Montreal: RESO Underground City & Downtown Walking Tour

Summary

Explore Montreal’s hidden tunnels, art, and downtown stories with locals

You’ll feel Montreal’s layers come alive as you follow a local guide through the RESO Underground City and downtown streets. Expect unexpected art, laughter over language mishaps, secret corners only locals mention, and real insight into daily city rhythms. It’s more than just walking — it’s catching the heartbeat of Montreal for yourself.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, we’re going underground?” That was the first thing I blurted out when our guide, Marie, waved us toward an ordinary-looking set of stairs just off Sainte-Catherine Street. The air changed as soon as we went down — cooler, with this faint scent of coffee and bakery yeast drifting from somewhere. I could hear distant echoes of footsteps, but it wasn’t quiet exactly. More like a city humming underneath itself. Marie grinned and told us this is the RESO Underground City — not just tunnels but a whole network where people actually live their daily lives. I kept thinking, how did I never know about this?

We wandered through stretches of tiled corridors, past little bursts of public art (one mural looked almost like it was glowing under the fluorescent lights), and then up escalators into sunlight again. It was wild how quickly we’d pop back above ground — suddenly there’s the rush of downtown Montreal, street performers somewhere in the distance, buskers playing accordion. At one point Marie pointed out an old bank building with these carved stone faces; she said if you look close enough they all have slightly different expressions. I tried to spot them all but got distracted by someone’s dog wearing tiny boots (Montrealers really love their dogs). The pace felt steady but not rushed — about 4 km total, so you do need to keep moving.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much with strangers on a walking tour. There was this bit where Marie tried to teach us a few words in Québécois French — I absolutely butchered “dépanneur” and she laughed so hard she nearly dropped her notes. She also gave us a list of her favorite places to eat nearby (I still think about that smoked meat sandwich). There were moments when we’d pause in some sunlit plaza or catch our breath at an escalator, just watching people go by — students hurrying somewhere, office workers balancing coffees and phones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Montreal RESO and Downtown

• Explore Montreal RESO Underground City
• See key tunnels and architecture
• View public art in RESO
• Visit indoor points in downtown Montreal
• Visit outdoor points in downtown Montreal

Top questions

How long is the Montreal RESO Underground City tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and covers about 4 km (2.5 miles).

Is there an age requirement for this tour?

The minimum age to attend is 12 years old; all participants need a paid ticket.

Does the tour include both indoor and outdoor stops?

Yes, the tour includes both indoor (RESO tunnels) and outdoor points in downtown Montreal.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small-group tour with a maximum of 10-12 people per group.

Is lunch included on this Montreal walking tour?

No meals are included; however, your guide will give you recommendations for places to eat nearby.

Are there stairs or escalators on the route?

Yes, several sets of stairs and/or escalators are part of the route; moderate fitness is required.

Who operates this Montreal RESO tour?

The tour is owned and operated by MTL Detours, a locally owned independent company.

What’s included

Your experience includes guidance from a certified local guide with city permit, all local taxes covered, plus personal recommendations for things to do around Montreal after your walk. All participants must be at least 12 years old with paid tickets; dress for both indoor tunnels and outdoor weather since you’ll explore both sides of downtown.