Top 6 Free Walking Tours In Montreal, Canada

1. Discover the history of Montreal with Free Old Montreal Tours

Experience the European vibes and history on foot with Free Old Montreal Tours. This is a slightly less than three-hour guided tour that brings you around the classic must-visit areas of Old Montreal. The tour starts on Place Jacques Cartier, a square in Montreal named after Jacques Cartier who claimed Canada from France in 1535. Then, the tour guides will bring you on an exploration tour to other famous landmarks such as the Place d’Armes, Rue Saint-Jacques West and finally ends at Place Jean-Paul Rioppell which is right inside Metro Place d’Armes. This tour is available every Monday to Thursday, rain or shine.

Free Old Montreal Tours

Address: 275 Rue Notre-Dame Est, Montréal, QC, Canada H2Y 1C6

Website: Free Old Montreal Tours

Opening hours: Mon - Thu (closed from Fri - Sun)

2. Visit the must-see attractions with Strawberry Tours

Montreal is so full of cultural heritage and there are so many places to visit. If you really want to get a taste of the city, Strawberry Tours has listed out a few must-visit places and attractions that you definitely wouldn’t want to miss in Old Montreal. The area might be old but it has been rejuvenated with lots of galleries, shops and restaurants. Step inside the Basilique Notre-Dame and you’ll be able to see the old-school Gothic Revival structure with stained glass windows and a ceiling that is lined with 24-carat gold. For the art lovers, you’ll be pleased to know that the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montreal showcases some of the most amazing artworks from graphic artists all over the world.

Website: Strawberry Tours

3. Explore Montreal with GPS My City

If you don’t wish to be tied down by the rigid schedules and timetables of guided tours, do a self-guided one! All you need is some research on GPS My City. The website offers 17 self-guided walking tours in Montreal and you can choose a tour most suited to your needs, fits into your schedule and itinerary, and something that offers you the experience you are looking for! Choose from sightseeing walks that introduce you to Montreal in the day or night or if you are a shopping lover, shopping tours are also available. There are also tours that focuses on certain areas in the city such as Mile’s End and Plateau-Mont-Royal.

Website: GPS My City

4. Reveal the best of Montreal on foot with Frommers

Frommers provides three awesome self-guided tours. The first tour lets you explore the carefully preserved architecture heritages, enjoy the old European vibes of Montreal and explore the areas where the city was born. If it fits into your schedule, go on a second tour where you take a walk around the modern parts of downtown Montreal or do some luxury shopping at Rue Ste-Catherine. The third tour is definitely for those who are looking for a little bit of relaxation. Walk up to the Parc du Mont-Royal, a small mountain easily accessible from the downtown area. There is a 200-hectare (494.2 acres) park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect who also designed Central Park in New York. Visit the front terrace of Chalet du Mont-Royal to get a view of the charming city and the river. Aside from the usual tour itinerary, they also give you information on the best and worse time and season to go on the tours. If you are a foodie, or if you want to satisfy those hunger pangs while on the road, they have also included some of the best cafes, eateries and restaurant recommendations in the itinerary!

Website: Frommers

5. Quartier des Spectacle

Are you interested in the local culture, arts and history of Montreal? If you are, Quartier des Spectacle tour is the one for you! This two-hour walking tour is led by a professional guide who is certified by the Institut de Tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ). So you can be sure that the information you’ll get is accurate and informative. This educational tour will educate you about the different interesting events that led to the transformation of this space from a Red Light District to an arts centre. However, this free tour is over for this season. It will be available next season - in June 2020. Do keep this in mind if you are planning a trip to Montreal next year!

Quartier des Spectacle

Website: Quartier des Spectacle

Opening hours: Tours are over for this season, they will be back in June 2020

6. Explore the culture and heritage of Old Montreal

If you are interested in the culture and heritage of Old Town Montreal, this free walking tour organised by Peek is a great find for you! Explore the history of Montreal. A professional and knowledgable guide will be leading you through the famous landmarks, architectures and attractions in town while introducing their facts and history to you. A good news for the nature lovers - you’ll also be taking a stroll through the beautiful, scenic Beaver Lake and Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park.

Website: Peek

Explore a mix of old and new heritage in Montreal

Montreal is an amazing city, not because of their rich culture and heritage only. It is a mix of classic and modern - all in one city. You should see it for yourself, and one of the best ways to do it is definitely by participating in a walking tour! Be it a guided tour or a self-guided one, you’ll enjoy the incredible vibes of Montreal. So what are you still waiting for? If you are planning a trip to Montreal, book your walking tour now!