Top Montreal Historical Tours

If you’re not familiar with Montreal’s past, it can be difficult to fully appreciate the historical and cultural significance of Old Montreal on your own. Gain a deeper understanding of local history, architecture, culture, food, and art, and take the hassle out of finding your way around the labyrinthine cobbled streets on this small-group walking tour. Get insights from your local guide as well as recommendations on places to eat, drink, and explore.

During this historical and cultural tour of Old Montreal, you discover the most famous places of this old district and also explore the local culture and the more unusual aspects of our beautiful metropolis! All this in a small group (15 people maximum) and with a certified guide holding a permit issued by the city of Montreal.

Enjoy a relaxing way to sightsee and admire some of Montreal's top sights on this narrated cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Travel aboard a vessel that's complete with sunny terraces and a glass-enclosed dining area, passing area landmarks including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the Biosphere, the Olympic Stadium, and the scenic shoreline. Along the way, hear tales about the city’s founding and rich history.

See more of Montreal's highlights than you could independently on this sightseeing bus tour of the city. Visit many of the city's top attractions, from Notre-Dame Basilica and Chinatown to Mount Royal Park, the Olympic Stadium, Old Montreal, and much more. Hop aboard a comfortable motor coach and get to know the largest city in Quebec province, with live commentary from a professional tour conductor.

See the historical sights of Old Montreal, a.k.a. Vieux-Montréal, on an immersive, private walking tour. Following a private guide, you'll learn about the city's history, which dates back to 1642, as you visit attractions such as Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Place d'Armes, and the Old Port of Montreal. Free of big tour groups and with ample chance to ask questions, you'll enjoy a more personalized way to see the city's best.

Gain insight into Canada’s colorful heritage on this Jewish history walking tour in Montreal. Follow your guide through Montreal’s Plateau neighborhood, where many Jewish people settled from the early days of the 20th century. Learn of life for the settlers in those early days and see where they lived, worked and worshiped as they built new lives for themselves far from home. Discover synagogues, schools, hospitals and cultural hubs built by the settlers, and hear how they helped shape the face of modern Montreal today.

Highlights of the Old Montréal Walking Tour Explore the Best of Old Montréal: Stroll through the historic heart of the city and uncover the stories behind its iconic streets, architecture, and landmarks. Engaging Local Guides: Our passionate guides are professionally trained and deeply knowledgeable about Montréal and Québec’s rich history and culture. Connect with Fellow Travelers: Meet curious explorers from around the world and get insider tips for local restaurants, cafés, and hidden gems to enjoy after the tour.

Engage in Montreal’s ultimate thrill ride on the St. Lawrence River via a jet boating experience. This exhilarating adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and fun for all ages. Brace yourself for higher intensities at the front of the boat, while the back remains family friendly. It's a refreshing must-do for anyone craving adventure. And remember, you will get wet—so don't forget your bathing suit! Book now for unforgettable, wild, and wonderful moments on the water.

Enjoy a memorable and relaxed way to explore Montreal—and admire a new perspective on the city—when you explore by boat on this Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Pick a tour duration and departure time that work best for you, make your own way to the Old Port, and get settled in near the floor-to-ceiling windows or on the open-air terrace. You can look forward to seeing top city landmarks, from the Montreal waterfront to the Olympic Stadium.

Explore the best of Montreal on this narrated, hop-on hop-off, double-decker bus tour. Visit many of Montreal’s top attractions — like Notre-Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Mount Royal Park, Crescent Street, Old Port and Old Montreal, to name just a few. With this two day pass, you can board at any of the 10 stops and get to know the largest city in Quebec in customized fashion, with live onboard commentary from a bilingual professional tour conductor.

Step into Montréal’s hidden universe beneath the streets for a 2-hour immersive experience through the city’s vast indoor underground network (RESO). Hosted by a passionate local, this experience blends art, architecture, and lesser-known stories as we move through iconic landmarks, a Parisian-style metro entrance, public art, hidden cafés, and major transit hubs. Along the way, discover how hundreds of thousands of people move through this climate-controlled network daily, especially during Montréal’s extreme seasons. This is a storytelling-based cultural experience shaped by personal knowledge, observations, and lived city experience. It is designed to offer a local perspective rather than a formal or institutional narrative. With years of experience hosting visitors from around the world, guests often highlight the welcoming atmosphere, insider feel, and unique photo opportunities. This experience is host-led and focuses on cultural exploration and local perspective.

Escape downtown Montreal with a private guide who can take you off the tourist trail. Over roughly half a day, explore backstreets, taste local food, visit unique boutiques, and wander markets you likely wouldn't discover on your own. Tailor the day's itinerary to your tastes, and get even more local recommendations from your guide.

Discover Montréal like never before on this engaging and authentic walking tour led by a passionate local guide from Toonie Tours. Far from the average sightseeing stroll, this experience invites you to truly connect with the city’s unique character and vibrant culture. Wander through the famous Quartier des Spectacles, soak up the festival atmosphere, explore the cobblestone streets and old-world charm of Old Montréal, and feel the pulse of the downtown Centre-Ville. Along the way, your guide brings the city to life with powerful storytelling, local insights, and fun facts that turn history into something you’ll actually remember. Whether you’re visiting from the US, UK, Australia, or beyond — solo, with friends, or family in tow — this tour is designed to help you make the most of your time in Montréal. It’s the perfect way to start your trip, get your bearings, and fall in love with this beautiful island city. Join us and experience why thousands of travellers love this tour.

This 50-minute Panorama Sightseeing Tour showcases Montréal from the St. Lawrence River. Cruise past the Victoria Bridge, the Biosphere and the St-Lambert Locks before stopping at the Lachine Rapids, one of the largest rapids in North America. This powerful stretch of river was encountered by early explorers such as Samuel de Champlain, who named it Sault Saint-Louis and recognized its importance long before canals existed. We are the only company that brings guests this close to the rapids, where you can also spot river wildlife such as herons, cormorants and other waterbirds in their natural habitat..

Check off two of Montreal’s most popular attractions with one tour. See the city from the water on a cruise down the St. Lawrence River, and experience the Notre-Dame Basilica in a unique way during the immersive AURA show, a sound and light show inside the church. Your tickets to the show are undated, offering more flexibility than traditional tours.

Discover the captivating history of Old Montreal on a private 2-hour walking tour designed for groups of up to 15. Uncover the stories that shaped this vibrant city as you stroll past iconic landmarks such as the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica, the historic Château Ramezay, and the opulent architecture that tells tales of wealth and power. Explore the fortification walls that once defended the city, learn about the early banking industry, and delve into the conflicts that forged Montreal's identity. With expert guides who bring the past to life with engaging narratives, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through time. Private tour exclusively for your group of up to 15 participants Two-hour guided experience through the heart of Old Montreal Visit significant sites like Notre-Dame Basilica and Château Ramezay Engage with knowledgeable guides who share fascinating historical insights

This is the fan-favorite original Cadillac tour, now offered in shared groups! This is the public tour option, not private. You may be grouped with up to 3 other guests (4 total per car). While the Cadillac fits 6, we keep one seat empty for added comfort. Hop into a classic convertible Cadillac for a 1-hour guided tour of Old Montreal, where history and modern charm meet. Our friendly guides will share stories about Montreal’s past, from its founding in 1642 to the vibrant city it is today. You’ll see landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, the Sailors’ Church, Bonsecours Market, and the Old Port. Your guide will highlight the area’s 17th-century architecture, the city’s evolution, and the stories behind its famous sites. Along the way, they'll recommend great places to eat, drink, shop, and explore, from hidden gems to nightlife hotspots. For a more intimate experience, choose one of our private options. This tour gives you the best of Montreal in one hour, with a fun, relaxed vibe.

Travel from historic Old Montreal to the borough of Plateau Mont-Royal on this walking tour of the city. Visit the ornately decorated Basilica then wander the streets of Vieux-Montréal while learning about the city’s history and checking out its street art. Plus, make stops in the entertainment district and Chinatown.

The Plateau Mont-Royal + Mile End - artistic, cultural, trendy Montreal. Get off the beaten path and explore these fascinating areas where the locals live, work and play. Discover Montreal's diversity and multicultural side, beautiful Victorian-era architecture, typical outdoor staircases, green alleys, colorful murals and street art, see several Montreal institutions, enjoy a snack (or two!) and maybe even practice your French! This MTL Detours walking tour has been carefully crafted to show you the highlights of what makes these parts of Montreal so unique and special. Your passionate local guide will keep you entertained with history, secrets, hidden gems and fun facts. This is an exclusive, intimate walking tour with only 10 people. MTL Detours is a 100% locally owned + operated small independent tour company - founded in and based in Montreal. We are the same team behind the bestselling "Explore Old Montreal" walking tour. Book your spot now and bring your curiosity!

Experience the city's most historic neighbourhood through a different lens, that highlights the hidden and sometimes brutal truths of its colonial past.

Get a taste of Montreal's Jewish heritage on this small-group culinary walking tour. Montreal is the birthplace of many Jewish foods and is known around the world for its unique take on Jewish cuisine. Explore the city’s Mile End and Plateau neighborhoods and taste a wide range of exclusive local foods, including smoked meat and bagels, at popular food spots old and new. Along the way, learn more about Montreal’s Jewish community and discover the backyards and alleyways of the city’s hidden Jewish food history.

This is more than a walking tour, it’s a warm invitation to see Montreal through the eyes of a passionate local. I mix storytelling, fun facts, and hidden gems to create an experience that’s informative, engaging, and full of heart.

Discover the charm of North America's oldest city on this day tour from Montreal. Explore Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a guided walking tour featuring iconic sites like Château Frontenac and Dufferin Terrace. Afterward, enjoy free time to savor lunch and shop in quaint boutiques. A visit to the stunning Montmorency Falls, which towers 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls, offers unforgettable views and photo opportunities. This tour combines history, culture, and natural beauty for an enriching day trip. - Guided walking tour through the historic Old Quebec district - Free time for lunch and exploration of local shops - Visit Montmorency Falls, the highest in Quebec - Comfortable coach transportation from Montreal included