Top Montreal Historical Tours

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.

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.

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. Montreal hotel pickup and drop-off included.

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.

Travel back in time to the cobblestone streets travelled by early French missionaries, fur traders, and British conquerors on this self-guided walking tour in le Vieux Montréal (Old Montreal). You‘ll get an overview of the historical Place d‘Armes square, with its striking Bank of Montréal, famous Notre-Dame Basilica, and old Saint-Sulpice Seminary. We‘ll walk the narrow, cobbled stone streets of Old Montréal. You‘ll see Montréal‘s first church, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, stroll across the popular Place Jacques-Cartier square, and take in the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière). You‘ll pass the first hospital opened by the Grey Nuns of Montréal and, after walking along the animated Old Port promenade, reach the end of the tour at the Old Clock Tower. By the end of the tour, you‘ll better understand Montréal‘s colonial history and how it became an international destination where some of the world‘s most exciting annual events are held.

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.

With this combined ticket, valid for two of Montreal’s most emblematic attractions, you will enjoy a guided cruise of 1:30 on the St. Lawrence River, ideal for discovering the city from a unique angle, between heritage, urban landscapes and natural panoramas. You will then end your day with an unforgettable visual and musical immersion with the AURA experience, a captivating sound and light show presented inside Notre Dame Basilica. Tickets for AURA are undated and can be used at any time during the 2025 season, without prior reservation, subject to availability. We recommend that you consult the performance schedules before your visit.

Take a day trip from Montreal to Canada’s capital, Ottawa, without the hassle of planning transport and an itinerary. Go with a guide who knows the best ways around the city to ensure you get to the highlights in limited time. Explore Parliament Hill and browse ByWard Market. With a maximum of six participants on this tour, you can expect personalized attention.

If you're looking for a themed night out in Montreal where you can enjoy some drinks, with a special twist, don't settle for a night of normal bar hopping. Instead try this spooky Montreal pub crawl to three of the city's haunted pubs. Along the way, follow your guide, sip a few discounted drinks—at your own expense—and hear some real ghost stories (including the especially creepy tale of Montreal's vampire serial killer).

* Flexibility & Customization You will choose from the places to visit suggested by your tour guide or your own prefrences. You set the pace. Want to stop for coffee, take photos, or explore a street market? No problem. This isn’t a rigid itinerary — it’s your journey, your way. * Personalized Storytelling in a Private Ride Your guide isn’t just showing you places — he’s sharing the soul of Montreal, with personal anecdotes, architectural curiosities, and real stories that connect the past and present.

Join an epic small-group walking tour (12 people max) and dive into three of Montreal’s most exciting neighborhoods! Wander through the neon-lit streets of Chinatown, uncover the wild secrets of the Red-Light District, and feel the electric energy of Quartier des Spectacles, home to the world-famous Jazz and Just for Laughs festivals. Led by a passionate local guide, this tour is all about hidden gems, untold stories, and a fresh take on Montreal’s vibrant past and present. Ready to explore? Let’s go!

Step back in time to Montreal’s Old Port, where echoes of military parades and early settlers come alive through an engaging self-guided quest. Wander through historic squares and waterfront paths as you follow clues tied to the city’s rich past—from mysterious legends of old cemeteries to the stories of the St. Lawrence Iroquois. Solve 10–15 puzzles that reveal hidden histories of the Saint Lawrence River and Montreal’s founding. What makes this tour unique? It combines immersive storytelling with real-world exploration, letting you experience Montreal’s heritage at your own pace. Perfect for families, friends, and solo travelers who crave history, mystery, and adventure. Ready to uncover Montreal’s secrets while enjoying a fun, flexible walking tour? Grab your smartphone and start your quest today!

Set sail for fun with a guided cruise near Montreal on the scenic St. Lawrence River, enjoying skyline views and learning about city history as you ride. Step on board your ship, the AML Cavalier Maxim, complete with sunny terraces and a glass-enclosed dining area, passing area landmarks including the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, the islands of Boucherville and the scenic shoreline. During your Montreal cruise, hear tales about the city’s founding and role of a legendary French explorer in its settlement.

Even if you only have limited time in Montreal, this small-group, half-day tour ensures you don’t miss any of the highlights. Visit Olympic Park and take in the views from the Olympic Tower; enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the St. Lawrence River; and see sights including Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, and the Old Port of Montreal. In just half a day, you'll receive an in-depth introduction to the best of the city.

Step into Montreal’s hidden universe beneath the streets. Join me for a 2-hour guided walk through the city’s vast INDOOR network—featuring art, architecture, and secret stories. From a stunning Parisian Metro entrance to iconic statues, hidden cafés, and transit hubs, uncover how over 500,000 people use this climate-controlled maze daily. Top rated tour, guests love my warmth, insider knowledge, and photo-ready moments. This immersive experience lasts about 2 hours, covers plenty of ground, and is hosted by me—your favorite native of Montreal! ✨ Private groups, custom schedules, and tailored experiences available upon request. With over 6 years and top tier reviews across platforms, you’re in great hands! Feel free to follow my socials at Explora Montreal. Currently in the process of acquiring officially certified through the city’s recommended training. In the meantime, I offer this top-rated experience as a local expert with deep knowledge of Montreal’s underground network.

Embark on a captivating, private walking tour of Old Montreal, where every step tells a story. As you traverse the cobblestone streets, you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of history that defines this city. From the architectural splendor of Place d’Armes to the bustling marketplace at Place Jacques-Cartier, immerse yourself in a blend of cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. Feel like a true explorer, discovering secret courtyards and enjoying panoramic views at the Old Port. This tour isn’t just a journey through Montreal’s past; it’s your gateway to becoming a part of its lively present. Join us to not only see Montreal but to experience it authentically—where you aren’t just a visitor, but the heart of the adventure. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Discover a side of Montreal that few other visitors get to experience—and see many of the city's top attractions from the air—on this private helicopter flight. Pick between two itineraries: Choose the Montreal tour to admire Vieux-Montreal, the Olympic Stadium, and more, or select the Saint-Laurent Circuit admire aerial views of Jean Drapeau Park, the St. Lawrence River, and more. Whichever you pick, you'll enjoy a memorable, special way to explore.

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Montreal with a local guide who can take you away from the tourist trail. Over four hours, explore a network of backstreets, taste the unique local food, visit some peculiar boutiques, and wander through markets. You’ll be able to enjoy a local perspective of the city, with a new insight of the culture and history. With complete flexibility, your host will suggest an itinerary based on your personal interests.

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.

Montreal’s chilly winters mean inhabitants have long found creative ways of getting around the cold—and that includes the RÉSO. The most extensive underground pedestrian network in the world, it stretches for over 20 miles (32 kilometers)—and this tour makes exploring simple. This includes some outdoor portions where you can see points of interest in the heart of downtown Montreal. Meet your guide in the city center and explore the maze of tunnels and passageways, and learn about its history.

Discover the backstreets of Montreal like a local with this walking tour. With a local host that tailors the tour to your interests, you’ll have full control of what you want to see and learn about the city. Uncover the European cultural roots, taste unique Québécois food, explore Jean-Talon market, and practice your French, as you wander through the network of streets. You can either meet your host or arrange for a complimentary hotel pickup for convenience.

With its historic streets and grand monuments, Old Montréal is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts. This small-group walking tour gives you the exclusivity of a private guide without the price tag. Admire landmarks such as Place d’Armes, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Place Royale; admire the beautiful exterior of Notre-Dame Basilica; and listen to stories, historical insights, and architectural gems from your guide that bring the city's rich heritage to life.

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.