Montreal: Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour

Montreal’s Old Town is a captivating blend of history and architecture that beckons visitors to explore its charming streets. On a guided walking tour, travelers can uncover the district’s storied past, from the towering Notre-Dame Basilica to the elegant Sulpicians Seminary. As the guide shares insights, you will gain a deeper appreciation for this North American cultural gem. What secrets and surprises await those who venture into Old Montreal?

About Your Stay

• The Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour is a 2-hour tour that explores the historical district, including iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market.
• The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the area’s colonial history, architectural marvels, and cultural heritage.
• Participants can expect to see a range of architectural styles, from French colonial to Gothic Revival, and learn about Montreal’s founding and evolution.
• The tour offers scenic views of the St. Lawrence River and highlights the district’s role as an important fur trading post in the past.
• The tour is suitable for a maximum of 15 participants and is priced at €22.05 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour offers a captivating exploration of one of the oldest districts in North America.

Priced from €22.05 per person, the 2-hour tour is conducted in English with a maximum group size of 15 participants. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

During the tour, guests will admire the unique architecture, charming streets, and stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River.

The knowledgeable guide will share insights into Montreal’s founding and historical significance as you visit landmarks like the Old Sulpicians Seminary and Notre-Dame Basilica.

Exploring Old Montreal

Wandering through the charming streets of Old Montreal, visitors can enjoy the rich history and architectural marvels that define this vibrant district.

The guided tour takes guests on a journey through time, showcasing:

The guided tour takes guests on a journey through time, showcasing the grandeur and history of Old Montreal’s architectural marvels.

1. The grandeur of the Old Sulpicians Seminary, a stunning example of 17th-century French colonial architecture.

2. The magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, renowned for its intricate Gothic Revival design and stunning stained-glass windows.

3. The bustling Place Jacques-Cartier, a lively public square lined with restaurants, street performers, and local artisans.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, bringing the area’s past to life and offering valuable recommendations for further exploration.

Architectural Marvels

Magnificent structures stand as testaments to Montreal’s rich architectural heritage. From the imposing Notre-Dame Basilica to the stately Old Sulpicians Seminary, the city’s architectural gems captivate visitors.

| Building | Architectural Style | Construction Year | Significance |

|———-|———————|——————-|————–|

| Notre-Dame Basilica | Gothic Revival | 1824 | One of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in North America |

| Old Sulpicians Seminary | French Colonial | 1687 | Oldest extant religious building in Montreal, housing a seminary for over 200 years |

| Place d’Armes | Neoclassical | 1672 | Historic square surrounded by 19th century bank headquarters and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica |

| Bonsecours Market | Second Empire | 1847 | Iconic domed market building featuring a mix of neoclassical and Second Empire styles |

Exploring these architectural marvels offers a glimpse into Montreal’s storied past and the evolution of its built environment.

Riverside Vistas

Captivating riverside vistas unfold as visitors explore Old Montreal.

Captivating riverside vistas unfold as visitors explore the historic streets of Old Montreal.

Towering spires of the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica rise above the charming streets, offering glimpses of the majestic St. Lawrence River.

Along the waterfront, three key sights captivate guests:

1. The historic Bonsecours Market, a 19th-century building housing local artisans and eateries, provides sweeping views of the river’s flow.

2. The serene Pointe-à-Callière museum stands on the very spot where Montreal was founded, inviting visitors to gaze out over the waters that have shaped the city’s history.

3. The Place Jacques-Cartier square, with its lively street performers and outdoor cafés, offers a prime vantage point to admire the river’s grandeur.

More Great Tours Nearby

Montreal’s Founding and History

Montreal’s history dates back to its founding in 1642, when French settlers established the city on the island situated at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa rivers.

Named Ville-Marie, the settlement grew into an important fur trading post.

Over the centuries, Montreal evolved into a culturally diverse metropolis, shaped by its French and British colonial histories.

Today, visitors can explore this rich heritage on the Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour, which highlights the district’s architectural gems and recounts the city’s founding and significance as a hub of commerce and trade in North America.

Visiting Iconic Landmarks

As visitors embark on the Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour, they’ll have the chance to admire the district’s iconic landmarks that have stood the test of time.

The tour includes stops at several noteworthy sites:

The tour includes stops at several noteworthy sites, such as the Old Sulpicians Seminary, Notre-Dame Basilica, and historic Place d’Armes.

1. The Old Sulpicians Seminary, a grand stone building dating back to the 17th century that once served as a seminary and now houses a museum.

2. The magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic Revival cathedral renowned for its ornate interior and stunning stained-glass windows.

3. The historic Place d’Armes, a picturesque square surrounded by historic buildings, including the Bank of Montreal.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide provides fascinating insights into the significance and history of these iconic landmarks.

Tour Experience and Highlights

The Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour offers visitors an enriching and immersive experience exploring one of the oldest districts in North America.

Guests will marvel at the unique architecture and charming streets as they learn about Montreal’s founding and historical significance from an informative guide.

The small group tour visits landmarks like the Old Sulpicians Seminary, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Bonsecours Market, providing insight into their role in the city’s history.

Along the way, the guide shares tips on additional sights and dining options, allowing guests to make the most of their time in this captivating neighborhood.

What to Bring and Meeting Point

To make the most of the Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour, guests should come prepared. The tour covers a lot of ground, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Comfortable shoes are a must for the Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour, as it covers a lot of ground.

Plus, bringing a reusable water bottle and light snacks can help keep energy levels up during the two-hour excursion.

The meeting point for the tour is the steps of the BMO bank at Place d’Armes, making it easy for participants to find the group.

With a little preparation, visitors can focus on fully seeing the rich history and charming ambiance of Old Montreal during the guided walking experience.

Questions About Your Stay

Is There an Age Limit for This Tour?

The information provided does not mention any age limit for this tour. The tour is described as suitable for a small group of up to 15 participants, but there’s no indication of any age restrictions.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour. The tour is designed for small groups and focuses on exploring the historical sites and architecture of the area. Participants are advised to leave their pets at home for the duration of the tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The guide adapts the route to ensure those with mobility needs can fully participate and enjoy the historical sights and stories along the way.

Do I Need to Know French to Join the Tour?

No, you don’t need to know French to join the tour. The walking tour is conducted in English, so English proficiency is sufficient to participate and understand the guide’s commentary about the historical sights.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

Participants can generally leave the tour group to explore on their own, but they should follow the guide’s instructions and return to the meeting point by the end of the tour. It’s best to stay with the group to fully experience the guided tour.

Final Verdict On This Stay

Enjoy the rich history and stunning architecture of Old Montreal on this guided walking tour. Explore iconic landmarks, discover the city’s founding and cultural heritage, and enjoy breathtaking riverside vistas. This immersive experience showcases the charm and significance of one of North America’s oldest neighborhoods, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Montreal’s captivating past.

You can check availability for your dates here: