Montreal Underground City Tour: RESO Art, Metro & Local Stories

Summary

Montreal’s indoor city maze art stories & daily life below street

You’ll slip into Montreal’s underground city with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. See art installations like Lipstick Forest, glide past Les Cours Mont-Royal’s marble halls, ride the metro (ticket included), and catch everyday life below street level. Expect warmth, laughter, and moments that stick long after you’re back above ground.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked into the entrance near Peel, and honestly, I didn’t expect the air to shift so quickly—one second it was that sharp Montreal chill, next we were in this warm hush under the city. Our guide, Alex, waved us over to a mural right by the escalator. He told us about how hundreds of thousands use this underground city every day (RESO is what locals call it), especially when it’s minus twenty outside. Someone walked past with a coffee that smelled like burnt caramel and vanilla—made me wish I’d grabbed one too.

We wandered past Les Cours Mont-Royal, which Alex joked feels like a cruise ship got lost underground. He wasn’t wrong—the marble floors, all that gold trim, even a grand piano just sitting there. There was this indoor skating rink where kids zipped around while their parents watched from behind glass. At one point we stopped by the “Lipstick Forest”—these weirdly cheerful pink tree trunks in an office lobby. I tried to pronounce its French name and got it so wrong that Alex actually laughed out loud (I deserved it).

The best part for me was when we hit the main train station area—so many people moving with purpose but also kind of floating through their own routines. The hum of announcements mixed with footsteps on tile and some distant violin music echoing from a busker near the metro entrance. We took the metro ourselves (included in the tour), and I kept thinking how different Montreal feels down here—like another layer of its personality you don’t see above ground.

I still think about that feeling of stepping back up to street level at the end—like surfacing after swimming underwater for a while. My shoes squeaked on the tiles and I realized I’d barely looked at my phone for two hours straight. So yeah, if you want to see Montreal from inside out—with stories you won’t find on plaques—this is probably your thing.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Montreal's Underground City

• Visit Berlin Wall statue
• Pass Marche Saint Laurent and Lipstick Forest
• See indoor skating rink
• Walk through Montreal's main train station
• Pass through the RESO network
• View landmark site
• Experience Les Cours Mont-Royal cruise ship vibe

Top questions

How long does the Montreal Underground City tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is metro fare included in this RESO tour?

Yes, your metro ride is included in the tour price.

Does this day trip require physical fitness?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for walking indoors.

What attractions are visited during this RESO tour?

You’ll see Les Cours Mont-Royal, Lipstick Forest, an indoor skating rink, and Montreal’s main train station.

Are photos taken during the tour?

Yes—the host takes plenty of pictures to make your experience memorable.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to meeting points.

Will we learn about local culture on this underground city tour?

The guide shares personal stories and cultural context throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes insider access through Montreal’s RESO network with a passionate local host guiding you to art spots and hidden corners; your metro ticket is covered; plus lots of candid photos along the way so you don’t have to worry about missing any moments yourself.