Montréal Downtown and Underground City Private Walking Tour

Montreal , Canada

Montréal Downtown and Underground City Private Walking Tour

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(45 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This 2-hour, private small-group guided walking tour will lead you not only through the streets of the downtown but beneath through its RÉSO, known by Montrealers as the 'Underground City'. Accompanied by your guide, discover this effervescent neighborhood and learn about its history with your guide. When passing through the interior city and its tunnels connecting metro stations and buildings which feature nearly 1,700 boutiques, 200 restaurants, universities, movie theaters, apartments, art centers, museums, arena and more, you will come to understand how 500,000 people per-day can go to work, the movies, or even go shopping without having to go outside.

Available options

French Private Tour

English Private Tour

What's included

Professional guide

Private walking tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Start your tour outside the Hotel Fairmount Queen Elizabeth near Dorchester Square

Start exploring Montreal architecture, from modern buildings to several century-old landmarks, including the Sun Life Building

See one of the many churches in Montreal

See the architecture of Montreal

From there, admire the many works of art on display from Promenades Cathédrale

See the sights of Place Montréal Trust

Pass through the Complexe Les Ailes.

Stop 8 Pass by

Stroll along Saint-Catherine Street, among Canada’s most important commercial thoroughfares.

See the tallest building in Montreal

See the most famous university in Montreal. Throughout the tour, take advantage of your time with a private guide to ask questions and talk about Montreal's history, people, and top sites, picking up tips for the best places to eat, drink, and explore.

What's not included

Gratuities

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

22 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

23 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A maximum of 15 people per booking

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Meet outside the Sunlife Building by the front door. Your guide will be there to greet you at the scheduled time.

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.