Montreal tours

Things to do in Montreal

Montreal, it's a place that feels like it's caught in a perpetual dance between the past and the present. The city hums in a way that's unmistakably its own, where the echoes of street performers seem to blend seamlessly with the scent of freshly baked croissants wafting through the air. When you find yourself on a Montreal tour, your local guide doesn't just show you the sights—they unveil the layers of this city, leading you through neighbourhoods where history and culture are as intertwined as a well-made tapestry. Imagine strolling through Old Montreal, where every cobblestone seems to have a story to tell, or finding yourself on a food and wine tour that feels more like an exploration of the city's soul rather than just its cuisine. It's not about queuing for the same old attractions; it's about peeling back the surface to see what makes this city tick. With your guide, each encounter feels like a step deeper into the city's rhythm, revealing the Montreal few truly get to see. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Montreal. Explore Montreal your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Montreal tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Montreal for every interest, including: History tours: You might trace the fur trade at Place d’Armes and inside Notre-Dame Basilica. Then head beneath Pointe-à-Callière to see the original city walls and archaeological remains. Art and Culture tours: Follow a local through the Plateau and Mile End to decode the Boulevard Saint-Laurent murals from the MURAL Festival and pause at a working studio. Cap it off with time at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the PHI Foundation for Contemporary Art. Food and Drink tours: Snack your way through Jean-Talon Market with Québec cheeses, seasonal berries, and maple treats before a bagel bakehouse visit at St-Viateur or Fairmount. Compare classic smoked meat at Schwartz’s with a pint at Dieu du Ciel! or a small-batch distillery in the Quartier Latin. Central neighbourhoods are very walkable, and the STM métro and buses connect most sights; if you want to cover wider ground, ask your guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Montreal inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour of Montreal and explore its unique neighborhoods with a local guide. There's no better way to delve into the city's diverse culture than alongside someone who knows it well. - Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): A must-visit for cultural tourists and history buffs. You can wander through cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture, and enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with street performers and cafes. - Plateau Mont-Royal: Known for its bohemian vibe, this neighborhood is great for those seeking a mix of culture and shopping. You can explore its colorful murals, unique boutiques, and trendy eateries, all while soaking in the artistic spirit. - Mile End: A hub for foodies and art enthusiasts. You can discover its diverse culinary scene, with everything from bagels to international cuisine, and visit local art galleries and independent shops. - Westmount: This affluent area is perfect for those interested in architecture and nature. You can admire stunning historic mansions and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Westmount Park, offering a serene escape within the city. Day trip ideas from Montreal From Montréal, it makes sense to look beyond the city limits and fold a few nearby cities and nature spots into your plans, since day trips by car are simple and your tour can be paced around food stops, short hikes, and photo breaks. Québec City and Montmorency Falls: Walk the stone streets inside the old city walls, step onto scenic overlooks above the St. Lawrence, and see the cliffside power of Montmorency Falls, which rises higher than Niagara. History fans get fortified gates and the Citadelle area, while curious eaters find classic Québec dishes and bakeries tucked into narrow lanes, so this pairing works if you like stories, architecture, and big river views in one day. Laurentians, Mont‑Tremblant area: North of Montréal, the Laurentians trade city traffic for lakes, forests, and small towns with laid‑back cafés. Spend your time on easy forest trails, shoreline strolls, and village streets lined with local shops; if you like fresh air, simple hikes, and mountain scenery in any season, this is a relaxed day that still feels full. Eastern Townships, Magog and Sutton: Rolling farmland meets low mountains here, with country roads linking vineyards, cheese makers, and lakeside parks. It suits you if tasting local products, browsing small galleries, and taking gentle walks by the water sounds right, and your tour can focus on farms, viewpoints, or quiet main streets depending on your interests. Ottawa, Canada’s capital: See Parliament Hill’s Gothic Revival facades from the lawn, follow the Rideau Canal paths past locks and parks, and browse the ByWard Market’s food stalls and street art. If you like national stories, riverside walking routes, and a compact city centre that is easy to navigate in a day, this route balances landmarks with casual neighbourhood time. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Montreal most travellers miss.