Montreal: Afternoon City Tour with St Joseph’s Oratory & Mont Royal

Old Montreal walks, St Joseph’s Oratory views & Westmount stories

You’ll wander Old Montreal’s cobbled streets, snap photos at Notre-Dame Basilica, cruise through Westmount’s leafy avenues, climb up to St Joseph’s Oratory for sweeping views, and end your afternoon breathing in fresh air atop Mont Royal Park—all with a small group and someone who knows every shortcut.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon tour of Montreal highlights

• Take photo at Notre-Dame Basilica
• Explore downtown Montreal
• Drive through Westmount mansions
• Visit St. Joseph’s Oratory
• Walk in Mount Royal Park

The Experience

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to start our Montreal afternoon city tour standing in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica, feeling so tiny under all that blue-and-gold ceiling. Our guide—Francois, who somehow knew everyone in Old Montreal—pointed out these little gargoyles on the façade. He joked that they’re “the original city watchdogs.” I snapped a photo but honestly, it doesn’t do the place justice. The square smelled faintly like roasted coffee from somewhere nearby. It was busy but not chaotic—people just sort of drifted around us, speaking French and English and sometimes both in the same sentence.

We piled into this surprisingly comfy van (air conditioning is a blessing when the sun hits downtown). Driving through Westmount felt almost like peeking behind a curtain—huge stone mansions with gardens that looked too perfect to be real. Francois told us about Leonard Cohen living nearby once; I’m not sure if he was serious or just liked telling stories. There was this one house with a turquoise door—I still think about that color for some reason. Maybe it’s because everything else was so classic and then bam, turquoise.

St Joseph’s Oratory is enormous. Like, you see it from half the city and then you get up close and realize it’s even bigger than you thought. We climbed up what felt like a hundred steps (it wasn’t really that many), passing people lighting candles or just sitting quietly on the benches. Inside it smelled like old wood and wax, which sounds weird but actually felt peaceful. Francois explained how Brother André started it all—he spoke softly here, which made sense somehow.

The last stop was Mont Royal Park—a quick walk to the lookout where suddenly all of downtown Montreal just opens up beneath you. The air felt cooler up there and someone nearby was playing guitar (badly, but still). I tried to take a panoramic photo but gave up halfway because it didn’t capture the feeling at all. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip in Montreal from downtown to Mont Royal with a local guide—it’s not just about seeing things; it’s about these odd little moments that stick with you after.

Top questions

How long does this Montreal city tour last?

This afternoon tour typically lasts around 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip in Montreal?

The tour includes complimentary drop-off at various hotels in downtown Montreal; pickup details may vary.

Are entry fees to St Joseph's Oratory included?

Yes, entry to St Joseph's Oratory is included as part of the tour.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

No, due to frequent getting on/off the van and walking sections, it's not suitable for those with limited mobility.

What languages does the guide speak on this city tour?

The accredited guide provides commentary in both English and French.

How big are the groups on this afternoon city tour?

The group size ranges from 8 to 16 people for a more personal experience.

Does the tour include time inside Notre-Dame Basilica?

You’ll have time to take photos outside Notre-Dame Basilica; interior visits depend on access during your date.

What COVID-19 measures are taken during the tour?

Masks are highly recommended inside vehicles/closed spaces; guides must be COVID-negative before leading tours.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes transport in an air-conditioned minivan with frequent stops for photos and short walks; guided visits through Old Montreal, Westmount neighborhoods, St Joseph’s Oratory (entry included), Mont Royal Park lookout strolls, plus drop-off at select downtown hotels before dinner time rolls around.