Things to do in Old Montreal

See the sights of Montreal on board a double-decker bus with a hop-on hop-off tour. Get introduced to the history and beauty of this city. You are free to get off at any of the 10 stops to soak up Montreal’s charm. You can also take a narrated nighttime tour of the city. 2-Day Red Loop Bask in the glory of the Notre Dame Basilica, stroll through Chinatown, and walk along the water of the Old Port. Be inspired and spend an afternoon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. Plan your evening and scope out the best bars and restaurants along Crescent Street. With 10 different places to hop on or hop off, there is no shortage of things to do and places to see. This hop-on hop-off tour is a unique and informative way to experience Montreal! Stops include Square Dorchester, Old Montreal: Notre Dame Basilica, Old Montreal: Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Village, Latin Quarter, Festival Quarter, Fine Arts Museum, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Mont-Royal: Kondiaronk Lookout, Mont-Royal: Camillien Houde Lookout.

Explore the sights and history of Quebec City on a hassle-free guided day trip from Montreal. Relax in the comfort of a premium bus as you begin the scenic journey with complimentary pickup from downtown Montreal hotels. Start your day by meeting your driver from downtown Montreal. On arrival in Quebec City, visit sites like Place Royale, Old Quebec, Petit Champlain, Notre Dame Basilica, and the Quebec Citadel. Drive along Grande-Allee, stop at the Chateau Frontenac, and admire Quebec's oldest skyscraper. Enjoy leisure time to explore the city’s winding streets and Quebec City’s oldest public stairs, Escalier Casse-Cou. Ride the funicular built into the cliff which links Upper and Lower Quebec for magnificent views of the river and its surroundings. Stop at the Plains of Abraham to see where the famous battle between French and English armies took place in 1759. Depart Quebec City’s Old Town for Montmorency Falls to enjoy extraordinary views of the impressive 274-foot (83-meter) high falls. Then, get back aboard the bus for your return trip to Montreal.

Discover Montreal by bus and admire over 200 points of interest in the vibrant Canadian city. Your bilingual guide will tell you all about each place you visit, offering insights and historical background as you go. Stroll through charming Old Montreal for a panoramic view of the Old Port, and admire Place Jacques Cartier in the heart of this historical area. Located between the St. Lawrence River and downtown, Old Montreal is the center of the city and offers a fascinating glimpse into Montreal's past. See prestigious McGill University and Universite de Montreal, then stop by Montreal's City Hall before heading to vibrant Montreal Harbor, an ocean port 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from the sea. Enjoy beautiful views of the city from Mont Royal Park as you stand next to the massive basilica of St. Joseph's Oratory at the park summit. The bus will also take you to Chinatown, the Place Des Arts performing arts center, and the Place Ville Marie underground luxury shopping center. See the tallest inclined building in the world at Olympic Park and admire the new home of the Montreal Canadien ice hockey team at the Bell Centre. See all there is to see in Montreal's French Quarter, and residential and financial districts as you get to know this fascinating French Canadian city.

Take in breathtaking views of Montreal with entry tickets to La Grande Roue de Montréal, the largest observation wheel in Canada. See the city and its surroundings from 60 meters in the air. The wheel is located in the heart of the picturesque setting of Old Port, on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River. Step aboard climate-controlled gondolas with ultra-clear glass for unbeatable panoramic views 60-meters high. Year round, rain, snow or shine, admire exceptional views of the city and its surroundings. Your ride will last around twenty breathtaking minutes. No matter the weather, the temperate gondolas will keep you cool in summer and warm in winter.  Under the sun or stars, enjoy the historic buildings of Old Montreal, the city center’s eclectic architecture, Mont-Royal, and the majestic Saint Lawrence River. On a clear day, you can admire up to 28-kilometers of the horizon. As dusk falls, Montreal’s lights up in color, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere. At the base of the wheel, relax on terraces or saver a tasty treat at the onsite cafe and bistro. You can upgrade your experience with the option of a private gondola for 8 people.

Embark with your guide on an unforgettable round-trip cruise along the St. Lawrence River, departing from the historic Old Port of Montreal. This scenic journey will take you on a captivating exploration of the city's iconic landmarks and stunning waterfront vistas. As you glide beneath the magnificent Jacques-Cartier Bridge, a marvel of engineering and architecture, a world of beauty unfolds before your eyes. The waterway is adorned with a succession of magnificent monuments that pay homage to Montreal's rich history and vibrant culture. Each monument tells a story, and as you pass by, informative commentary will enlighten you about the significance and background of these landmarks. The heart of Montreal City reveals itself as you cruise along the St. Lawrence River. You'll witness the bustling streets, the vibrant energy, and the unique blend of old-world charm and modern urbanity. The cityscape showcases an enchanting fusion of architectural styles, from the historic buildings of Old Montreal to the sleek skyscrapers of the downtown core. One of the most awe-inspiring sights awaits as you approach the Olympic Stadium, a monumental structure that hosted the 1976 Summer Olympics. Its iconic inclined tower stands tall, serving as a reminder of the city's sporting achievements and architectural grandeur. To witness Montreal in a whole new light, consider taking the evening cruise. As the sun sets and the city's lights illuminate the skyline, Montreal truly earns its reputation as "Canada's City of Light." The enchanting glow transforms the city into a magical spectacle, casting a romantic ambiance upon the river and its surroundings. Throughout the cruise, enhance your experience with the complimentary audioguide, available in 8 languages. Engaging commentary in French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean will provide fascinating insights into each landmark. A round-trip cruise along the St. Lawrence River is a remarkable journey that showcases the very best of Montreal. From the captivating monuments to the stunning waterfront views.

Have a memorable experience with this cruise from Montreal with a company that has over 20 years of experience. Hop aboard a small boat that is eco-friendly and 100% electric. Soak up all the sights and sounds of Montreal's waterside landmarks without the distraction of a roaring gas engine. The Old Port Tour leaves from the Jacques-Cartier Pier and head west, passing King Edward Pier and the Grand Quay on the way. It continues its journey, greeting the historic Lachine Canal, Silo #5 and Habitat 67. Then, letting itself be carried by the Sainte-Marie current, the boat makes a detour by the Yacht Club, before following the Quai de l’Horloge promenade, towards the Quai Jacques-Cartier.

This is an exclusive MTL Detours small-group tour with a maximum of only 10 people - a much more personal Old Montreal experience than other walking tours with larger groups. See the highlights of both the East + West sides of the old city in a compact 2-hour tour. MTL Detours is a 100% locally owned and operated small independent tour company – founded in and based in Montreal. We're passionate local Montrealers and we love showing off our city! Your engaging certified local guide will lead you on a fun and interactive walk to learn about the fascinating historical highlights that contributed to making Montreal the unique and diverse city that it is today. History, architecture, culture, food, art, fun facts and stories are all covered. Due to the small group size, you'll be able to hear your guide, navigate the narrow streets with ease and interact with the other guests. You'll leave the tour armed with our personal list of recommendations for things to see/do/eat in Montreal, a tasty treat and a unique parting gift. We have limited capacity on our tour so don't wait to book your prized spot on our carefully curated bestselling small-group experience. You're our special guests and we’ll make sure you have a great time with us!

Experience more of Montreal for less with the "Passeport MTL", which gives you entry to five of the city's top attractions. Consider the pass your special discounted all-access ticket to the city’s sights, sounds, tastes, and thrills, including a wide range of big attractions including the BioDome, Biosphère, La Grande Roue, McCord Museum, beer tasting, bike tours, river cruises Seasonal, and so much more. Present your Pass at the entrance of each attraction you have selected (from the list of participating attractions). Limit of one visit per attraction. Some attractions require a reservation made directly with the local operator. Included in your passport package are: 3 attractions in the Pink Collection and 2 attractions in the Blue Collection (for more information, consult the complete list at passeportmtl.com) : Pink Collection (choice of three): - La Grande Roue de Montréal (no reservation required) - Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex (no reservation required) - Memento Brewery (1 meal with beer, no reservation required) - PHI Centre (no reservation required) - Birra bar à bières maison - 4 tasting glasses of house beers as well as 1 pint of house beer (no reservations required) - OASIS immersion (reservation required) - 16/42 Tours - A 2-hour guided walking tour. (reservation required) - Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex (no reservation required) - A\Maze Escape Games - Les Secrets de l'Empire Maritime (reservation required) - Ateliers et Saveurs : Ateliers & Saveurs : 30 minutes of cooking class + 30 minutes of tasting = 1 hour of pleasure (reservation required) - Boulzeye, Pub & Attractions (reservation required) - Cirka Distilleries, visit and tasting (reservation required) - Montreal Science Center (No reservation required) - And many more Blue Collection (choice of two): - Château Dufresne, museum and historical heritage site (no reservation required) - Biodôme de Montréal (no reservation required) - Biosphère (no reservation required) - McCord Stewart Museum (no reservation required) - The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (no reservation required) - Laser Game Evolution (Ste-Catherine or Marché Central) (reservation required) - Ecomuseum Zoo (No reservation required) - Château Ramezay – Historic Site and Museum of Montréal (no reservation required) - Montréal Tower (no reservation required, open on weekends only) - Maison Saint-Gabriel, Museum and Historic Site (no reservation required) - Maison nationale des Patriotes - Site de la Prison-des-Patriotes (no reservation required) - Cycling Café (no reservation required) - Chez Potier - Épicerie gourmande (Free hot beverage and pastry, no reservation required) - See the complete list at passeportmtl.com

Experience Canada's only urban zipline circuit and explore Montreal from a bird’s eye view. Experience a thrill like no other as you fly over the city like a superhero and share in this unique, safe, and exciting adventure with the whole family.  Upon arriving at the Old Port, head towards the 100-foot tower with a red and white sign that says "Zipline". Witness people of all ages screaming with joy as they glide down above you. Just check in with any of the fun and engaging employees who will be able to answer your questions, and they will explain how you can enjoy a thrill experience that is both safe, smooth, and fun for the whole family. After securing your harness and helmet, the staff will brief you on easy security measures and prepare you for an adventure that will leave you with a sense of floating long after you land. When you are ready, launch and glide across the lagoon, and feel a mix of serenity, wonder, and excitement, as you take in the stunning views of the Old Port. Staff are there to help you land safely onto the end platform, where you will feel invigorated and ready for a second go.

Enjoy a unique and memorable experience in the unparalleled and fascinating ambience of Old Montreal with your family, friends, or colleagues. Follow a storyteller and explore a completely different Old Montreal full of ghosts and unexplained mysteries. In your guide's company you will learn about some of the town's most gruesome legends and stories. Visit the sites where major events took place and which are rumored to still be haunted. Discover the secrets of Old Montreal during this unforgettable evening.