Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Walking Tour

The "Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Walking Tour" offers a delightful way to experience the historic heart of Montreal during the festive season. Guests can enjoy the twinkling lights, bustling Christmas markets, and iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica. With flexible booking options and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this tour caters to both solo travelers and groups, making it a convenient choice for those looking to celebrate the holidays in style. But what secrets does this guided walking tour hold?

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Key Points

Explore the historic and festive sights of Old Montreal, including Victoria Square, Place d’Armes, and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica.
Experience the lively Christmas markets at Jacques Cartier Place, where you can browse local crafts and indulge in seasonal treats.
Discover the grand façade and ornate interiors of the Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning Gothic Revival church with a rich history.
Wander through the Bonsecours Market, a historic landmark illuminated by holiday lights and filled with locally-made crafts and delicacies.
Enjoy a flexible, guided 2-hour walking tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, suitable for solo travelers or groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Walking Tour offers visitors a chance to explore the historic city’s iconic landmarks dressed in festive attire.

Priced at $465.47 for up to 4 participants, the 2-hour guided excursion showcases the area’s key sights, including Victoria Square, Place d’Armes, and the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Along the way, guests marvel at the holiday lights and visit a Christmas market. The tour is available in 5 languages, and booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Each experience is tailored to the date and time, ensuring a unique visit during the magical season.

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Booking Information

Booking this walking tour is flexible, as visitors can reserve their spot without payment today.

A free cancellation policy allows for changes up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund. Customers can check availability for various starting times to find the best fit.

The tour covers iconic Montreal landmarks decked out in Christmas finery, from the grandeur of Notre-Dame Basilica to the artisanal treasures of Bonsecours Market.

Whether solo or with a group, travelers can experience the festive spirit of Old Montreal on this unique walking tour, with the itinerary tailored to conditions on the booking date.

Highlights of the Itinerary

Victoria Square marks the starting point of the walking tour, where guests can spend about 15 minutes exploring the historic square and its distinctive architecture.

Next, the group will visit Place d’Armes for a 20-minute guided sightseeing experience. This baroque square features the city’s iconic Notre-Dame Basilica, which guests will have 15 minutes to marvel at its grand interior.

The tour then moves on to Jacques Cartier Place, where visitors can explore holiday markets for 20 minutes.

The main stop is Bonsecours Market, a prime spot to discover artisanal treasures.

Explore Victoria Square
Discover Place d’Armes
Marvel at Notre-Dame Basilica
Browse holiday markets at Jacques Cartier Place

Exploring Victoria Square

Guests begin their festive journey at Victoria Square, a historic public space renowned for its distinctive architecture and lively atmosphere.

The tour guide provides an overview of the square’s history, highlighting its role as a gathering place for Montrealers. Guests marvel at the grand neoclassical buildings that surround the square, including the former Bank of Montreal headquarters.

The guide points out the elaborately decorated Christmas tree and invites guests to soak in the lively holiday ambiance.

With 15 minutes allotted, guests have ample time to explore the square, take photos, and prepare for the next stop on the walking tour.

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Discovering Place D’armes

From Victoria Square, the tour continues to the iconic Place d’Armes, a historic square that has witnessed the city’s evolution over the centuries.

Your guide will share captivating stories about this vibrant public space:

Discover the stunning architecture of the Notre-Dame Basilica, which overlooks the square.
Learn about the origins of the square, dating back to the 17th century when it served as a military parade ground.
Admire the elegant buildings that surround the square, including the Sulpician Seminary and Bank of Montreal.
Soak in the festive atmosphere as the square glimmers with holiday lights and decor.

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Marveling at Notre-Dame Basilica

Towering over Place d’Armes, the Notre-Dame Basilica‘s grand Gothic Revival façade commands attention.

Visitors marvel at its ornate interior, adorned with intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and glittering golden altars. The basilica’s soaring vaulted ceilings and dramatic lighting create an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Visitors marvel at the basilica’s ornate interior, adorned with intricate wood carvings, stained glass, and glittering golden altars, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The guide shares the church’s storied history, dating back to the early 19th century. Guests are invited to wander through the nave, taking in the basilica’s architectural splendor.

This iconic landmark serves as a testament to Montreal’s rich religious heritage and continues to captivate all who step through its doors.

Wandering Through Jacques Cartier Place

Leaving the grandeur of Notre-Dame Basilica behind, the group meanders through the lively Jacques Cartier Place.

Festive market stalls dot the historic square, offering a charming array of local treats and crafts. The group wanders past:

Steaming mugs of hot mulled wine, filling the air with the aroma of cinnamon and cloves.
Wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments and trinkets, each piece a unique testament to the skill of local artisans.
The bustling energy of the crowd, as shoppers browse the tempting selection of holiday gifts.
The glow of twinkling lights strung across the square, casting a warm, magical ambiance over the entire scene.

Indulging in Bonsecours Market

Next, the group meanders towards the iconic Bonsecours Market, the main stop for artisanal treasures on this tour.

They’re greeted by the market’s grand, historic facade illuminated by holiday lights. Inside, rows of wooden vendor stalls offer an array of locally-made crafts, artisan foods, and festive trinkets.

The group explores the bustling market, perusing handmade candles, woolen mittens, and maple syrup. The air is filled with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine, beckoning them to indulge.

With each unique find, the group feels the warmth of Montreal’s holiday spirit come alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour generally does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. However, guests are welcome to enjoy local festive treats purchased along the route during scheduled stops on the itinerary.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be the most suitable for young children. It involves extensive walking and focuses on historical landmarks, which may not hold the attention of younger participants. However, families should assess if the content aligns with their children’s interests.

Do We Get Discounts for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for group bookings. For up to 4 participants, the tour is priced from $465.47 per group, providing a cost-effective option for exploring Old Montreal’s festive highlights with family or friends.

Are the Tour Guides Fluent in All the Listed Languages?

The tour guides are fluent in the listed languages, so they can accommodate guests from around the world. The multilingual capability ensures an inclusive experience tailored to each group’s linguistic needs.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photographs during the tour. The tour overview indicates it is a guided walking tour, allowing visitors to capture the festive sights and historic landmarks along the way at their own discretion.

The Sum Up

The "Christmas Magic: Old Montreal Walking Tour" offers a delightful way to experience the festive charm of the historic city. With flexible booking options, guests can easily enjoy the holiday atmosphere, exploring iconic sights and indulging in local markets. Whether traveling solo or with a group, this tour provides a memorable and hassle-free way to celebrate the season in the heart of Old Montreal.