montreal canada walking tour

The Ultimate Self-Guided Montreal Walking Tour

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Ah… Montreal. One of the most delightful cities in all of Canada , Montreal has endless amounts of incredible sights to see, from the enchanting architecture in Old Montreal to the breathtaking views from Mount Royal. And what better way to explore the city than on a self-guided Montreal walking tour?

Now, exploring Montreal on foot in just one day might sound impossible, but with this ultimate Montreal walking tour in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to rise to the challenge.

Granted, we won’t be able to see the entire city of Montreal — it’s the second-largest French speaking city in the world, after all. But if you’ve only got one day, this free Montreal walking tour will show you the best way to spend it. 

And not to worry, I’ll take you through this travel itinerary from morning til night, including tips for getting around Montreal, costs, and the best places to stop!

My Self-Guided Montreal Walking Tour at a Glance

• Mont Royal Park and Lookout
• Saint-Laurent Boulevard
• Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal (Optional Stop)
• Montreal Underground City (Optional Stop)
• Old Montreal
• Old Port of Montreal
• La Grande Roue de Montréal

How Long Will This Montreal Free Walking Tour Take?

Not including the time spent at each stop, this self-guided Montreal walking tour will take an estimated 1 hour and 45 minutes of pure walking from place to place. 

However, plan to start relatively early in the morning and set aside an entire day. That way, you can really take your time and check out all the cool things to see and do. As you’re about to find out, there are lots!

Tips for Making the Most out of your Walking Tour

• Choose a relatively small area packed with interesting sights (done — just read below!).
• Pack a light load with some snacks and a bottle of water.
• Wear comfortable shoes that you know won’t give you blisters.
• Bring a change of socks, just in case.
• Wear layers, as the temperature may rise and fall from morning to afternoon and night!

Now, let’s begin with the tour!

The Perfect Self-Guided Montreal Walking Tour

1. mount royal park and lookout.

• Start Point: The Sir George-Etienne Cartier monument
• Cost : Free
• Time Estimate : 1.5-2 hours
• Website : https://www.lemontroyal.qc.ca/en

​​ Say “Mount Royal” three times fast. Does it sound familiar?

That’s right, this park is where the city of Montreal got its name! Needless to say, there’s no better place to start your free walking tour of Montreal than at its namesake. 

Mount Royal Park is located on a hill, so be prepared to do a little physical exercise. If you’re really not feeling it, you can also take the bus number 11 from the corner of avenue du Park and avenue du Mont-Royal Est to the Remembrance/Chemin du Chalet stop. This will leave you a short walk away from the Mount Royal Lookout!

However, as the day is young and your tour has just begun, I recommend doing the 25-minute nature walk up the side of the mountain on foot. 

After all, that’s what Canada is known for — rocks and trees and trees and rocks — and it wouldn’t be a true Montreal walking tour without seeing any!

Take the Chemin Olmsted from the monument up to the staircase. There will be signs for the “Chalet du Mont-Royal,” “Belvédère,” and “Point de Due” — the latter is what you want to follow to reach the breathtaking view of the city skyline. 

In the summer, you’ll find dozens of joggers, bikers, and picnickers, but Mont Royal Park is an excellent place to find things to do in the winter in Montreal too. Cross-country skiing is a popular option, but you can also just stroll around and admire how mother nature transforms the leafless forest into a snow-capped winter fairy-tale.

Planning a day trip from Montreal to Ottawa? If so, click here to read my self-guided Ottawa walking tour !

2. Saint-Laurent Boulevard

• Opening Hours : None (outdoors)
• Cost : Any food you buy on the way
• Time Estimate : 30-60 minutes

Back down at the monument, you’re just a few blocks away from the Boulevard Saint-Laurent. Take your time to walk down this street nicknamed “The Main” as you head towards the river. 

Boulevard Saint-Laurent is teeming with boutiques, shops, cafés, clubs, bars, and restaurants, and the famous Schwartz’s smoked meat deli if you get the munchies. 

And make sure to keep your eyes wide open for the beautiful murals that decorate this street. But don’t dawdle too long; there are lots more sights to see on your Montreal walking tour, and you surely don’t want to miss them! 

3. (Optional) Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal 

• Opening Hours : To be determined once reopened
• Cost : Previously $10 
• Time Estimate : 1-1.5 hours
• Website : https://macm.org/en/

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Montreal was founded in 1964 with just a couple hundred works of art, and has since grown into a collection of over 8,000 art pieces by artists from Quebec and around the world. The art shows remarkable diversity, embracing historically significant events, current societal issues, and emerging practices.

This stop on your Montreal walking tour is optional, and in fact, until December 2021, it’s out of the tour entirely, as the museum building closed for reconstruction in June of 2021 .

The renovations will take four years to complete, doubling the building’s size and turning the museum into a representation of the very thing it houses — contemporary art. 

In the meantime, a temporary museum space will open in the nearby Place Ville-Marie, and will include exhibitions and creative workshops. 

This temporary relocation will open in late 2021, so if art is what you crave, wait to take your Montreal walking tour until after the holiday season!

4. Chinatown

• Cost : Any food or souvenirs you buy

It you’re a budget traveler looking for free things to do in Montreal , then Chinatown is a definite must! Just stroll around the block-sized neighborhood and let your eyes feast on the colorful streets soaked in history. 

Montreal’s Chinatown is one of the oldest Asian communities on the North American continent, emerging in the 1890s as Chinese immigrants moved from west to east on the newly built Canadian Pacific Railway. Most of them settled in Montreal, creating a residential neighborhood which has since become largely commercial.

This area is basically one large block, bordering rue Saint-Dominique, Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest, avenue Viger Ouest, and rue Jeanne-Mance. It’s sliced in the middle by rue de la Gauchetière Ouest and Boulevard Saint-Laurent, where most of the businesses are concentrated. 

If you walk along the borders of Chinatown, you’ll find the four ornate gateways, or “paifang”, marking the entrances to the area. I highly recommend checking them out, as no other Chinatown in Canada has this many pairings! 

Of course, there are many other things worth seeing in Montreal’s Chinatown, including:

• The “May an Old Song Open a New World” mural : Prepare a good pose before you come here, as this is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Montreal!
• The Wing Building , built by the same architect as the Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Place Sun Yet Sen : a public square with a traditional Chinese decorative structure that doubles as a souvenir shop.
• The Lee Family Association and Wong Won Su Association , where newly arrived Chinese immigrants received support and counseling. Today, a display of photos and artifacts offers you a peek into the immigrant’s journey.

Interested in my other Canadian walking tours? If so, click here to read my self-guided walking tour of Vancouver, BC !

5. (Optional) Montreal Underground City

• Opening Hours : Varies by business, but usually 10 am-9 pm Monday to Friday, 10 am-6 pm Saturday, and 11 am-5 pm Sunday
• Cost : Any souvenirs, items, or food you buy
• Time Estimate : 1-2 hours
• Website : https://montrealundergroundcity.com/

If you need a change of scenery, why not dive down into Montreal’s Underground City? 

This optional stop will take you into a subterranean labyrinth right under the heart of the city. Stretching over 33 kilometers, the Underground City connects metro stations to shopping plazas, with every possible form of activity along the way.

If you’re lost, just follow the RÉSO network signs that tell you where things are located, from artisanal souvenir shops and stylish boutiques to endless food and entertainment options. Colorful fountains and extensive playgrounds also offer plenty of things to do with kids in Montreal!

Works left by the Art Souterrain Festival make sure art-lovers get their fill, while free Wi-Fi and the Espace Services charging station keep even the biggest social media addicts content. Basically, there is something here for every traveler. 

Diving into this underground pedestrian network is also a great way to escape the sweltering heat or face-numbing cold that frequently invades the city streets, all without holing yourself up at home. If you’re looking for things to do in winter in Montreal, look no further than the Underground City!

You could easily spend the entire day in the Underground City, but don’t lose track of time, because your Montreal walking tour isn’t quite over yet!

6. Old Montreal

• Cost : Varies, depending on the souvenirs or food you purchase

Now, it’s time for our Old Montreal self guided walking tour!

This stop is practically made for Montreal walking tours , as it’s Montreal’s historic center.

The word “historic” might feel somewhat exaggerated when it’s applied to buildings built predominantly in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially when you compare it to Europe where you can casually stroll past buildings that date back to hundreds of years BCE. But for a country that only recently celebrated its 150th birthday, 300 years is practically ancient. 

Needless to say, Old Montreal will give you a taste of Canadian history, with its colonial and European past etched into every cobble-stoned street. Some streets have even kept their original names! This area is also purely pedestrian, creating the perfect atmosphere for walking tours in Montreal. 

The buildings vary in architectural style and have been mostly preserved. Today, they serve as shops, boutique hotels, galleries, cafés, bars, and atmospheric restaurants. With so many beautiful spots scattered around, it’s one of the best Montreal solo travel destinations!

If you’d like to visit everything there is to see in Old Montreal, plan to spend up to 2 hours here. However, if you’d just like to see a few highlights, here are some landmarks worth noting:

• Edifice Aldred : A building with a strong resemblance to New York’s Empire State Building, and also built in the same year (1931)!
• Vieux Séminaire de St-Sulpice : The city’s oldest building (1657), and still surrounded by its original stone walls.
• Hôtel the Ville : The city hall which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 1922.
• Château Ramezay : Initially home to French governors, then taken over by British governors, then invaded and held by American rebels, and also a temporary home to Benjamin Franklin — if walls could talk, this building would put Gossip Girl to shame!
• Notre-Dame Basilica : An intricately decorated basilica and where Québec-born singer Céline Dion got married in 1994 — just step inside and you’ll see why!

Some destinations in our old Montreal walking tour, such as the Notre Dame Basilica, cost money to visit. But no need to worry – there are also many free things to do in Old Montreal!

If you’re staying late in the city, come back to see this part of town in a different light. And I mean literally — over a dozen buildings are illuminated at night, creating a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. It’s one of the best things to do at night in Montreal!

If you’re thinking of also visiting the Canadian Rockies, and you’re wondering how to plan your itinerary, click here to read my 7-day Canadian Rockies road trip !

7. Old Port of Montreal

• Cost : Free (outdoors)

As we near the end of our walking tour in Montreal, we come to the Old Port of Montreal. Once the commercial hub of the city, this area has since been transformed into a waterfront park. 

In the summer, there are an abundance of Old Port Montreal activities; it’s a prime spot for walking, jogging, cycling, and in-line skating. But if you’ve had enough physical movement for the day, I recommend sitting in the park and doing some people-watching!

You’ll also have a great view of Habitat 67 , a distinctive 158-unit housing project built for the 1967 World’s Fair. The architect’s original vision for the building was to show what affordable community housing could look like — but ironically enough, it’s become a private high-end apartment complex. 

8. La Grande Roue de Montréal

• Opening Hours: 10 am-11 pm, Monday through Sunday
• Cost : Just under $26 
• Time Estimate : 20-minute ride
• Website : https://www.lagranderouedemontreal.com/en/

The last stop on our Montreal walking tour is La Grande Roue de Montréal. You may be relieved to hear that this stop involves more sitting than walking — it is, in fact, a panoramic Ferris wheel.

The price may be a little steep, but this isn’t just any old Ferris wheel. Bringing you to a height of 60 meters, La Grande Roue is the biggest observation wheel in the country. 

Keeping in mind that Canada is prone to experiencing extreme weather conditions virtually any day of the year (Canada, eh?), La Grande Roue offers its guests the rare comfort of air conditioning or heating, making it one of the best things to do in Montreal in winter and summer!

This is the perfect ambiance for admiring a 360-degree view of the city. The ride lasts for 20 minutes, giving you ample time to soak up the twinkling lights of Montreal.

What better way is there to end your Montreal walking tour?

Wrapping Up Your Montreal Walking Tour

That was quite a day, wasn’t it? But if you’re wondering what to do in Montreal this weekend, this walking tour is the perfect way to spend it. And while this tour only scratches the surface of everything there is to see and do in Montreal, I’m confident it’s the perfect way to spend your Montreal weekend getaway!

Thanks for reading the article! If you have any questions, feel free to comment down below, and if you want to see more travel and hike-related content, make sure to check out my other articles.

Photos by Mia and Pixabay.

About to embark on a trip around Canada? Here are some helpful articles to make your trip as awesome and stress-free as possible:

• How to Travel Without Breaking the Bank
• 15 Things to Do Before a Trip
• How to Start Hiking: 15 Beginner Hiking Tips
• How to Travel as a Student (Even If You’re Broke!)
• Ottawa by Foot: Walking Guide of Ottawa

And here are some additional helpful links:

• Click here for my walking tours
• Click here for my hiking guides
• Click here for more posts on North America
• Click here for more posts on Canada
• Click here for more resources

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Mia is the founder of Walk a While with Me, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the best self-guided walking tours, travel itineraries, and hikes for destinations around the world. A keen traveler, she has visited more than 20 countries in the past six years. She is excited for you to follow along on her adventures!

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THE 10 BEST Montreal Walking Tours

Walking tours in montreal.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours

2. Old Montreal Private Walking Tour

3. Montreal's RESO Underground City and Downtown Tour

4. Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio

5. Mile End Montreal Original Food Tour - by Local Montreal Tours

6. Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal

7. Beyond the Market Food Tour by Spade & Palacio

8. Walking tour of Old Montreal - 16/42 Tours

9. Montreal's Mount Royal Tour

10. History Walking Tour of Old Montreal

11. Haunted Old Montreal

12. Old Montreal walking tour By FITZ MONTREAL

13. Montreal: Private Tour with a Local Guide

14. 2 Hours Guided Walking Tour to Montreal Downtown

15. Montréal Downtown and Underground City Private Walking Tour

16. Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour

17. The Montreal Craft Beer Tour / Brewpub Experience

18. Explore the Underground City with a local comedian

19. Haunted Montreal Pub Crawl

20. The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour by Spade & Palacio

21. Old Montreal East to West - Walking Tour

22. Under the Surface of Montreal's Chinatown: Guided Food Walking Tour

23. Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame

24. Old Montréal VIP Semi-Private Walking Tour

25. Montreal Small Group Walking Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame

26. Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour

27. Old Montreal at Twilight Walking Tour Semi-Private

28. Haunted Downtown

29. Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Small Group Walking Tour

30. Montreal Queerstory Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour by MTL Detours
• Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
• Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours
• Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio
• Montreal's RESO Underground City + Downtown Tour by MTL Detours
• Spade & Palacio Non-Touristy Tours
• MTL Detours
• Local Montreal Food Tours
• 'Round Table Tours
• Haunted Montreal
• Free Old Montreal Tours
• 16/42 tours
• Montreal Craft Beer Tours
• Urban Marmotte - Walking Tours

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The best walking tours in Montreal for education and exploration

Whether you're a local or a tourist, get to know the 514 better than ever on foot with the best Montreal walking tours

While wandering around this city often reveals attractions  at every turn, sometimes the best way to truly understand Montreal—and all its inner workings—is to go with guided walking tours. Tour guides here undertake a rigorous training process before being certified, making Montreal one of only two places in North America that require such levels of expertise (the other being Quebec City ). With that said, the tours here will whisk you away on adventures in iconic Montreal food  and through neighbourhoods like Little Italy , Mile End , Old Montreal , Chinatown  and more. If you’re the kind of person who prefers a more self-guided experience, you’re better spending time in the best museums in Montreal  (but they, of course, have tours as well).

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Montreal

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The best Montreal walking tours

1.  Spade & Palacio: Beyond the Basilica

Spade & Palacio was founded by two local guides with the idea of promoting non-touristy tours to its diverse clientele. The 2.5-hour Beyond the Basilica walking tour, offered year-round, begins in Old Montreal  but quickly exits the touristy neighbourhood, passing through a section of the International Quarter, Chinatown , the Entertainment District, and eventually to a collection of street art, ending at a local coffee roastery on Saint-Laurent Boulevard right in the heart of the Plateau-Mont Royal district. A great option for a first-timer.

2.  Fitz & Follwell: Old Montreal

While Fitz & Follwell may be better known for its bike tours, their 3-hour walking tour of Old Montreal  is a great way to discover some hidden secrets about the beloved historic district. With a focus on the story of the city’s foundations and industrial past, as well as some important attractions  and architectural gems in the area, this tour also includes a visit to the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica.

3.  Spade & Palacio: Montreal Mural Art

As the first company to offer guided tours of Montreal’s street art scene, Spade & Palacio offers a 2-hour walking tour concentrated on the plethora of murals found in the Plateau-Mont-Royal district. This tour offers a unique approach to learning more about the artistic side of Montreal – including the annual Mural Festival and its lasting effect on the cultural development of this trendy borough.

4.  Local Montreal Food Tours: Mile End Food Tour

While the secret on Mile End  has long since been out, the ultra-trendy subsection of the Plateau continues to attract visitors with its impressive food and nightlife  scene. Local Montreal Food Tours prides itself on delivering a well-rounded tour of the area, including six food stops (and a 7th non-food stop) that showcases some local iconic Montreal food . The 3-hour tour also includes portions on the historical, architectural and cultural elements of the neighbourhood.

5.  Guidatour: Various tours available

With a handful of private walking tours available—everything from Old Montreal  and Chinatown  to Golden Square Mile and Little Italy —Guidatour has been around for 34 years and continues to be a popular choice for tourists seeking to discover various area of the city. It’s worth mentioning that their Montréal Ghosts thematic tour uncovers stories of Montreal’s dark and haunted past; as nice as Montrealers are known to be, they’ve got some seriously creepy history under their belts.

6.  Kaléïdoscope: Mosaïcs & Centre-Sud

Offering a variety of services to school groups, conference participants and the general public, Kaléïdoscope focuses primarily on a local Montreal audience with most of their tours are offered exclusively in French. The company added a new tour this year (with the help of a first-year guide) highlighting a series of handmade mosaics in the largely unknown Centre-Sud neighbourhood.

7.  Round Table Tours: Iconic Dishes: Jewish Montreal, The Original Tour

Founded by former chef and certified guide Mélissa Simard, Round Table Tours is a gastronomic tour company that explores Montreal’s neighbourhoods, cultures and food genres through eating and storytelling. Its Iconic Dishes: Jewish Montreal food tour is a 4-hour marathon of eating, walking, poetry reading and historical exploration of the Mile End  and the north end of the Plateau, an area where most Eastern European Jews settled at the turn of the 20 th century and left an indelible mark on the city.

8.  VDM Global: Flavours and Aromas of Old Montreal

For those looking to get past some of the architectural and historical details of Old Montreal  and scratch the surface of the best restaurants in Old Montreal  that make up its happening food scene, this 2.5-hour walking tour might be the best bet. This tour dives deep into the origins of the cuisine in Montreal, exploring French, British and international genres and their impact on the local culinary reputation here.

9.  Ça Roule: Architecture Tour

Launched at the beginning of the 2019 season, this new tour highlights some of the contrasting elements of Old Montreal ’s historic buildings to the latest trends in urban design and architecture. The 2-hour tour starts in the heart of the cobblestone quarter and extends out to the neighbouring district of Griffintown before ending at the very site of the city’s original foundations.

10.  Héritage Montréal: ArchitecTours

This non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the architectural, historic, natural and cultural heritage of Greater Montreal offers guided tours focused on how the city’s architecture and urban design have been influenced by industrialization, gentrification, or otherwise. Each year, Heritage Montreal releases a new program of 2-hour walking tours in both English and French, offered Saturday afternoons in August and September, rain or shine.

11.  Quartier des Spectacles: Free Walking Tour (June to October)

While the Quartier des Spectacles area has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last decade to act as the central stage for some of our major outdoor festivals , this area also holds the title as the former Red Light district of Montreal. This free walking tour offered by the area’s not-for-profit organization allows visitors and locals alike the chance to discover the role of the neighbourhood in past, present and future, including our connection to jazz, dance, and the undeniable artistic jouissance that remains omnipresent in the city.

12.  Habitat 67: Seasonal Tours

Designed by Israeli-Canadian architect Moshe Safdie for Expo 67—still known as one of the world’s top five World’s Fairs of all time!—this architectural attraction  and housing complex was conceived as the development of the future, with each resident having access to natural light and greenspace. Access to the site, including a visit to the exterior of the architect’s former apartment, is limited to 90-minute private guided tours held in French and English from May to October.

More great things to explore in Montreal

The best Montreal attractions for tourists to see and locals to revisit

The best Montreal attractions reveal the city’s rich history and landmarks, all waiting to be (re)discovered.

The best museums in Montreal

Ponder fine art, explore historical crypts, go on walking tours and more at the most inspiring museums in the city.

The best things to do in Montreal with kids

Our top picks for the best things to do in Montreal with kids make sure you’ll be having just as much fun as they are.

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Free Montreal Tours

#1 Free Walkings Tours in Montreal!

Free Montreal Tours – Free Old Montreal Walking Tours

The #1 Walking Tour through Old Montreal

“For visitors and locals who want to enjoy a different pace of life”

“What better way to discover the city?”

“ Fun and dynamic, whether you’re with friends, family or travelling solo “

• Free Old Montreal Walking Tour

2:15 hours | 5.00 CAD Booking fee | Runs rain or shine 12 months a year

Uncover the pivotal historic landmarks of Old Montreal. Dive into the fascinating tale of the city’s origins and its transformation into the vibrant metropolis we see today.

What you’ll see:  Place Jacques Cartier, Chateau Ramezay’s garden, Notre-Dame de Bonsecours Chapel, and the historical Place d’Armes on our Old Montreal Tour.

Montreal Street Art Walking Tour

2:15 hours | 39.95 CAD + tx & fees | Runs rain or shine 12 months a year

Discover the abundant Montreal street art scene, public masterpieces, and the lively streets of the Plateau neighborhood.

Tour Highlights: Wander along Saint-Laurent Boulevard, famously known as the Main Street, take a peek at Leonard Cohen’s former abode, and discover 25 vibrant murals plus many more hidden treasures.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Bike Tour

3 hours | 79.95 CAD + tax & fees Includes bike and helmet.

This insider’s tour is the best way to discover Montreal off the beaten path and get a big dose of the local lifestyle.

Tour Highlights: This authentic tour goes beyond downtown into Montreal’s hip must-see hoods. Ride bike paths, quiet streets, and laneways spotting street art and cool pop-up events. The experience is like a casual ride with a local friend.

Discover Old Montreal’s history, culture & architecture

Discover the essential historic sites of Old Town. Learn how the city was founded, and how it evolved into the Metropolis that it is today.

Enjoy Old Montreal’s charming European feel, with stories you won’t find in a guidebook! Join our expert guides in a 2 hour and 15 minutes walking tour!

About the Free Old Montreal Tour

• Offered almost everyday
• Multiple Departures per day during high season
• Licensed and certified local guides

Why Take the Free Old Montreal Tour?

An excellent introduction.

Learn how the city was founded, and how it evolved into the Metropolis that it is today. Enjoy Old Montreal’s charming European feel, with stories you won’t find in a guidebook!

Official and Certified Guides

Not only are our guides romantically in love with Montreal, they also know their stuff: All our guides received professional training at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (just in case their love wasn’t enough).

The best stories and anecdotes

Meet other awesome travelers. Get personal recommendations for restaurants and venues after the tour. Visit unique places and sightseeings

Specialized Food Tours

Hungry for more?

We also offer food and craft beer walking tours in the Mile-End and Old Montréal neighborhoods. Check our website localfoodtours.com for more information.

Save 5% off!

on all Food Tours with this Promo Code:

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Local Food Tours

We’re passionate about our city and love telling its unique stories. Embark on this one-of-a-kind journey and experience Montréal by sampling its delicious culinary heritage.

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15 Best Montreal Walking Tours to Explore the City

Are you looking for the best walking tours in Montreal? You’ll find them here.

Montreal is one of the most vibrant cities in Canada, with its rich culture, diverse communities and stunning architecture. One of my favourite places, I’ve visited this city many times.

A walking tour will provide you with a good overview of Montreal’s history, attractions and culture all while walking around some of its most famous neighbourhoods. But how do you choose the right tour for you?

To make sure you don’t miss out on any essential sites or experiences, I’m sharing the best Montreal walking tours in Old Montreal, downtown, and across the city.

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on qualifying purchases so we can continue to create helpful content. Thank you, and we appreciate it. See our disclosure policy for more information.

Table of Contents

1. Old Montreal Private Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 119+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | BOOK NOW

See the best of Old Montreal on an Old Montreal Private Walking Tour .

This 2-hour walking tour of Old Montreal will take you through some of the most iconic sights such as Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Place d’Armes, and Old Port.

Have a more personalized experience with your own guide as you learn about this historic neighbourhood dating back to 1642. With its leisurely pace, get an overview and orientation of all that makes Old Montreal unique.

Perfect for groups of up to 15, bring your friends and family and get exploring. Private tours cost more, but with its group cost, you can spread the cost out more and have a custom tour.

“HIGHLY recommend this tour! Our tour guide was excellent, very knowledgeable, and kept up with our barrage of questions (we’re all history nerds). She also had a great sense of humor so we had lots of laughs along the way.” – Chad W ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Old Montreal Private Walking Tour

2. Under the Surface of Montreal’s Chinatown: Guided Food Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 20+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4.5 hours | BOOK NOW

Combine Chinese cuisine and a Montreal walking tour together on the Under the Surface of Montreal’s Chinatown: Guided Food Walking Tour .

This 4.5-hour walking tour offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to explore and taste some of the city’s most delicious culinary delights while learning more about their history and culture.

Sample Chinese pastries at a bakery. Nibble on Hong-Hong-style dim sum. Drink tea made with leaves from China. And more.

With only 2 people allowed per tour, this ultra-small group food tour is sure to be memorable.

“We toured Chinatown and got a history of it and surrounding areas- we had fantastic food and tried things that I never would have known about. Our guide was charming and informative – the pace was perfect, and we had frequent breaks so it was not too taxing.” – Shawna M ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Under the Surface of Montreal’s Chinatown: Guided Food Walking Tour

3. Montreal Walking Tasting Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 320+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 hours | BOOK NOW

Explore Little Italy and Mile End with your stomach leading the way on this Montreal Walking Tasting Tour .

This small-group walking tour offers guests a unique opportunity to taste some of Montreal’s must-eat food while exploring its history and culture. Stop at bars, restaurants, bakeries, and delicatessens along the way.

From traditional poutine dishes to sweet treats, there is something for everyone on this delicious walking tour! And if that’s not enough, your guide will provide you will more insight into more places to eat during your trip to Montreal.

So get your hunger ready for 3.5 hours of eating and walking around Montreal.

“A different part of Montreal, great to experience more than the usual “tourist stops”. The food was interesting, with good stories to go along. It is exceedingly unlikely that we would have found the places we were taken to on our own, even with all the online guides. And a treat to go with Simon, who loves the local food and was able to share his love with us. Expensive, yes, but worth it.” – Lance ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Montreal Walking Tasting Tour

4. Beyond the Basilica: a Walking Tour in Montreal

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 268+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | BOOK NOW

Beyond the Basilica: a Walking Tour in Montreal is a great way to see more of the city in less time. Perfect for those looking to walk and taste their way through Montreal.

This 2.5-hour small-group walking tour takes visitors through some of the most beautiful neighbourhoods, starting in Old Montreal and ending in Plateau Mont-Royal.

Step inside the famous Notre Dame Basilica , check out street art, enjoy food tastings and receive recommendations for the rest of your time in Canada’s second-largest city.

With beverages, snacks, and food tasting included, grab your comfiest walking shoes and get ready for a comprehensive tour of Montreal.

“The tour around the areas surrounding the basilica was great! Our guide certainly knew the area and enjoyed sharing the culture of these different neighborhoods with us.” – Marianne M ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Beyond the Basilica a Walking Tour in Montreal

5. Explore Old Montreal – A Small-Group Walking Tour for the Curious

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 297+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | BOOK NOW

See the highlights of Montreal on an Old Montreal Tour – A Small-Group Walking Tour for the Curious .

This 2-hour walking tour provides a comprehensive overview of the highlights of this beautiful city while giving visitors more attention from their passionate guide.

Gain insights into local history, architecture, culture, food and art, as well as recommendations on places to eat, drink, and explore later on.

Rain or shine, get ready to discover all that Old Montreal has to offer.

“The length of this tour and size of the group was perfect, and it was a perfect introduction for first-time visitors to Montreal. We visited in December, and the tour had both outdoor and indoor components so we never got too cold. Our tour guide Elise was so friendly and funny, and also very knowledgeable. She took time to answer everyone’s questions and never made the group feel rushed. We were also given a list of local recommendations at the end of the tour which was great!” – Elizabeth S ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Explore Old Montreal – A Small-Group Walking Tour for the Curious 

6. Montreal: Private Tour with a Local Guide

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 ( 21+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-6 hours | BOOK NOW

You call the shots on the customizable Montreal: Private Tour with a L ocal Guide .

See some of the most iconic landmarks in Montreal, such as Musee des Beaux-Arts de Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, and more.

The tour can last anywhere from 2-6 hours depending on how much time you have available and what sights you want to see. Old Montreal, Downtown, Little Italy, Mile End, and more are all options. It’s limited only to your group so that you get a personalized experience.

“This was the first tour of this type I’ve ever taken part in and we really enjoyed the personalized and customized nature of it. It’s really one of the first tours we’ve taken in over two decades of traveling in which we felt we were in control of the program and itinerary. This made the experience a lot more fulfilling.” – Ryan S ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Montreal: Private Tour with a Local Guide

7. Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City – A Walking Tour for the Curious

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 20+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | BOOK NOW  

Explore the maze of tunnels and passageways beneath Montreal’s streets on the Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City – A Walking Tour for the Curious .

Living through Montreal’s chilly winters, locals have found creative ways of getting around the cold, including the RESO which is 32km long.

This 2-hour walking tour takes visitors on an exploration of the city’s underground pedestrian network.

It’s a unique tour, ideal for those who want to learn more about Montreal’s fascinating history and get a glimpse into its secret passageways.

“Martin was a great tour guide with a thorough knowledge of the history and orientation of the underground system and the general Montreal geography. I would recommend new visitors to the city to try this tour which will help your orientation of the city and discover places you would otherwise be unaware of and miss altogether.” – Ricky T ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City – A Walking Tour for the Curious

8. Old Montreal Walking Tour Off the Beaten Path

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 142+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours | BOOK NOW

Wonder through the best preserved Old Town in Canada, outside of Quebec City, on the Old Montreal Walking Tour Off the Beaten Path .

This 2.5-hour small-group walking tour of Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal) is ideal for first-time visitors, as well as those who have visited Montreal before. It’s one of the best activities in summer when the weather is warm and sunny.

Stops are catered to the interests of the group. Choose to explore cobblestone streets, 18th-century architecture, and quaint cafes while learning interesting historical facts about this beautiful part of Canada.

Available year-round, make sure you dress for the weather.

“Our guide was very friendly and made the tour very enjoyable. Provided more than enough information about old Montreal to make us want to come back in the summer to further explore the area.” – Clint P ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Old Montreal Walking Tour Off the Beaten Path

9. The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 194+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | BOOK NOW

Explore the vibrant street art scene of Montreal on The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour .

This 2-hour walking tour takes visitors along St.-Laurent Boulevard, which has become an open-air gallery with over 100 works of art. Discover cultural and political murals created by local and international artists, as well as graffiti and installations from one of the largest mural festivals in Canada.

With the tour size limited, you will get an up-close look at the amazing artwork that lines this iconic avenue.

Every time I visit Montreal, I head to St. Laurent Boulevard to see what new art pieces have emerged. I love touring this artsy area.

“This is the OG mural arts tour. Lots of great info about the local street art scene. Highly recommend. Would love to explore more next time I’m in Montreal, but this is a great introduction.” – Dianne Y ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK The Original Montreal Mural Arts Tour

10. Old Montreal Walking Tour 

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 110+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | BOOK NOW

See the best sights and attractions of the city on the Old Montreal Walking Tour .

This 2-hour small-group walking tour of Montreal will take you through the most famous landmarks and less-visited gems. All while providing an insight into the history and culture of this beautiful metropolis.

Highlights include Notre Dame, Place Jacques Cartier, The Chateau Ramezay Museum, and more. Plus, get recommendations from your guide on where else to visit during your stay in Montreal.

“I had only just arrived in Montreal and this was a great way to get my bearings and learn some history. It was a two hour tour and we walked the whole time. It was excellent value for money. Our guide Clara, was very friendly and answered all the questions asked of her.” – Kate R ( see more reviews ) 

➜ BOOK Old Montreal Walking Tour

11. History Walking Tour of Old Montreal

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 ( 1344+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | BOOK NOW

Step into the past on the History Walking Tour of Old Montreal .

This guided walking tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history, heritage, architecture and culture dating back to New France.

See famous sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, Bonsecours Market and more while learning about their historical significance.

Choose between three options: East Old Montreal, West Old Montreal, or both. This small group tour is great even if it’s not your first time in Montreal.

“Joanne did a wonderful job of setting the historical background for our walking tour of the English West side of Old Montréal. She was – organized, engaging, and funny. I was impressed with how she managed the different members of our tour group. As a professional tour guide myself, I am able to commend Joanne as a top city guide. Well done!” – Manuel M ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK History Walking Tour of Old Montreal

12. Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour in Montréal

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 ( 34+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | BOOK NOW

See the spooky side of Montreal on the Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour in Montreal .

This 1.5-hour nighttime walking tour is perfect for history lovers and those who love a good ghost story.

From haunted buildings to mysterious ruins, this walking tour will give you an in-depth look at the Griffintown neighbourhood. Join your guide as they lead you through this fascinating area while providing commentary on the Industrial Revolution, the Famine of 1847, and other historical events.

“I went on the Griffintown tour right before Hallowe’en. Our host was informative and entertaining, and the stories told on the tour were so fascinating that I continued reading about them when I went home later. This tour went from 8:30 pm to 10:00 pm and went through sections of town that were not very busy or commercial, so the atmosphere was perfect for retellings of ghost sightings. I would certainly recommend this tour, especially to history buffs!” – Stef, TripAdvisor ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour in Montréal

13. Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 ( 303+ reviews ) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | BOOK NOW

Hear some of the best ghost stories in Old Town on the Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour .

This 1.5-hour walking tour takes visitors along the oldest and most haunted streets of Old Montreal, revealing spooky stories about its past.

From tales of criminals and witchcraft to grim events that haunt the city, this walking tour is sure to provide a unique experience.

“Our ghost tour was great! Our ghostly guide was amazing. She was well rehearsed, well informed and hilarious. We had so much fun. Would definitely recommend this tour.” – Bonnie B ( see more reviews )

➜ BOOK Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour 

14. Montreal: Small Group Downtown Walking Tour

⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | BOOK NOW

Discover the unique charm of Downtown Montreal on the Montreal: Small Group Downtown Walking Tour .

This 2-hour walking tour will take you through historical sites, monuments, parks, churches and more in the heart of this amazing city.

Your passionate local guide will keep you entertained with history, secrets, hidden gems and fun facts as you see some of the best sights in Downtown Montreal.

➜ BOOK Montreal: Small Group Downtown Walking Tour

15. Montreal: Little Italy and Jean-Talon Market Walking Tour 

Get off the beaten path on the Montreal: Little Italy and Jean-Talon Market Walking Tour .

This 2-hour small-group walking tour offers an opportunity to explore one of Montreal’s best neighbourhoods. Walk along the charming streets of Little Italy, learn about its local history and culture, and visit some of its famous institutions.

Stroll through one of North America’s biggest open-air markets –Jean Talon Farmers Market. Where you can sample fresh products from local vendors, including baked goods, cheeses, meats, and local Quebec products.

If you like visiting markets as I do, you will like this one. I loved eating my way through Jean-Talon Market.

➜ BOOK Montreal: Little Italy and Jean-Talon Market Walking Tour

FAQs about Montreal Walking Tours

Is montreal good for walking.

Montreal is a great city for walking. Despite its large size, most of the popular attractions are grouped together which makes it easy to walk within individual neighbourhoods. 

And if you get tired of all the walking, the metro is well-connected to bring you around the city.

How Long is a Montreal Walking Tour?

Montreal walking tours vary in length from 1.5-6 hours depending on which tour your choose. 

The average walking tour of Montreal is 1.5 – 2 hours, so it’s easy to fit into your Montreal itinerary. 

Final Thoughts: Best Walking Tours in Montreal

Montreal walking tours are a great way to explore the city’s rich history, heritage, architecture and culture. Whether you’re looking for an Old Montreal walking tour, a ghost walk, or a walking food tour, Montreal has something for everyone.

The best walking tour in Montreal is the one with the smallest group size and most customizable – Old Montreal Private Walking Tour.

For those who love ghost stories and history alike – take a Haunted Griffintown Ghost Walking Tour in Montreal.

Foodies can indulge in French Canadian cuisine on the Montreal Walking Tasting Tour.

No matter which walking tour you pick, it will be sure to provide unforgettable memories that will last long after your trip to Montreal .

And if you are going to Quebec City also, don’t forget to take a walking tour of Old Quebec .

Travelling to Canada? Read more:

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• The Best Jasper National Park Tours
• Where to Stay in Jasper in Winter
• 3 Days in Jasper Winter Itinerary
• Jasper Food Tour Review
• Hiking Maligne Canyon Icewalk
• Fun Things to Do in Jasper in Winter
• Skiing and Snowboarding in Jasper
• Abraham Lake Bubbles: Best Time to Visit
• Visiting Niagara Falls in Winter
• How to Get to Bathtub Island
• Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail Hike
• Hiking Cup and Saucer Trail on Manitoulin Island
• Hiking Pink Lake in Gatineau
• How to Spend 2 Days in Montreal
• The Best Walking Tours in Montreal
• Must-Eat Places in Montreal
• Fun Things to Do in Montreal in the Summer
• How to Spend 3 Days in Quebec City
• The Best Old Quebec City Walking Tours
• The Prettiest Streets in Quebec City
• How to Get to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City
• Fun Things to Do in Quebec City in Summer
• Fun Things to Do in Quebec City in Winter
• Visiting Hopewell Rocks
• Best Places to See on the Irish Loop in Newfoundland
• Hiking La Mache Suspension Bridge
• Fun Things to Do in Newfoundland
• Watching a Cape Spear Sunrise: North America’s First Sunrise

Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

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Montreal Small Group Walking Tours

Montreal for the curious – carefully curated small-group experiences, mtl detours is a 100% locally owned and operated small independent tour company.

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Our guided walking tours.

Take a Detour With Us and See the Local Side of Montreal

Explore Plateau Mont-Royal & Mile End Walking Tour

Explore Old Montreal Walking Tour

Little Italy & Jean Talon Market Walking Tour

Join MTL Detours for a small group walking tour of Montreal and enjoy a carefully tailored experience showcasing the highlights and hidden treasures of Montreal with a local Montreal tour guide! Choose from a variety of neighbourhoods and tour themes – Old Montreal, Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End, Little Italy, Montreal’s Underground City, and more. Whichever tour you select, you’ll delve into Montreal’s history, see iconic landmarks and architecture, and explore the city like a local – on foot! 

MTL Detours is a 100% locally owned and operated small independent tour company – founded in and based in Montreal.

Personal small-group experiences.

We cap our tours at a maximum of 10–12 to give each guest attention.

Interactive & Off The Beaten Path

We are focused on showing guests the authentic local side of Montreal.

Guided By Passionate Montrealers

Excited to show guests all the nooks and crannies of this fascinating city.

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MTL Detours acknowledges that their tours take place on the unceded Indigenous territory of Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal). This area has long been a traditional meeting and exchange site for many First Nations. We recognize and respect the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation (Mohawk) as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather. MTL Detours is thankful to give walking tours here, is dedicated to ongoing learning and strives to operate in a respectful, accurate and honorable manner.

Old Montreal Walking Tour

Rated out of 5 Read Reviews

Enjoy the ambiance and history of Old Montreal with our self-guided walking tour

No where else in Montreal will you discover the charm and ambiance found in its oldest district. If you can only do one walking tour while visiting Montreal, this is the one we'd recommend. It is the perfect way to explore the city if you only have one day to visit.

Our walking tour begins at Champs-de-Mars station on the Orange line and after meandering through the picturesque and charming streets of Old Montreal for a distance of 3.5 kilometers, finishes at Place-d'Armes Station on the same Metro line. The actual walking time is a little under one hour, but we would recommend that you allow a minimum of 2 - 3 hours to complete the tour, as you will want to take time to explore and photograph some of the numerous attractions that line the route, not to mention exploring the boutique shops and galleries or stopping in for some tasty cuisine at one the many restaurants.

Many of Montreals most historic attractions and landmarks are in this area. We point out their location in the step-by-step directions located under the Map & Directions tab above. For more information on the individual attractions you can click on the links which will take you to the page on our site detailing that attraction.

If you would like a fully guided tour of Old Montreal you'll really enjoy the following highly rated 2 hour tour available in English

• See the complete line of Montreal Experiences on Viator

How to get to Old Montreal Walking Tour by Metro

• Make your way to Champ-de-Mars Metro Station on the Line 2 and take the Saint_Antoine Sud (South) exit. Walk to your right (south) along Rue Gosford.
• Go left on Rue Saint-Paul where you will pass Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and also Bonsecours Market which is also one of many National Historic Sites located in Montreal.
• Go right on Rue Berri.
• Go left on Rue de la Commune East.
• Go right at Place Jacques-Cartier and follow it to the far end at the Montreal City Hall, then double back down the other side to Rue Saint-Paul. Across from the the north end of the plaza you will see two historic buildings on either side of Vauquelin Square; Édifice Lucien-Saulnier (1856) to your left and Montreal City Hall (1878) to your right. Opposite the City Hall is the Chateau Ramezay Museum .
• Go left on Rue Saint-Paul .
• Go left on Rue Saint Sulpice.
• Go right on Rue de la Commune East. The Pointe-a-Calliere Museum is ahead on the left and the Old Port Promenade is across the road by the river.
• Go right on at the stop sign (Rue Marguerite D'Youville) followed by an immediate right onto Rue Saint Pierre and look for Centre d'Histoire de Montreal (Montreal History Centre) on your right at the next corner.
• Go right on Place d'Youville.
• Go left on Rue Saint Nicolas.
• Go right on Rue Saint Paul.
• Go left on Rue Saint Francis Xavier and watch for the Centaur Theatre located in the historic Montreal Stock Exchange building ahead on the right.
• Go right on Rue Notre-Dame - Basilica of Notre-Dame is just ahead on the right.
• Go left on Place des Armes.
• Continue on Rue Saint Urbain to Place des Armes Station to complete your walk.

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Our current deals

Take advantage of the benefits we have to offer!

Get 25% off all our self-guided walking tours with code SPRING25 . 

No advance booking required! Access our tours anytime at your convenience at www.tourbird.ca . 

TourBird will take you off the beaten track for authentic experiences. All of our audio walking tours come with an interactive map and a meticulously researched walking path with captivating audio explanations. 

Whether you choose our self-guided audio walking tour "from Square Victoria to the Old Port" or "Explore the Plateau’s Maze of Murals", with TourBird you will experience the city like a Montrealer.

• Enter code SPRING25 at checkout, then click on "apply". 
• Offer valid until May 15th at 11:59PM.

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Explore Montréal’s eclectic and colourful neighbourhoods on foot with TourBird, a selection of self-guided audio walking tours that can be done at any time. There’s no need to download an app as each tour can be purchased and accessed from a mobile browser. Each tour can be broken down into parts so if it starts to rain or snow, simply pause the tour and pick it up again later. Walk through the Plateau’s maze of murals or stroll the streets between Square Victoria and the Old Port. Certain tours are available in French, English, German and Spanish.

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A Perfect Walking Tour of Montreal, Canada

Despite being one of the major cities in Canada, Montreal is relatively small and quite easy to navigate on foot (or by bike). Several of its best-known and most vibrant districts are within a stone’s throw of each other, which is ideal for exploring. Here are our recommendations for planning out a perfect self-guided walking tour of Montreal .

Notre dame basilica.

Start in the heart of Montreal’s historic district, in front of one of its most iconic buildings. Notre Dame is a Gothic Revival basilica whose foundations date back to 1672, with the region’s French Catholic origins . With intricate carvings, statues, and richly colored stained-glass windows, the basilica is impressive to take in both inside and out.

Old Montreal & the St. Lawrence River

Heading away from the Old Port, walk through Montreal’s Chinatown neighborhood, which is marked by an ornate paifang , or arched gateway, on Boulevard Saint Laurent. Here, you’ll find a variety of Asian markets, shops, bakeries, and restaurants.

Quartier des Spectacles

From there, walk over to Quartier des Spectacles, which will also give you a sense of the downtown area of Montreal . Quartier des Spectacles is the city’s main arts and entertainment district, which hosts popular annual festivals such as Montreal’s Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, and other events. If you visit Montreal during the warmer months—and even during the icy depths of winter, around the holidays—you’re sure to come across a lively free event in the central Place des Festivals.

Boulevard Saint Laurent & the Plateau

From Quartier des Spectacles, meander up Boulevard Saint Laurent, which is one of the main east-west arteries in the city. This route will take you up into the Plateau neighborhood , a popular spot for students, hipsters, and visitors. Here, you’ll find boutiques, cafés, clubs, and restaurants, along with some of the important landmarks in Montreal’s street art scene. Explore some of the side streets to get a sense of the architectural and cultural elements that make this area unique.

Parc Mont-Royal

You can also walk over to the central “mountain” that gives Montreal its name. Rising at its highest peak to 233 meters (764 feet), Mont-Royal is home to a sloping park and forested pathways that make it a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, picnickers, and during the winter, even cross-country skiers. It’s a large park with different levels, including various lookouts that offer great views of the city skyline, a human-made pond, trails, and green fields.

The Mile End

If you keep walking up St. Laurent, you’ll find yourself heading out of the Plateau and into the Mile End. As the Plateau continues to gentrify, the Mile End has captured some its artistic and hipster elements. Here, you’ll find iconic Montreal bagel spots Fairmount and Saint-Viateur , along with Café Olympico and other restaurants and coffee shops. There are also a variety of boutiques and galleries to explore in this neighborhood.

Little Italy

Past the Mile End, you’ll find Little Italy, with its origins reaching back even prior to the major wave of Italian immigration to Montreal (and other Canadian cities) between 1946 and 1960. There are Italian-Canadian restaurants, cafés, bars, and shops, and the neighborhood has a friendly and ambient atmosphere. You can also visit the Church of the Madonna della Difesa, built by Italian immigrants and inaugurated in 1919. It’s celebrated for its beautifully painted cupola and ceiling frescoes.

Jean-Talon Market

End this walking tour of some of Montreal’s most iconic areas with a visit to the Jean-Talon Market , one of the city’s finest. Open year-round, at Jean-Talon, you can find a variety of local produce, meat, cheese, fish, spices, and baked goods. There are around 300 vendors, so you’re sure to find something to enjoy—whether it’s a smoothie, snack or light meal—while people-watching in the lively market. It’s a perfect way to end a long day of walking and exploring the city.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Despite its sometimes divisive language politics, extreme seasons, and chronic traffic headaches, Montrealers, or les Montréalais , are justifiably proud of their distinctive, if idiosyncratic, city — and for good reason. Travel + Leisure readers named Montreal one of their favorite cities in Canada in 2023 .

The sophisticated, French-speaking (yet very bilingual), culturally diverse city lays claim to world-class restaurants, lovely parks, superb art galleries and museums, a dynamic music scene, inspiring 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

It can also be a lot of fun in the winter , when locals like to get out and celebrate the cold and snow, even extending the revelry at outdoor festivals and concerts at night.

Thom Seivewright, a Montreal expert and former hotel concierge, launched his small-group tour company, Tours Montreal , in the Canadian city in 2016. “Our art scene is on par with cities two or three times our size,” he says. “There’s obviously a big emphasis placed on arts and culture in Montreal.”

There’s a big emphasis on food , too. Montrealers love their bagels, cheeses, poutine, and maple syrup, and they’re loyal to their chef-owned restaurants. “It’s a little gem of a city that has world-class dining — and world-class junk food,” says Seivewright. 

Long known for its exuberant after-dark scene, Montreal has it all, from cocktail bars to Irish pubs, jazz bars to pulsating dance clubs. The city is even planning to create a 24-hour nightlife district .

Here's everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Montreal.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• The fashionable, Parisian-style brasserie and rooftop terrace at Hôtel Le Place d’Armes, a boutique luxury property overlooking Place d’Armes and the Notre-Dame Basilica, attracts locals and tourists alike.
• Designed by American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who was also responsible for New York City’s Central Park, Parc du Mont-Royal is an oasis of greenery in the city center.
• Mon Lapin, a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy serving natural wines and an ever-changing menu of small plates, was voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 . 
• Bar Furco’s lovely terrace becomes lively in the summer during Montreal’s ritual cinq à sept (happy hour).
• Saint Laurent Boulevard, a.k.a. the Main, is a good place to get a glimpse of Montreal’s 19th- and 20th-century immigrant history. It's also the historical dividing line between French and English in the city.

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts

Hotel Nelligan

Hotel Nelligan , located in the heart of Old Montreal, was T+L readers' favorite city hotel in Canada in 2023 . Spanning four 19th-century graystones, the 105-room boutique property lies near the Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port waterfront. Its seasonal rooftop terrace is a summer favorite for its picturesque views and lively happy hour.

Hôtel Place d’Armes

Another T+L reader favorite, Hôtel Place d’Armes is housed in four 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica. The property is highly rated for its tasteful rooms featuring hardwood floors and brick walls, swanky French brasserie , and popular rooftop terrace. 

Hôtel Uville

One of the city’s newer hotels, opened in 2020, Hôtel Uville got its name thanks to its location in Old Montreal’s Place d’Youville. Uville is part design hotel, part museum — a love letter to the Montreal of the 1960s and '70s. This was transformative period, a time when francophone Quebecers were turning away from the Catholic church and leading the charge in North America vis-à-vis cuisine, style, and design — the culmination of which were Expo 67 and the 1976 Olympics.

“This hotel is very cool,” says Seivewright. “They did a great job. The details, like the tiled bathrooms and custom-made wallpapers, are amazing. They’ve got archival photos and artifacts from the '60s and '70s in each of the rooms, and documentary films from the National Film Board that you can watch on your room’s TV.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal

Montreal’s grande-dame hotel, the Ritz-Carlton , opened in 1912 in the city's Golden Square Mile. In addition to housing chef Daniel Boulud's Maison Boulud , the refined property offers afternoon tea in the ornate Palm Court and seasonal garden terrace, Spa St. James, and an indoor saltwater pool.

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Located in Golden Square Mile since 2019, the posh  Four Seasons Hotel Montreal is connected via a third-floor walkway to the luxury department store Holt Renfrew Ogilvy . The hotel boasts Marcus Restaurant + Terrace, in partnership with legendary Manhattan chef Marcus Samuelsson; a Guerlain Spa; and a skylit swimming pool with an upstream current generator.

Best Things to Do 

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Parc du Mont-Royal

What Central Park is to New Yorkers and Hyde Park to Londoners, Parc du Mont-Royal, or Mount Royal Park, is to Montrealers. At 764 feet high, Mount Royal may not be much of a mountain, but the park is, as Seivewritght says, “the heart and soul of the city.” He adds, “The fact that Montreal is a four-season city and Mount Royal is a four-season park makes it even better because you’ve got skiing, skating, and tobogganing in the wintertime. And in the summer, you can go biking and walking.” You can also go for a picnic and rent a rowboat or Mölkky or spikeball equipment at Beaver Lake. 

Old Montreal

With its graystone buildings and narrow streets, Old Montreal can sometimes feel like a slice of Europe in North America. Certainly no visit to Montreal is complete without a stop here. Not only will you find the city’s most important historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Basilica , the 18th-century Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel , the Second Empire-style City Hall, and the neoclassic Marché Bonsecours , but it’s also home to pretty boutique hotels, haute-couture shops, and chef-owned restaurants.

Pointe-à-Callière

A national archaeological site, Pointe-à-Callière , now an impressive archaeology and history museum, sits above the ruins of the birthplace of Montreal. “The Pointe-à-Callière museum is amazing,” says Seivewright. “They’ll take you underground to see the ruins of the original fortifications of Montreal, the original city the French built here in the 1600s.” Visitors can also see Indigenous artifacts uncovered during a dig and part of North America’s first collector sewer, built between 1832 and 1838.

Arsenal Contemporary Art Gallery

Opened in Montreal in an 80,000-square-foot building in 2011, Arsenal Contemporary Art has since expanded to include locations in Toronto and New York City. “Outside of the museums, I would send my clients to certain galleries around town. These days, one of my favorites is Arsenal. It has an amazing [selection] in its permanent collection, but it also puts on temporary exhibits that are just mind-blowing,” says Seivewright.

Montreal is a city of festivals, with everything from jazz (the city hosts the world’s largest jazz festival) to Pride to circus arts celebrated here. There’s even a dedicated festival and outdoor performance space downtown called the Quartier des Spectacles . While there are festivals year-round , May to September is the city’s busiest period.

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La Banquise

One of Quebec's most beloved foods is poutine, traditionally a mess (translation of "poutine") of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. But poutine continues to get more upscale. A veritable institution since 1968, La Banquise doesn’t claim to be high-end, but the casual eatery serves 35 kinds of poutine and it’s open 24 hours. “La Banquise is a classic. I’m [vegetarian], and in my opinion, the veggie gravies are even more delicious,” says Seivewright. “A lot of people knock La Banquise because it’s popular, but I stand by it.”

Montreal Plaza

The design at Montreal Plaza is elegant and stylish, yet also notable for its eccentric touches like a dollhouse hanging upside down from the ceiling and Elmo sitting on the bar. Even certain dishes, like crudo or oysters, are served atop a toy triceratops or among plastic Smurfs. Chef and owner Charles-Antoine Crête and his team enjoy serving great food in a playful, joyous way. “This is my favorite place,” says Seivewright. “It’s not the just the way the food is prepared or what it is, but the whimsical, creative way it’s presented.”

Sushi Momo , from Mexican-Canadian chef Christian Ventura, is Montreal’s best vegan sushi restaurant. The sleek, dimly lit, botanically adorned space in the Plateau area is inviting, while the artfully plated confections are a feast for the eyes and the fusion of flavors a song for the taste buds.

Nora Gray , a lively, casual restaurant in Griffintown, is known for its southern Italian cuisine, updated cucina povera , and privately imported natural and organic wines. The dark wood, banquettes, long bar, and warm candlelight lend the restaurant an intimate, romantic, and club-like feel. 

Dominique Lafond

Voted Canada’s best restaurant in 2023 , Mon Lapin is a cozy wine bar and restaurant in Little Italy. It serves natural wines and an ever-changing menu of French- and Italian-inspired small plates. Each dish highlights fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients plus unexpected flavor combinations.

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Cloakroom Bar

The 25-seat Cloakroom Bar , with a cloak-and-dagger atmosphere, was named Canada’s second-best bar in 2023 . “It’s one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world,” says Seivewright. “It’s hidden behind a menswear shop, which makes it even cooler. It’s very exclusive feeling. You tell them, 'I like gin, I like citrus,' and they’ll create something for you. If you’re three people and you all like the same thing, they’ll create three different drinks.”

Situated in the Plateau Mont-Royal, Diese Onze is an intimate jazz bar that also serves tapas and mains. “I’m a big jazz fan, and I love Diese Onze,” says Seivewright. “It’s a good mix of local and out-of-town musicians.”

Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill

A Montreal institution since 1995, Upstairs is, funnily enough, located in a basement. It attracts big-name international jazz acts who make this a routine stop on their tour itineraries.

Pub Le Sainte-Élisabeth 

Established in 1997, this European-style pub between the Quartier des Spectacles and student-heavy Quartier Latin is quite cozy inside, but it’s the enclosed, leafy terrace at the back that draws people here come summer. The service many not win any awards, but Le Sainte-Élisabeth is about the ambience. 

The minimalist redesign of the Canadian Fur Company building (hence Furco ), located on a downtown back street, is a big draw for wine lovers and the happy hour crowd. It features an adventurous food and wine menu, in addition to more traditional charcuterie and cheese plates.

Maison Marie Saint Pierre

Marie Saint Pierre 's Montreal-made, ready-to-wear pieces marry timeless feminine styles with contemporary flair and function.

Entering this handsome Crescent Street atelier-cum-boutique near the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is like stepping into an old-school European tailor shop. Started by their father, Arthur Der Shahinian, sons Tavit and John carry on the tradition of crafting impeccably fitted and designed bespoke men’s suits and shirts, with damask silk lining and hand-sewn button holes, never compromising on quality or friendly, professional service.

Simons is originally from Quebec City, but it’s popular in cities across Canada. The small, mid-range department store downtown carries popular fashion brands as well as its own collections, in addition to homewares. “I’m a big fan of Simons,” says Seivewright. “I buy half my clothes there. The price point is good, the quality is good, and I like that it’s a local brand.”

Holt Renfrew Ogilvy

Montreal’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue, Holt Renfrew Ogilvy is a one-stop shop for all things luxury, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. Clients can also enjoy a personal shopping experience in one of the five fifth-floor suites or the glamorous art-deco Café Holt, with its remarkable solar-like orb set above the central bar.

Saint Laurent Boulevard

“Saint Laurent [Boulevard], between Saint Joseph Boulevard and up to Van Horne Avenue, has the best boutique design shopping nowadays,” says Seivewright. “You could go all the way up to Little Italy and it’s still amazing. I was walking there the other day and every single window I walked by made me want to go in. There are furniture shops, clothing shops, and jewelry shops — some of it is new, some of it is vintage, and it’s all local.”

Saint-Henri

Saint-Henri, once a francophone working-class neighborhood, is now gentrified, replete with popular, chef-owned wine bars and restaurants, antiques shops, cafes, and boutiques. Still, it retains pockets of its former self. “I love it because it has parts that haven’t changed in a hundred years and others that make it the most modern neighborhood in Montreal,” says Seivewright. “It’s got a cool, little rough-around-the-edges vibe. It’s one of those neighborhoods where you’ll have a multimillion-dollar home next to a really rundown place, and you see that contrast. Then, you listen to the people and hear French and English. You've got old people, young people — it’s a neighborhood where everything mixes.”

Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End

Once relegated to working-class European immigrants, the Plateau/Mile End area is the epicenter of Montreal’s creativity and bohemian joie de vivre. Leafy streets lined with triplexes fronted by balconies and steep, often-winding, wrought-iron staircases invite visitors to explore this neighborhood bursting with convivial cafes, top-drawer restaurants , funky vintage shops, and trendy boutiques.

For a glimpse into how the upper crust of Montreal lived until the 1970s and '80s, head to the neighborhood of Outremont. Its two main shopping and dining strips are Bernard Ouest and Laurier Ouest avenues — part of the former turns into a pedestrian-only area come summer, with restaurant terraces sitting directly on the street.

Montreal is a four-season city. Late April to mid-May tends to be best for blooming trees, while October to early November is usually prime for leaf peeping. The holiday season is lovely, but a white Christmas is increasingly rare. For a stronger chance of experiencing the romance of winter snow, January and February are ideal. Summers in Montreal are hot and humid, and heat waves can now begin as early as May. Visit in May, June, or late August through September and October to avoid the worst of the summer temperatures and crowds.

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Montreal can be reached via regular flights with Air Canada, Delta, American, and United. Flying from New York’s LaGuardia to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, better known as Dorval (YUL), takes about 90 minutes gate to gate. Driving may be cheaper, but it takes about seven hours, and unless you’re planning to pay for hotel parking, parking in Montreal can be a hassle. For travelers living in New York or Vermont, a more scenic and leisurely option (10 hours) is Amtrak’s Adirondack train from Moynihan Train Hall to Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station).

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In summer, the best way to get around is on foot or by Bixi, the city-wide bicycle rental system. In 2023, Bixi decided to end the storage of their bicycles during the winter, so they are now available year-round. However, there are not as many stations as in summer. The metro (subway) is fairly reliable and frequent during rush hour — and often the quickest way to get from point A to point B. Buses tend to be less reliable, but they go everywhere the metro does not. An Opus card can be purchased with several fares added, if you’re planning on using the metro and/or buses often. Taxis and Ubers are readily available, too, and taxis can be hailed on the street.