Montreal Old Town Walking Tour: Small Group & Local Stories

Summary

Old Montreal’s streets, history and laughter with a local guide

You’ll wander Montréal’s oldest streets with a certified local guide, hear stories behind landmarks like Bonsecours Market and City Hall, and soak up everyday life from street performers to market smells. Expect small group warmth and real conversation—plus those little moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so at home in Old Montréal — maybe it was the way our guide, Sophie, greeted us like she’d known us for years. We started near Place d’Armes, where the basilica bells echoed off stone walls and someone nearby was selling roasted chestnuts (the smell made me weirdly hungry). The group was small enough that nobody got lost in the shuffle, which I appreciated because I tend to wander off when something catches my eye — like the way sunlight hit the old Royal Bank building. Sophie joked about how even locals get lost here sometimes. I believed her.

We wandered down Saint Paul Street, dodging delivery bikes and watching shopkeepers set out pastries that looked too perfect to eat. At Jacques-Cartier Square, a street performer tried (and failed) to juggle flaming sticks — everyone clapped anyway. Sophie pointed out Bonsecours Market and told us about its past as the city’s main market for over a century. She had this way of slipping in facts without making it feel like school; just stories layered over cobblestones. I tried saying “Marché Bonsecours” with my best French accent — she laughed and gave me a thumbs up, which felt generous.

The weather shifted halfway through — a little drizzle on my glasses, but no one minded. We huddled under an awning by City Hall while Sophie shared how Montréal’s French heritage still shapes daily life (she waved at someone across the street who waved back — apparently everyone knows her). There was something grounding about hearing these stories right where they happened. Even now, I still think about that view down toward the Old Port, all gray slate roofs and flags flapping in the wind. The tour covered both east and west sides of Old Montréal; honestly, I wouldn’t have known where one ended and the other began if Sophie hadn’t pointed it out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Montréal highlights

• Explore Old Montreal sights
• Discover Place Royale historic square
• Admire Notre-Dame Basilica exterior
• Learn history at Place d'Armes
• See Montreal City Hall
• Visit Bonsecours Market
• Enjoy Jacques-Cartier Square views
• Stroll down Saint Paul Street

Top questions

How long is the Old Montreal Walking Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include entrance to Notre-Dame Basilica?

No, you admire the basilica from outside but do not go inside.

What attractions are included on this walking tour?

You’ll see Place d’Armes, Notre-Dame Basilica (outside), Saint Paul Street, Jacques-Cartier Square, Bonsecours Market, City Hall, and more in Old Montreal.

Is pickup included for this Montreal walking tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at a central location in Old Montreal.

Does this cover both East & West circuits of Old Montreal?

Yes, this walking tour covers both East and West circuits.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour runs rain or shine—just dress for the weather.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

What’s included

Your two-hour experience includes both east and west sides of Old Montréal with all guiding by an official city-certified local expert. You’ll join a relaxed group of about 15 people—small enough to ask questions or pause for photos—and support a woman-owned company that’s been running tours here for over 40 years. The route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; just bring yourself (and maybe an umbrella if clouds look suspicious).