Old Montreal Walking Tour | Small Group (Max 10) | by MTL Detours
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Montreal, Canada
+12
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Skip the stress of navigating Old Montreal’s non-grid streets
- Perfect introduction to Montreal for first-time visitors
- A small group means more attention from your guide
- Get a comprehensive overview of Montreal's highlights
What's Included
- Multi-year Viator & Tripadvisor "Best of the Best" Awards winner with thousands of 5-star reviews
- Limited to 10 guests, so it never feels crowded and you can hear, follow, and ask questions
- Expert, certified guides holding the mandatory City of Montréal permit, consistently top-rated
- #1 bestselling Old Montréal walking tour. Real stories, not scripts, to truly understand the city.
- Curated handout of local places to eat, see, and explore, selected by MTL Detours guides
- A small local treat and a unique parting gift
- MTL Detours is a 100% local, independent, and proudly woman-owned tour company.
- Gratuities for your guide are optional and are warmly welcomed.
- No hotel pickup/drop-off. Just meet us at the starting point and we'll handle everything from there.
- Minimum age is 12. Each guest requires a paid ticket.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Marché Saint Laurent, Montréal503 Pl. d'Armes, Montréal, QC H2Y 2W8, Canada
Meet on the sidewalk outside Marché Saint Laurent boutique/café, on the edge of Place d’Armes Square. In warmer months, look for the small terrace with red umbrellas. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in. Tour starts on time and we do not wait for latecomers. Allow extra time for possible detours.
End point
- Bonsecours Market350 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1H2, Canada
Tour will end in the vicinity of Place Jacques-Cartier square and Bonsecours Market.
Itinerary
1
Old Montreal
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Bonsecours Market (Marche Bonsecours) (Pass By)
Rue St-Paul (Pass By)
Place Jacques-Cartier (Pass By)
City Hall (Pass By)
Notre-Dame Basilica (Pass By)
Bank of Montreal (Banque de Montreal) (Pass By)
Chateau Ramezay Historic Site and Museum of Montreal (Pass By)
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (Pass By)
Pointe-a-Calliere, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex (Pass By)
Rue Saint Jacques (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Minimum age is 12. Each guest requires a paid ticket. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tour operates rain, shine, or snow and takes place mostly outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
- Tour is conducted in English.
- A moderate level of walking is required, including uneven terrain such as cobblestones and stairs.
- Most of the 2-hour tour involves walking or standing, with limited seating available.
- Operated by MTL Detours, a locally owned and operated Montréal tour company.
- Not recommended for travelers with mobility restrictions or difficulty walking at a steady pace.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 2,557 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Kathy_T, Sep 2026
This walking tour was very good. Montreal can be a bit overwhelming, and we were able to see important spots and hear lots of interesting info along the way. Would recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind words.
We are very happy to read you enjoyed your tour and permitted you to familiarize yourself better in our great city!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
David_P, Sep 2026
My husband, Brian, and I thoroughly enjoyed this small-group walking tour. We frequently travel for leisure and always look for excursions that genuinely connect us to places we visit, and this experience delivered. Our guide, Francois, was fantastic. He provided a deep, engaging dive into the rich history of the area, which helped us get to know the city so much better. The best part was how it elevated the rest of our trip. Coming back to explore Old Montreal on our own was significantly more entertaining because we were armed with all the fun facts that Francois thoroughly provided us. Highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to familiarize themselves with this beautiful city!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for this amazing review. It was a pleasure to welcome you! We are delighted you enjoyed exactly the experience we strive to offer to our guests.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Stacy_K, Sep 2026
Our travel guide, LOUISE, was phenomenal.
She is incredibly knowledgeable, genuinely happy to share her city’s history, and does so in a way that will stay with you well after you leave Montreal.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Wow! We are so very happy you enjoyed!
Thank you for your kind words. We are delighted you enjoyed your tour with Louise. She is an amazing guide indeed!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Rick_W, Sep 2026
Great history of Mont Royale. Passionate tour guide. People, buildings, and religion all on one tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much!
We are delighted you enjoyed!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Elaine_A, Sep 2026
You will learn a lot. The tour guides really know about the history and care about Montreal. We had Louise and she was great.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for this amazing review!
We are very happy you enjoyed and yes, Louise is a great guide!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
anthony_L, Sep 2026
Our guide was engaging, knowledgeable and easy to hear! Her stories related to some current events but were true to the history.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We are very happy to read this great review! Thank you so much for your kind words. We are delighted you enjoyed.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Paloma_F, Sep 2026
Surface level history of Montreal, perfect for anyone here for a long weekend! Louis was friendly and the perfect guide. The small tour size is why I booked it; allows you to hear everything your guide says and move decently fast across the area of Old Montreal. I LOVE the souvenir postcard + maple candy you receive, great way to end the tour. Easy to find the meet up spot to begin with as well.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for taking the time to write these kind words. We are delighted that you enjoyed exactly what we strive to offer to our guests.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
CATHERINE_F, Sep 2026
Gabrielle was a terrific guide, and took our group of 8 all over the Old City. Her knowledge was extensive, and she brought the historical events to life.
I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in the history of the country.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
We are delighted to read this amazing review. We strive to give to our guests exactly what you received. Gabrielle is indeed an amazing guide and it was a pleasure for her to welcome you in her tour!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Nicholas_M, Sep 2026
Francois was great guide and enthusiastic. In depth tour of old Montreal. Great value and worth the time. Enjoyed it!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for this amazing review! We are delighted you enjoyed your time with François, he is indeed an amazing guide!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Helene_T, Sep 2026
Best way to stroll throughout the old city with a very knowledgeable guide.
His name is Louis and he is awesome!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for this great review!
Louis is indeed an amazing guide and we are delighted that you enjoyed your tour with him.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Brenda_G, Sep 2026
A great way to start off your introduction to this beautiful city giving you an overview of its history and layout. Loved the small group and the guide was knowledgeable and charming.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind words! We love to read that you enjoyed what we strive to give to our guests. It was a pleasure to welcome you !
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours
Randall_J, Sep 2026
A great 2 hour tour through old Montreal. Small group and very intimate. Highly highly recommended! Just book it.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for this great review! We strive to give our guests a personnal experience and so we are happy to read that you enjoyed! Thank you for recommending and thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Arona_B, Sep 2026
We’ve done tours throughout the world. This is the best tour we’ve ever done. The tour guide was knowledgeable, considerate to alll participants and passionate about her city. It was the first tour I ever took where I felt sad when the tour was over and it was time for us to part. Don’t miss this tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Wow! Thank you for this amazing review. We love to read that you received and appreciated what we strive to give to our guests. It was a pleasure to welcome you to Montreal!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Wanda_M, Sep 2026
Rodrigo did a great job describing the history behind the sites in Old Montreal. It was a great start to our trip.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for this great review. We thrive to give our guests the best experience and we are delighted that Rodrigo gave you exactly that!!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Karen_B, Sep 2026
We had a great tour! We learned so much about Montreal and heard great stories about the people who have had an impact on the city.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
It was a pleasure to welcome you to Montreal. We are delighted that you enjoyed our tour!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Peggy_W, Sep 2026
Darren Shore with MLT tours was exceptional, the best guide I’ve had in six weeks of traveling through Spain, Portugal, France, Gibraltar, England. Knowledge, funny and even called a couple who were late and advising how they could “catch up with the group. A FIRST I’ve seen from any guide.
Wonderful shopping & eatery recommendations.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
It was a pleasure to welcome you to Montreal and we are delighted to read that you enjoyed your tour with Darren, a precious member of our guiding team.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Susan_F, Sep 2026
Fabulous experience! Francois is very thorough and packs a lot into two hours. I highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your amazing review!
We are proud to have François be part of our team. We are happy you could enjoy his amazing guiding skills.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Debbie_D, Sep 2026
The tour guide Louise was excellent. She was very informative and kept us all very interested with great side note stories
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for this amazing review!
We are delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Louise. She is indeed an amazing guide!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Maureen_C, Sep 2026
Comprehensive walking tour of Vieux Montreal. Louise was engaging and full of interesting historical insights! I would take another tour with her in a heartbeat!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for this amazing review!
We are delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Louise. We are proud to have her be part of our team.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
JUDY_R, Aug 2026
fast paced tour, with excellent historical information and current explanations about local culture and activities.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind words!
We are very happy you enjoyed our tour.
Thank your for choosing MTL Detours!
Melanie_P, Aug 2026
Good first day experience to help determine the rest of the visit. It was a good small group experience that help us understand the layout of the city of Montreal.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind review!
We are delighted that you enjoyed and it helped you plan the rest of your trip!
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Karen_S, Aug 2026
Louise, our tour guide was very informative and interesting. We had a great time on our walking tour. We learned a lot about the history of old Montreal.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind words!
Louise is indeed an amazing guide and we are proud to have her be part of our team. We are delighted you enjoyed her tour.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Jonathan_B, Aug 2026
Excellent overview of Old Montreal with many recommendations. Our guide, Isabel, was very friendly and super knowledgeable
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you very much for your kind words!
We are very happy to read that you enjoyed your tour with Isabelle.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Claudia_J, Aug 2026
Perfect two hours full of history, stories, fun facts and pretty buildings. Our guide Louise was very knowledgeable, fun, kind, polite and super engaging!! We loved it!!
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for this amazing review!
We are very happy to read that you enjoyed your tour with Louise. She is indeed an amazing guide and a precious member of our team.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Ana_K, Aug 2026
It’s a great way to see the most important areas and the history of Montreal with
a fun and knowledgeable tour guide.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your kind words!
We are delighted that you enjoyed your tour with one of our precious guides.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Josh_T, Aug 2026
Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable, and I had a great experience, 10/10 would recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
We are very happy to read that you enjoyed our tour.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Carole_M, Aug 2026
Really enjoyable and informative. I would have walked by so many places without knowing their history and meaning. My guide, Éline (I hope I’m spelling her name right) was fantastic.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words!
We are delighted that you enjoyed the tour in Old Montreal.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Reginald_M, Aug 2026
Francois was an excellent guide. Learned so much and fun!!
Learned so much of the history beautiful of Old Montreal
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Thank you for your amazing review!
We are delighted that you could witness François's knowledge and guiding skills.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Christopher_G, Aug 2026
This is an excellent tour - highly recommended. Our guide, Francois H, was very knowledgeable, engaging and open to all questions. It was an enjoyable 2 hour experience.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your kind words!
François is indeed a wonderful addition to our team and we are happy you could witness his amazing knowledge and guiding skills.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
Lorita_R, Aug 2026
It is informative and interesting! We learned so much about Montreal in 2 hours! Our guide, Kathrine, was so professional yet lots of fun!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your kind words!
We are happy to read that you learned with one of our precious team member.
Thank you for choosing MTL Detours!
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From $43.76
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