Discover Montreal’s Hidden Gems with Walking Tours: A Comprehensive Guide (2024)

Montreal is a city that has a lot to offer visitors, from wild nightlife and buzzing parties to breathtaking views of Canadian history and legacy. While partying is fun, there’s a lot more to explore in Montreal, and walking tours are the perfect way to do that. Tour guides have developed elaborate plans for different locations and times, customized to cover the top-rated places to visit in Montreal, all necessary activities, and the city’s mementos. Whether an architecture enthusiast or a curiously intrigued foodie, you can find a walk for all moods and occasions. In this article, we will explore the various plans and types of walking tours offered in Montreal and the exciting details they entail. From the French influence in the city’s architectural goodness to the haunted secrets of Montreal’s Old Port, there’s something for everyone. So, lace up your walking shoes and let’s discover Montreal’s hidden gems together!

Why Should You Consider Taking Up Walking Tours in Montreal?

To help you make the most of your tourist visits, tour guides have developed elaborate plans for different locations and times. These plans are customized to cover the top-rated places to visit in Montreal, all necessary activities, and the city’s mementos. The walks allow you a more authentic and enhanced look at the city’s beauty. Many guides and organizations are offering pre-planned tours. However, if you are particularly adventurous, you may even go for a self-guided tour, allowing you to personalize your tourist tales.

Upon close discovery, numerous tours are explicitly arranged with different themes and interests. The primary purpose of doing so is to give close attention to the country’s visual offerings and cultural richness. Whether an architecture enthusiast or a curiously intrigued foodie, you can find a walk for all moods and occasions.

These walking tours of Montreal can last between 60 and 180 minutes, depending on the intent and itinerary. You also have the option to hire a guide for personal time or join a mass tourist group to meet new people and unfold an adventure. Let us explore the various plans and types of walking tours offered and what exciting details they entail.

Discover Montreal’s Hidden Gems with Walking Tours: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal

The first on our list is the walkthrough of UNESCO-certified places to visit in Montreal. You are offered a hotel pickup for maximum convenience, from where a certified tour guide will take you through all the important city sites.

This tour is designed to help you have a closer look at the French influence in the architectural goodness of the city. You have the leverage to explore the undiscovered spots between these buildings, taste the local delicacies or even sit back and soak in the ethereal beauty of these magnificent buildings.

2. East and West Old Montreal Guided Walking Tour

This walking tour is no less than a paradise for those with a knack for history and architecture. A local residential guide takes you through all the significant monuments and 19th-century-inspired architectural designs. Some of the highlighting destinations in this tour include the following: 

• Jacques-Cartier
• d’Youville
• Pointe-à-Callière Museum
• Notre-Dame Basilica
• Royale
• Champ de mars park
• Canadian National Railway Company

The tour package allows you to pick an English or French-speaking guide, as French is a commonly spoken language across this Canadian city.

3. Haunted Downtown

If paranormal activities and horror catch your fancy, you must not miss out on this walk. It takes you through the underlying haunted secrets of Canada’s hustling corporate life. Within 90 minutes, you will stumble across Montreal’s Old Port’s deepest and most unearthly secrets. Encounter forgotten graveyards and spooked bars, and even spot ghosts to weave an endearing yet unforgettable memory from your trip.

4. Winter Tour of Old Montreal

One of the major highlights of Canada is its winters. The snowfall and gorgeous aesthetics are one of a kind. If you are fortunate enough to witness this weather in person, make sure not to miss out on this winter walking tour. Layer up in your warmest jackets and witness the serene sights in impeccable weather. These tours are intended to be tight-knit. Hence you will find a smaller crowd. Witness the snow-covered beauty of authentic Canadian crafts while snacking on the warming delicacies offered by local cooks and eateries.

5. Beyond the Basilica a Walking Tour in Montreal

This tour walk is a one-stop package to take you through all the mandates of Montreal tourism. It is designed to offer you the best and must-have experiences quickly. You will discover all the major architectural establishments, religious places, popular food spots, and other necessary cultural highlights. The group size is limited to a maximum of ten people to offer a more authentic and intimate experience for all those involved.

6. History Walking Tour of Old Montreal

Do you want to live out a history book? Get your walking shoes on and head out on this knowledge-studded tour filled with fascinating historical facts, breathtaking views, and a seasoned guide who will narrate stories that enrich your experience. Experience a never-seen-before sight of Old Montreal through an experienced lens by availing of an expert-led walking tour.

7. Montreal’s Underground City

You may enjoy this walking tour if you seek thrills and adventures from your travel experiences. Discover the often-overseen glimpses of Montreal’s underground life. Explore the beauty of the often-ignored tunnels, streets, arts, and architecture. Under a well-versed city local’s guidance, you will surely catch the best sights and discoveries.

8. Beyond the Market Food Tour in Montreal

If you are looking for authentic Canadian cuisine, you are at the right place! As you can guess from the name, this tour caters to people with a daring yet diverse palette. You will be taken through the local markets to get a taste of exclusively hand-picked and fresh produce. This walking tour is a delight for those who love experimenting with food and like to explore different dishes.

9. Christmas Walking Tour in Old Montreal

Are you visiting the city during the festive holiday? Undoubtedly, Christmas is the most magical and happiest time of the year. But do you want to know how to add to the festival’s charm? Join a Christmas walking tour in the most aesthetically pleasing place in the world. Get a view of beautiful decorations, the biggest and most happening cathedrals, buzzing marketplaces, and scrumptious holiday treats to have the best Christmas of your life.

10. The Montreal Craft Beer Tour / Brewpub Experience

Discover the breweries and taprooms of the city and have a tasteful alcohol indulgence. While this trip is reserved for adults for obvious reasons, you are guaranteed to get an unforgettable and engaging experience. Snack on the country’s most premium drinks and foods while interacting with your peers.

11. Crimes and Red Light of Montreal

Take a deeper look into the former “sin city” of the North and learn more about Montreal’s brothels, bars, and gambling stations. Here, you can acknowledge yourself with the dark secrets of the city – drug trade, crimes, sex work, etc. – during the early and mid-1900s. The local guide will take you through the areas with the reputation of being the heart of the city’s red-light district.

Conclusion

With that, we conclude the different walking tour types that take you closer to discovering the beauty of Montreal, Canada. We have covered various themes, moods, and types of activities suitable for all budgets and ages. If you ever visit this gorgeous city, be sure to take a walking tour to enhance your tour experience and make memories of a lifetime!