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Montreal Culture & history

Our most recommended Montreal Culture & history

Old Montreal Walking tour: Off the beaten path

1. Old Montreal Walking tour: Off the beaten path

You want to explore Old Montreal but you don’t know where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore Old Montreal, a true slice of Europe in North America. We'll wander the narrow cobblestone streets, admire architecture gems, catch some breathtaking views of the Old Port harbor, and even explore a section of the Underground City. Our 2.5 hour tour is casual yet very informative, with no two tours being exactly the same. Each of Fitz’s passionate local guides -the coolest storytellers you’ll find in town- will unveil the secrets behind the most iconic landmarks and also show you their favorite off-the-beaten-path spots. Yes, there is a lot more than just beautiful monuments in this part of town! The tour begins at the lobby of the William Gray hotel where you’ll meet your guide and set off to explore Old Montreal through the back door. We’ll visit unmissable sights such as Place Jaques Cartier, St. Paul street and Place d’Armes, but also some less obvious spots like an avant garde art gallery, Montreal’s World Trade Center, and a section of the Underground City. You’ll understand how Old Montreal was the most important and wealthy district in Canada, and how it has become the dynamic and thriving area it is today. This tour was carefully crafted to be fully enjoyable both in summer and in winter, with some extra indoor stops planned for the cold days. If you are booking for January, Just don’t forget your gloves and you’ll be alright.

Old Montreal: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of the West Side

2. Old Montreal: 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of the West Side

Explore the west side of Old Montreal during this 90-minute walking tour. European in character, with cobblestone streets and cafe culture, much of Old Montreal has been preserved in its original 17th century state. Your expert guide will share the exceptional history of this French-influenced city while showing you its stunning architecture and historic sites. Begin your walk close to Notre-Dame Basilica and end at the Place Royale, near the Pointe-à-Callière Museum. Encounter a variety of highlights in between as you see significant landmarks of Montreal, including the Place d'Youville and Place Royale. Walk along McGill and Saint-Jacques Street - once the financial heart of Canada. While Old Montreal reflects the city's rich and colorful past, today it is a vibrant, artistic, and trendy neighborhood lined with galleries, restaurants, and fashionable boutiques you can discover as you explore the area with your guide.

From Montreal: Eastern Townships Region Day Trip

3. From Montreal: Eastern Townships Region Day Trip

Enjoy a relaxing day trip to the Eastern Townships region of Quebec province and discover its amazing natural beauty, cultural traditions, and rich history. Explore its country-side, picturesque towns, and marvel at the high-end retreat locations of Montrealers. After your complimentary pickup from your hotel in downtown Montreal, board the bus and embark on a 1.5-hour ride towards Austin. Stop at the Shore of Orford Lake from where you will be able to take pictures of both the lake and Mount Orford.  Next, visit Saint Benedict Abbey and admire the architecture of this jewel perfectly integrated with nature. Learn about monastic life and discover different products made by the monks. Arrive at Magog and visit the Park de Magog Bay and take in its marvelous scenery before heading to downtown for some free time where you can enjoy a quick lunch or snack at your own pace. Later, drive along the country roads to the village of North Hatley, a popular retreat from city life. Here, you will have a stroll and admire the scenery of Lake Massawipi.  Afterward, head towards the City of Sherbrooke where you will see Bishop's University, the only English-speaking university in Quebec outside of Montreal. Continue your journey to Marche de la Gare and discover local food products. Walk around downtown Sherbrooke and stop for a picture of its City Hall and Saint-Michel Basilica-Cathedral.  Venture into the upper scale neighborhoods of Sherbrooke and see its victorian style houses. Before heading back to Montreal, stop for a stroll in the beautiful green spaces of Jacques-Cartier Park.

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What people are saying about Montreal

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 659 reviews

Fantastic walking tour with Tom. His passion for Montreal shone through. He was very knowledgeable with a great informal style. I learned a lot about the history and the culture and he really brought Montreal alive for me. Highly recommended

Tom kicks ass. Never had such a passionate guide before. I'm very lucky to have had him give his take on Montreal and the old port.

We learned lots about the history of the city, and the ways that history is written on the present-day cityscape.

Super interesting tour. A lot to see and learn in two and a half hours but not hard at all.

Visit many remarkable places. Very pleasant guide who happily shares his vision of MTL.