What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The EUR 139 base price covers the 2-hour private walking tour with a guide. Entry to Notre-Dame Basilica is optional and requires an additional fee, payable on-site.

Can I enter Notre-Dame Basilica during the tour?

Yes — your guide can facilitate entry if you wish. Confirm this in advance, as entry is not automatic and incurs a separate cost.

How physically demanding is this tour?

It involves 2 hours of continuous walking on cobblestones, uneven terrain, and some steep inclines. Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support are essential; the pace is geared to a moderate level.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, but expect 2 hours of walking without breaks. Younger children may find the pace and uneven surfaces challenging; strollers are difficult to maneuver on cobblestones.

What's the group size for a 'private' tour?

A private tour is typically booked for your own party — usually 1–6 people. Confirm exact group limits when booking.

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and bring water. In winter, ensure footwear has grip for potentially icy cobblestones. A camera is recommended for the plazas and historic facades.

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Top Deal

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Private Old Montreal Walking Tour

(3)

Montreal, Canada

Walking ToursCity ToursSightseeing ToursShore Excursions

About this activity

Walk through Montreal's 380-year-old historic core on a curated 2-hour private tour covering pivotal moments from the 1642 founding of Fort Ville-Marie to present day. Navigate cobblestone streets, iconic plazas, and architectural landmarks with an expert guide revealing the city's layered past.

Find out more about all the eras that shaped Montréal with this interesting 2-hour walking tour of Old Montréal, from the foundation of Fort Ville-Marie in 1642 to today’s modern city. Visit important public squares, such as Place d'Armes, Place Royale, and Place Jacques-Cartier; pass by the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, City Hall, and walk along the former ''Wall Street'' of Canada; take a picture at the oldest building of the historic district, and enter Notre-Dame Basilica, if you choose ($).

The historic heart of the city and its adjacent Old Port will help illuminate the story of one of the greatest cities in the Americas. Your guide will lead you through a maze of narrow streets where you can find a multitude of historic buildings. Explore the birthplace of our metropolis and experience a special voyage back in time!

Highlights

✓Place d'Armes, Place Royale, and Place Jacques-Cartier — the city's defining public squares
✓Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and the oldest building in the historic district
✓Montreal's former financial hub, known as Canada's original 'Wall Street'
✓Notre-Dame Basilica (optional paid entry to explore interior)
✓Old Port waterfront and narrow colonial-era streets

Insider tips

★Book a morning tour (typically 9–11 AM) to avoid crowds in Old Montreal's pedestrian zones and get better photos of historic facades in natural light.
★Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip — cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces are common throughout the district.
★Ask your guide about the hidden architectural details and plaques on building facades; many tell micro-stories of individual merchants and families.
★If interested in the Basilica interior, confirm entry details with your guide in advance — hours and access can vary seasonally.

Good to know

•Duration is 2 hours of walking; terrain includes uneven cobblestones and steep inclines in places.
•Private tour means flexibility — discuss pace and interests with your guide at the start.
•Notre-Dame Basilica entry is optional and incurs an additional fee not included in base price.
•Tours operate year-round; winter can be slippery — check conditions and wear appropriate footwear.
•Meeting point and guide contact details will be confirmed post-booking.

Who it's for

History enthusiasts and architecture loversFirst-time visitors wanting a structured overview of Montreal's founding and evolutionCruise ship passengers seeking a condensed shore excursionCouples and small groups preferring personalized attention over large group tours

Best time to visit

Spring (May–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and lower tourist density than summer. Morning departures (8–10 AM) are ideal to explore the historic district before cruise ship passengers and tour groups arrive.