviews

5★

138

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

159 reviews

5★

150

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A maximum of 15 people per booking

Meeting point

The guide will meet you just outside the Banque de Montreal.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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.