Things to do in Montreal

Montreal Walking Tours

Transform your next visit into an unforgettable adventure as you lace up your sneakers and explore the many treasures of Montreal with a walking tour.

Charming and effortlessly sophisticated, Montreal attracts visitors worldwide with its grand historic buildings, cutting-edge cuisine, and exuberant art scene.

We're proud to call this glorious city our home. We can confidently say the best way to experience it is by the power of your own two feet. In fact, walking is one of our performers' favorite things to do in Montreal.

Not sure where to start? Montreal walking tours provide the perfect introduction to our beloved City of Saints. There's an option to suit every traveler, whether you're keen on spooky stories or foodie haunts.

Historical and Cultural

Montreal is one of Canada's oldest cities. Before French immigrants settled in the area, it was home to Indigenous Tiohtià:ke people. In other words, it's brimming with stories. Dig into the city's rich cultural heritage and turbulent past on a historical tour.

As a bonus, you can see many of the most iconic buildings of the Montreal, Canada skyline.

Old Montreal Walking Tour Off The Beaten Path

You won't hear boring lectures on the Old Montreal Walking Tour. The knowledgeable guides are famous for their enchanting storytelling. As you wander through the gorgeous cobblestone streets of the old town, they bring Montreal's history to life in thrilling detail.

The route includes all the expected stops and historic buildings, including Place Jacques-Cartier, City Hall, and Old Port, plus a few special secrets you probably wouldn't happen across alone.

You should expect to be on your feet for approximately during this tour. But don’t let that deter you,, as there are plenty of opportunities to take breaks along the way. The tour is available year-round, but if you're visiting in the winter, make sure to bundle up.

16/42 Alleyways Walking Tour

It's easy to miss Montreal's maze of alleyways when you're just passing through. But 16/42's Alleyways Walking Tour will take you on an adventure through surprising side streets and mysterious passageways.

Take a leisurely walk through the narrow alleys that are filled with lush greenery. As you explore, your guide will narrate the story of the alleys' evolution and their significant role in the daily lives of Montrealers.

This walking tour of Montreal takes about Two hours, but be sure to allow extra time afterward to continue exploring on your own.

Old Montréal East & West Tours

If you're interested in exploring a specific part of the city, the Old Montréal East & West Tours are the perfect choice.

Each one provides an in-depth look at the neighborhood's history and culture. The east tour covers all the significant sights, including Basilique Notre-Dame and our favorite, the grand Marché Bonsecours — the hottest place to shop in 1800s Montreal.

The West tour, on the other hand, is all about getting off the beaten path. See where the first French immigrants landed in 1642 near Place d’Youville, and walk down Saint Jacques Street, Canada's Wall Street in the early 1900s.

Are you feeling energetic? Indulge your inner history nerd and complete both tours in one day. You'll even get a discount for booking them together.

Walking Tours With the Musée du Montréal Juif

Discover one of Canada's most prominent Jewish communities on a Musée du Montréal Juif walking tour.

As you explore important local landmarks, you'll learn more about the vital role Jewish people played in Montreal's historical and cultural development. This is one of the most affordable walking tours in the city, and at 1.5-2 hours long, it's manageable for people of all activity levels.

If you're a foodie, don't miss the Beyond the Bagel tour. Be sure to come hungry, as you'll spend three to four hours snacking on tasty treats around the city. Don't be afraid to ask your guide for restaurant recommendations if you stay in town for a few days.

TourBird’s Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours

Tour Montreal at your own pace with one of TourBird's self-guided walking tours with audio. Just load it onto your phone, pop in your headphones, and set off.

Want to stop for a plate of poutine or drop into a cute shop? No problem. Just hit pause and come back to the tour whenever you're ready. TourBird offers several routes, so you can pick the one that sounds the most appealing.

We recommend the Explore the Plateau’s Maze of Murals tour. It provides a fascinating look at Montreal's iconic street art. With more than 25 stops along Boulevard Saint-Laurent, it will definitely keep you busy all afternoon. You can even listen to a sample on their website before buying, to make sure the tour suits your vibe.

Sightseeing Visit of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Basilique Notre-Dame, a Montreal architectural icon, is a must-see. You'll understand why as soon as you step inside. The interior is one of the most spectacular Gothic-Revival interpretations in the world. (It's also where superstar Céline Dion got married in 1994.)

Soaring columns draw your eye upward to the brilliant blue ceiling and glimmering golden stars. It's one of those places that's almost too beautiful to comprehend. Grab a seat in a pew and take it all in. When you're ready, take a self-guided tour around the interior.

Photographer: JF Martin

Unique Experiences

If you've been to Montreal before or simply want to see the city through an unexpected lens, consider one of these unique walking tours. Each one is a riveting way to explore the hidden side of this Canadian cultural hub.

Montréal Ghosts Tour

For over 8,000 years, Montreal has been home to various indigenous communities. Take a Montréal Ghosts tour to learn more about the spirits of its former residents.

You'll stroll through the streets of Old Montreal at night, peering into alleyways and scanning darkened windows for signs of ghosts and ghoulies. The guides entertain you along the way with haunting tales and historical facts, illuminating the city's darkest periods in thrilling detail.

Despite the spooky subject matter, this tour isn't overly scary. It's appropriate for anyone aged ten or older. Group tours run from May through November, but you can book a private tour anytime.

Haunted Montreal

If you've ever wondered about the paranormal, a tour with Haunted Montreal is sure to satisfy your curiosity.

The guides are more than just enthusiasts. They're passionate ghost hunters and serious supernatural storytellers. Go beyond the old part of the city to discover the haunted history of neighborhoods, including Mount Royal, Downtown Montreal, and Griffintown.

Ghost tours run primarily in the warmer months, but if you visit in the winter, check out the Haunted Pub Crawl. It's a fun way to meet other people, try a few new pubs, and hear about the area's most haunted bars.

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Nature Guided Tours

Montreal may be the second-largest city in Canada, but it doesn’t lack in nature. You just need to know where to look. If you need some fresh air and greenery after spending a few days in the city, these walking tours of Montreal will leave you feeling refreshed. If you don’t have time for a tour, you can always stop by one of the parks in Montreal.

Montreal Botanical Garden Guided Tours of the Outdoor Gardens

Are you looking to save some money during your trip to Montreal? For a free guided tour, visit the city's Botanical Garden in the Espace pour la vie complex. Head out with an experienced guide to get up close and personal with brilliant flowers and bizarre plants.

This tour is constantly changing based on what's blooming, so you can return again and again. Outdoor garden tours run twice daily from mid-May through the end of October. Plan to spend up to 2 hours on your feet, depending on current exhibits and the group size. Go to the ticket desk to ask about the next departure.

Jardin botanique de Montréal Tour

Want to take a Jardin botanique tour in the colder months? The fun doesn't stop when the temperature drops. From November through mid-May, staff members run free tours of the greenhouses.

It's an exciting chance to see plants that don't typically grow during the cold Canadian winters, including palm trees and tropical flowers. Plus, the greenhouses are blissfully warm, even when it's frigid outside.

Photographer: Annie Spratt

Food and Drink Tours

Look at any list of the best food cities in Canada, and Montreal will undoubtedly appear near the top. It's a paradise for food lovers of all stripes, with innovative restaurants serving everything from classic French cuisine to Quebec terroir.

Don't waste your precious meals gambling on restaurant recommendations. Food-oriented walking tours in Montreal, Canada, give you access to local hot spots and underrated culinary gems.

Iconic Dishes: Jewish Montreal, The Original Tour!

Some of Montreal's most popular dishes have Jewish roots. Find out about their fascinating history through Iconic Dishes: Jewish Montreal, The Original Tour.

It's a captivating combination of culture and culinary excellence that will leave you feeling full and happy. The route includes eight different dining experiences, ranging from the unique Montreal bagel to some of the best-smoked meat in the city.

This isn't a tour for the faint of heart. The guides move quickly, covering nearly two miles and delivering impressive history. Wear comfortable shoes, and dress to stay warm and dry on your outdoor walk.

Secret Food Tours: Montreal

Go beyond the Montreal classics with Secret Food Tours. The company's tours take you deep into the artsy and oh-so-cool Mile End neighborhood, where you'll find a multicultural mix of hip eateries and cutting-edge cuisine.

This journey includes some of the city's decadent dishes, from innovative poutine to mouthwatering sweet pastries. A few surprises are also thrown in for good measure.

If you have dietary restrictions, make sure to reach out to the company before booking. While they may be willing to accommodate some limitations, it's not always possible.

Old Montréal Food & Drink Tour

Interested in Old Montreal but not in the mood for a history lesson? The Old Montréal Food & Drink Tour could be the perfect fit. Run by Local Montréal Food Tours, this route covers more than six food stops in 3 hours.

The menu ranges from the expected (poutine) to the unexpected (cactus tacos). One of the tour's highlights is the craft beer tasting at the super-chic Bistro-Brasserie Les Soeurs Grises.

While you eat, your guide will tie the food to the local area, explaining how it originated and where it fits into modern-day Montreal. Expect to walk about 1.4 miles in total. You'll even see a few of the local landmarks, including Place d’Armes and St. Paul Street, along the way.

Mile-End Montreal Food Tour

The Mile-End Montreal Food Tour offers a bit of everything, including food, beverages, culture, and history. It's an all-in-one experience that maximizes your time in the city.

Join your guide in the Mile End area to taste foods from various cultures. Savor Italian gnocchi, Greek kotopita, a gravlax sandwich, and more. Then, wash it all down with a locally brewed craft beer.

This fun and funky tour is engaging for foodies of all ages. Kids are welcome; your family can even book a private walking tour for a more personalized experience.

Old Montreal Evening Food & Drink Tour

Don't worry about making dinner reservations. Finish off a day of exploring with an Old Montreal Evening Food & Drink Tour. It takes you to three restaurants. At each one, you'll enjoy a special local dish and a beverage. Dig into tacos, poutine, and pasta, and leave feeling fully satisfied.

Unlike most tours of Montreal, this one doesn't involve much walking. Of course, you'll be on your feet between stops, but that's the perfect way to prepare for the next treat. The pace is relaxed and leisurely, and the tour is open to anyone aged 18 or older.

Wrapping Up Your Montreal Walking Tour Adventure

If you're the type of traveller who likes to see a new place on foot, the walking tours in Montreal, make a fun addition to your itinerary. Even if you've been to the city many times before, walking tours can be engaging for everyone.

After walking on the cobblestone streets for a few hours, you might be ready for a break. That's where we come in. Our captivating performances deliver an unforgettable blend of artistry, athletics, and technology and some comfy seating to rest your feet.

Each of our shows takes you on an adventure into a galaxy where the impossible is always possible, and you can do just about anything through the power of your imagination. Curious? Join us at one of our shows in Montreal.

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