Best tours of Montreal

Ready to explore the best of Montreal? Immerse yourself in the energy of Canada's cultural capital with a wide range of exciting tours. As the second largest country in the world, choosing the best things to do in Montreal requires the assistance of an expert guide.

From bus, walking and cycling tours, to helicopter and scooter adventures, there are options to suit all travel styles. Get to know the history, mysteries, murals and local delicacies such as the famous poutines and Canadian craft beer through the best tours of Montreal. In this article I leave you their prices, comparison, duration, pros and cons for you to decide which is your ideal activity in the city.

See the landmarks of Canada's most cosmopolitan city on a panoramic double-decker bus with the Montreal Hop on Hop off tour.

With 13 strategically placed stops, you can immerse yourself in the charm of Montreal at your own pace. Hop off at the majestic Notre Dame Basilica and marvel at its architectural glory. Stroll through vibrant Chinatown, walk through the space where history comes alive in the Old Port or visit some of Montreal' s best museums all with a single transport ticket.

You can't miss an afternoon in the Quartier des Spectacles, where inspiration will envelop you at every turn. And if you're looking to enjoy the nightlife, save the stop at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for last, which drops you two blocks from Crescent Street, a downtown area full of bars, terraces and reasonably priced restaurants.

Details of interest

• Price: from 28 € per person.
• Duration: 90 minutes for the full tour, but you can hop on and off as many times as you like.
• What you should know: unlike the tourist bus in other cities, in Montreal your ticket entitles you to use its services for 1 or 2 days, so you can take your time to explore the city at your own pace.
• What the tour can include: bus ride with guide in French and English.
• Pros: your schedule is flexible. If your hotel is on the route, you can often arrange a pick-up service.
• Cons: guides are not offered in your language. Groups can be large.

In Canada, beer culture is so common that even managers invite their colleagues to enjoy this spirit at local pubs. Immerse yourself in an exciting brewery tour of Montreal and discover the most fascinating secrets of craft beer on this epic tour.

Blue Labat through Big Rock to Kokanee Gold are more than 20 brands of popular Canadian beers and the accent of the taverns has given birth to the famous beer tours. Luckily for everyone, the prices are reasonable, and the flavors are a real treat thanks to their locally produced hops and malting barley distillates.

Accompanied by an expert guide, you will visit between 3-4 carefully selected breweries, where you will have the opportunity to delight your palate with some tapas. But that's not all, to complement the experience, a local specialty is often included that will transport you to the authentic flavors of the region, such as the classic Montreal poutine.

In addition to the brewery visits, at each pub your guide will reveal interesting anecdotes about the surroundings, from the charming Latin Quarter, to landmarks such as Place Saint-Louis, Place des Arts and the lively Rue Saint-Denis.

Although the tour has predetermined stages, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the last stop at your own pace. Many participants opt to linger at the last bar, chat and savor their favorite beer of the day one more time.

Details of interest

• Price: from 56 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you need to know: while the breweries may vary on each tour, one thing is constant: the exceptional quality of the hop and barley craft beers you will taste. If you have any dietary restrictions or special preferences, just let us know when you make your reservation, there is a beer just right for you.
• What the tour may include: Expert guide service. Beer tasting. Tapas.
• Pros: This tour will provide an unforgettable experience in Montreal for the small groups that participate, allowing the passion for beer to intertwine with the rich culture and hidden treasures of the city.
• Cons: Shuttle service from accommodation is not usually included. The guide's languages are usually English and French.

Get ready for a chilling experience as you delve into the world of spirits and mysteries on the Montreal Ghost Tour as the sun sets over the city.

Accompanied by talented actors, you will tour the historic center as they dramatize the route and reveal the most chilling happenings. Witches, murderers, spirits and tortures will come to light, revealing a dark side of Montreal that makes your skin crawl.

Saint-Paul Street will be the center of this tour as it is considered one of the most haunted streets in Montreal and that's not the only thing, the Villa Maria, McLennan Library and Pointe-Saint-Charles have also reported paranormal activities, historical apparitions, unexplained mysteries and strange legends in the city.

The history of the apparitions? That's part of what you discover if you dare to follow this Montreal haunted and apparition trail. At the end, you return safely, don't worry, but your heart will beat with the adrenaline and emotions unleashed by this tour.

Details of interest

• Price: from 19 € per person.
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• What you need to know: this is a dramatized tour available for people over 14 years old.
• What the tour may include: participation in the dramatized tour.
• Pros: the experience is fun thanks to its fusion of mystery, theatricality and paranormal approach. Ideal for travelers visiting Montreal in a group.
• Cons: No meals, drinks or transfers are included.

Imagine flying over the city, admiring its most iconic landmarks from the air - that's exactly what awaits you on your helicopter tour in Montreal!

You'll begin your experience with a brief safety briefing from your pilot, who will guide you through the basics of flying and the aircraft. Once you're comfortable, it's time to take off. Oh wait, take your first photo before boarding. Now you're ready. Excitement will take over as you climb into the sky, ready to see the city from a unique perspective.

From the Montreal Tower - theOlympic Tower -to Mont-Royal Park, passing by St. Joseph's Oratory, Mont-Tremblant National Park, the Capitol of Quebec, Jean-Drapeau Park, the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit and many other impressive sites, you won't be able to stop taking pictures! The ride is intoxicating and enjoyable, especially if you like adrenaline.

Details of interest

• Price: from 115 € per person.
• Duration: from 20 minutes.
• What you need to know: this experience is typically available in 20 or 30 minutes mode, the more time in the air the greater the opportunity to admire Montreal's highlights. It is important to know that each passenger has a weight limit of 113 kilograms to be able to board the helicopter. The experience is not suitable for people with heart problems.
• What the tour may include: Professional guide service. All taxes. Helicopter flight for the chosen time.
• Pros: the tour offers a thrilling experience from the heights to capture Montreal's most important landmarks. This tour is often chosen for special events such as romantic getaways, engagement parties or by professional photographers.
• Cons: No transfers to accommodation, food or beverages are included. Often the guide is only offered in English, French or Esperanto.

Embark on an exciting journey through the charm of Montreal! Accompanied by a local guide you will discover historic landmarks such as the Vieux-Port, Notre-Dame Basilica, the iconic Montreal Tower, the Parliament of Canada, the lively Marché Bonsecours, the Latin Quarter or Quartier Latin, Chinatown and much more.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, delicious cuisine and captivating art while being entertained by fun facts and interactive anecdotes. But what is the best way to take a city tour in Montreal? It depends on your tastes and preferences, so after looking at the helicopter option, here are all the options available by land.

Montreal walking tour

Walk the streets of Montreal while you discover the monuments and hear its stories, secrets and even its street art, the artistic heart of Montreal on a walking tour.

Enjoy a private experience, just you and your companions, or with a small group, with the flexibility to choose the places to visit guided by a Montrealer.

• Price: from 21 € per person.
• Duration: 2 - 6 hours.
• What you need to know: this type of tour is one of the most flexible, the destinations can be just the historical center, gastronomic, street-art tours of the Main and more. The schedule can be day or night.
• What can be included in the tour: expert guide service. Beer tasting. Tapas tasting, including the iconic poutines.
• Pros: Groups are usually small, allowing for more personalized attention.
• Cons: Groups can be large. Often only available in English and French.

Montreal Bike Tour

Pedal along Montreal's extensive network of bike paths with a half-day bike tour including helmet and lock. Make your way effortlessly past the most beautiful monuments and parks in areas like the Vieux Port, the must-see of this French-speaking city. You can even choose one of the walks with gastronomic tours included.

• Price: from 55 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you should know: electric, hybrid and manual bikes are available.
• What the tour may include: bike guide service. Bike rental. Tapas tasting. Wine tasting.
• Pros: the ride is relaxing, entertaining and very lively because the small groups that are allowed share at least one common interest: cycling.
• Cons: languages, only English and French. Transfer to the accommodation is not included.

Montreal scooter tour

Feel the thrill of exploring Montreal by scooter! From the heart of the city to the old town, the imposing Place Ville-Marie, Chinatown, the beautiful Mount Royal Park and the vibrant Saint-Henri neighborhood among many other incredible places.

This type of tour will allow you to comfortably enjoy the most interesting monuments and parks of the city with a local guide while riding a scooter.

• Price: from 75 € per person.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• What you need to know: you must have a driving license and be over 18 years old.
• What the tour may include: professional guide service. Scooter rental. Helmet.
• Pros: thanks to the speed of the scooter you can cover most of the city.
• Cons: transfer to and from your hotel is not included.

Tour of Montreal by private bus

At the beginning we talked about the tour bus with its group experience, but Montreal also offers you a more complete experience, with more stops in an air-conditioned bus, with pick up at your hotel and an expert guide attentive at all times, maybe the Montreal tour by private bus is the right one for you.

• Price: from 44 € per person.
• Duration: 3 - 4 hours.
• What you need to know: perfect for those who expect to see Montreal in 2 or 3 days.
• What the tour may include: shuttle service to and from your hotel. Shuttle service by air-conditioned bus.
• Pros: a live guide shares commentary at each site of interest and you have time to take your photos or explore a bit of the site, so you can then return to those that got your attention.
• Cons: Groups can be large.

• Be sure to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather: if you plan to fly in winter, be sure to bring warm clothes and gloves. If it's summer, don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!
• Shuttle service to accommodation: often tours that include this service offer it for hotels in downtown Montreal, if you decide to stay with Airbnb or a hotel in the peripheries, you will probably have to mobilize to a meeting point. The good thing is that public transportation works very well, so you can get around without any problems.
• If you have the opportunity, choose a sunset tour to enjoy the views of Montreal illuminated by the city lights. Soar through the sky or sail down the St. Lawrence River - it's a breathtaking experience you won't want to miss!
• Don't worry about the language! Guided tours in Montreal are usually available in several languages, including English, French and Esperanto. But an interesting fact is that it is a city with a diversity of nationalities, so it is very likely that you will meet other travelers and Montrealers who speak Spanish.