Old Montreal Walking Tour: Small Group, Local Treats & Highlights

Summary

Old Montreal’s stories, flavors & hidden corners on foot

You’ll walk Old Montreal’s winding streets in a small group led by a local expert, sampling maple treats and catching stories you’d never find in guidebooks. Expect real conversation, hidden corners like Pointe-à-Callière, and a few surprises—including personal tips for exploring more after your tour ends.

What’s the experience like?

I met our guide Lesley right by Place d’Armes—she was easy to spot, waving and chatting with someone from the last group. There were just nine of us, which felt more like tagging along with new friends than being herded around. The air still smelled faintly of roasted coffee from a nearby café (I almost ducked in but didn’t want to miss the start). Right away, Lesley had us looking up at the Notre-Dame Basilica—just the outside, but honestly, the blue stone glowed in that weird Montreal light you only get before noon. She told us a story about weddings there and I caught myself grinning at how she pronounced “Basilique.”

We wandered down Rue Saint-Paul, dodging delivery bikes and peeking into shop windows full of things I couldn’t afford. The cobblestones are no joke—wear good shoes. At Bonsecours Market, Lesley handed out these little maple treats (I ate mine too fast) and pointed out where local artists hang their work upstairs. Someone asked about the old city walls and she actually showed us where to spot them near Pointe-à-Callière—I’d walked by before and never noticed. It started drizzling for a minute but nobody cared; someone shared an umbrella and we kept going. That’s when I realized how much ground we were covering on this Old Montreal walking tour—my phone said over 3km by the end.

I liked how Lesley slipped in bits of French here and there (I tried repeating “Marché Bonsecours” back to her—she laughed, not unkindly). She gave us a list of her favorite places to eat after the tour; I ended up at one of her bistro picks for lunch later. We finished near Jacques-Cartier Square where street performers were setting up—honestly, it would’ve been easy to just keep wandering with everyone. There was a parting gift too (no spoilers), which made it feel like we’d joined some kind of club for people who notice details.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Montreal highlights

• Start walking tour of Old Montreal
• Visit Bonsecours Market
• Stroll Rue Saint-Paul
• See Place Jacques-Cartier
• Admire Montreal City Hall
• View Notre-Dame Basilica exterior
• See Bank of Montreal building
• See Château Ramezay exterior
• View Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
• Discover Pointe-à-Callière museum
• Walk along Rue Saint-Jacques

Top questions

How long is the Old Montreal walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is entry to Notre-Dame Basilica included?

No, you’ll see the basilica from outside only during this tour.

What is the maximum group size?

The small group is capped at 10 participants for a personal experience.

Are food or snacks included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll get a tasty local treat as part of your experience.

Is this Old Montreal walking tour suitable for kids?

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

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, tours run rain or shine or snow—dress appropriately for conditions.

Is there hotel pickup included?

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

Can I join if I have mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with challenging mobility restrictions due to cobblestones and stairs.

What’s included

Your day includes two hours exploring Old Montreal’s highlights on foot with an engaging licensed guide; enjoy a bonus local treat along the way plus a unique parting gift. You’ll also get insider recommendations curated by MTL Detours’ founder for places to eat or explore after your walk—all taxes are covered too.