Old Montreal: Private Walking Tour with Historic Sites

Summary

Wander Old Montreal’s cobbled lanes with stories at every turn

You’ll wander Old Montreal’s winding streets with a local guide who brings centuries-old stories to life. See landmarks like Place d’Armes and Notre-Dame Basilica, stroll past City Hall and along St-Jacques Street, and catch glimpses of daily life in hidden courtyards. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide, Camille, right in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica — she was holding a little notebook and waving like she already knew us. The bells were ringing somewhere behind the stone towers, and I remember thinking how the air smelled faintly of coffee and rain, even though it wasn’t raining yet. Our private walking tour of Old Montreal started there, with her asking if we’d ever tried maple butter (we hadn’t), and then we set off down those uneven cobblestones that make you watch your step but also want to look up at everything at once.

I kept getting distracted by the colors — pale blues on old shutters, gold lettering above shop doors, a guy selling roasted chestnuts near Place Jacques-Cartier. Camille told us stories about Fort Ville-Marie and pointed out where the city’s first hospital stood (now just a quiet courtyard). She had this way of switching between French and English mid-sentence when she got excited about something — especially when we passed St-Jacques Street, which she called “Canada’s Wall Street.” I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a history walk, but there was this moment near City Hall when she imitated an old mayor’s speech style and nearly had us doubled over. So yeah, not what I thought a private tour would be like.

The inside of Notre-Dame Basilica was optional, but we went in. It was darker than I expected; the blue light felt almost underwater. Someone whispered a prayer in Spanish nearby. Outside again, we took photos by the Sulpician Seminary — Camille said it’s the oldest building here, and it does look like it’s seen everything. My shoes were starting to squeak from all the walking (bring good ones), but I barely noticed until later because there was always another story or detail — like how Bonsecours Market used to be full of farmers yelling prices in three languages at once.

By the time we reached the Old Port, boats were creaking against their moorings and I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once. There’s something about seeing Montreal through someone who grew up here — it makes all those dates and buildings feel less like facts and more like memories you borrow for an afternoon. I still think about that blue light inside Notre-Dame sometimes when things get too loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Montreal's historic sites

• Meet guide at Notre-Dame Basilica
• Walk through Old Montreal streets
• Visit Place d'Armes and Place Royale
• See Place Jacques-Cartier monuments
• Pass Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel and City Hall
• Walk along former Wall Street (St-Jacques Street)
• Discover Hôtel-Dieu hospital site
• Photo at Sulpician Seminary
• Learn about Old Port history

Top questions

How long is the Old Montreal private walking tour?

The private walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Does the tour include entry to Notre-Dame Basilica?

Entry to Notre-Dame Basilica is optional during the tour.

Where does the private walking tour start?

The tour meets at Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal.

Is this Old Montreal walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the route.

What sites are visited on this private walking tour?

You’ll see Place d’Armes, Place Royale, Place Jacques-Cartier, City Hall, Bonsecours Market, St-Jacques Street, Sulpician Seminary, and more.

How many people can join one booking?

A maximum of 15 people can join per booking for this private tour.

Are children allowed on this Old Montreal tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is lunch included in this private walking tour?

No meals are included; however, you’ll pass plenty of cafes along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional local guide for your group only; flexible stops based on your interests; visits to historic squares like Place d’Armes and Place Royale; chances to enter sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica if you choose; accessibility for wheelchairs or strollers; plus time for questions or photos wherever you want before finishing near the Old Port.