Montreal walking tour & city guide

Old Montreal

Old Montreal has cobbled streets, stone buildings and the Notre-Dame Basilica, with its stunning blue and gold interior. The Old Port along the river has a promenade, a Ferris wheel and summer activities.

Mount Royal and the Plateau

Mount Royal, the hill that gives the city its name, is a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted with a lookout over downtown. The Plateau Mont-Royal is known for colorful houses with outdoor staircases, cafés and street art, especially along Saint-Laurent Boulevard.

A day in Montreal

Begin in Old Montreal, where cobbled streets lead to the Notre-Dame Basilica and its glowing blue interior. Walk down to the Old Port for a stroll along the river, then cross to the Plateau Mont-Royal, a neighborhood of colorful houses with outdoor spiral staircases.

In the late afternoon, climb Mount Royal for a view over the city, then go to the Mile End for a bagel from a wood-fired oven. Evenings are for the restaurants of the Plateau or, in summer, the festivals that take over the Quartier des Spectacles.

Good to know

Montreal is French-speaking, but almost everyone also speaks English. A simple 'Bonjour' is appreciated before switching languages.

Summer is the festival season, with jazz, comedy and fireworks. Winters are long and very cold, but the city has an underground network of shops and the fun Igloofest. The metro is the easiest way to get around.