Montreal: Walking Tour Old Montreal, Chinatown & Street Art

Summary

Walk old montreal basilica chinatown murals with snacks

You’ll skip lines at Notre-Dame Basilica, wander Old Montreal’s quiet corners with a local guide, taste fresh snacks in Chinatown, and sip coffee among street art in the Plateau. This walking tour includes stories you won’t find in any brochure—and leaves you with new flavors (and maybe some paint under your nails).

4.90

(711 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You see that?” our guide asked, pointing at the carved ceiling inside Notre-Dame Basilica. I was still craning my neck, trying to take it all in — blue so deep it almost glowed, gold details everywhere. We’d barely started our Montreal walking tour and already I felt like I’d wandered into a painting. There was a moment of hush while everyone just sort of stood there, breathing in the cool air and candle wax smell. I could’ve stayed longer, but we slipped out before the crowds got thick — apparently that’s part of the trick.

Old Montreal is full of these corners where you catch yourself staring at a doorway or an old sign. Our guide (Gabrielle? Or maybe she said Gab) kept tossing in stories about bankers and artists who used to walk those same stones. At some point we ducked into the Underground City — honestly, I didn’t even know this existed, but it’s like a whole world under the streets. The echo of footsteps on tile and this faint bakery smell drifting from somewhere. We popped up in Chinatown for a quick snack; I tried to say “bao” properly and Li behind the counter just grinned and handed me two instead of one. Not complaining.

After that came Saint-Laurent Boulevard — murals everywhere, splashes of color on brick walls that made me want to stop every five steps for photos. There was this thrift store (three floors, wild lamps hanging from the ceiling) where you could get lost for hours if you weren’t careful. The Plateau felt different — lighter somehow, more people laughing on stoops or waving at someone across the street. Coffee from a local shop tasted smoky and sharp; I’m still thinking about it now. Before we split up, Gab scribbled a list of her favorite spots on my map — not sure I’ll find them all but it feels good to have clues.

2h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Top questions

How long is this Montreal walking tour?

The walking tour lasts several hours and covers multiple neighborhoods including Old Montreal, Chinatown, and the Plateau.

Does the tour include entry to Notre-Dame Basilica?

Yes, entry to Notre-Dame Basilica is included and you skip the line at the start of the tour.

Are snacks or drinks included during the tour?

Yes, food tastings and beverages are included—expect snacks in Chinatown and coffee later on.

Is hotel pickup provided for this Montreal tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers meet at Place d'Armes to start the walking tour.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

The minimum age is 5 years old; infants can ride in prams or strollers with specialized seats available.

What should I wear or bring for this walking tour?

A moderate amount of walking is involved; wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for weather conditions as tours operate rain or shine.

Does this Montreal day trip use public transportation?

The route is walkable but public transportation options are nearby if needed after the tour ends.

What’s included

Your day includes skipping lines at Notre-Dame Basilica, guided walks through Old Montreal and Chinatown with food tastings along the way, stops for coffee in artist-filled neighborhoods like the Plateau, plus stories from your local guide before finishing with personal recommendations for exploring more on your own.

Do you have any questions before booking? Reach us anytime — we’re available 24/7.

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