Discover the heart and soul of Montreal’s rich history. Dive into Old Montreal’s charming cobblestone streets and well-preserved colonial buildings. I’ve created a self-guided itinerary walking tour of Old Montreal to help you explore the neighbourhood and not miss a thing!
Explore Old Montreal with our Self-guided Walking Tour.
This guide features a mix of landmarks, dining recommendations, and leisure activities. Each section provides historical insight and a fun fact, designed to be your tour companion for the day.
You’ll feel like you’re visiting the city with a local friend.
But First, Easy Access to Old Montreal
Here are various ways to get to the oldest district of the city.
Using Public Transportation
Old Montreal is a short metro/bus ride from any part of the city. Plan your trip with the STM itinerary tool depending on your starting point.
Borrowing a BIXI Bike
BIXI, bikes available to rent, are a convenient way to move around Montreal. Rent one to get from point A to point B and discover new neighbourhoods above ground on the way.
Staying in a Hotel Nearby
Book a hotel in Old Montreal and immerse yourself in the experience. Find accommodations on:
Leave the Car Behind
Driving in Old Montreal can be challenging due to limited parking and congested streets. Public transport is efficient and drops you close to all major attractions.
Spend more time exploring and less time driving.
Get Started with Your Autonomous Itinerary Through Old Montreal
Begin your self-guided tour with the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. The perfect starting point to immerse yourself in this charming neighbourhood.
1. Basilique Notre-Dame
Location: 110, rue Notre-Dame O., Montreal
The majestic neo-gothic basilica is one of Quebec’s jewels. Its impressive architecture and artistic stained glass create a masterpiece of reverence and beauty.
The Aura immersive light show illuminates the basilica after sundown. A must-see experience created by Moment Factory.
Historical Fact: The Basilica is the first neo-Gothic church built in Canada.
Fun Fact: The basilica is a famous concert venue due to its impeccable acoustics. This is also where Céline Dion got married.
2. Rue Saint-Paul
As you walk to your next destination, wander down Rue Saint-Paul, Montreal’s most charming streets. Take a stroll through history, and discover art galleries, antique shops, and quaint cafés.
Historical Fact: Rue Saint-Paul is Montreal’s oldest commercial street. Thanks to the city’s careful preservation, the street has retained much of its 17th century’s charm.
Fun Fact: The street is often featured in films due to its well-preserved historic look and European vibe.
3. Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal’s Archaeology and History Museum.
Location: 350, place Royale, Montréal
Learn about Montreal’s development from colonial times through interactive displays and artifacts at the Pointe-à-Callière museum. Explore underground passages that reveal original archaeological sites with centuries-old ruins.
Historical Fact: The museum stands on the very site where the city was founded.
Fun Fact: Pointe-à-Callière is the only museum in Canada built over actual archaeological digs.
4. Snack Time in Old Montreal
Fuel your exploration of Old Montreal with a stop at one of these excellent spots among my favourite along your self-guided itinerary:
- Crew Collective & Café welcomes you in an architectural gem, that was once The Royal Bank of Canada. Even if you don’t eat/drink there, pop in to see the magnitude of the building.
- Olive et Gourmando is a local favourite for brunch and lunch. Their sandwich and pastries are out of this world.
- Rue de la Commune houses a variety of delicious restaurants. During the warmer months, the terraces along this street offer stunning riverfront views.
5. Place Jacques-Cartier
Continue your journey with a full belly and walk up to Montreal’s hub: Place Jacques-Cartier.
Location: on Pl. Jacques-Cartier, between rue Notre-Dame and rue de la Commune.
This vibrant public square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. Enjoy a stroll through the frenzy of street performances and art vendors.
Historical Fact: This main square was originally part of Château de Vaudreuil, before it was converted into a public market.
Fun Fact: A favourite activity among visitors of the market is having their portraits drawn by a caricaturist.
6. Marché Bonsecours
Location: 350, rue Saint-Paul E., Montréal
Marché Bonsecours, the city’s vibrant hub for shopping and dining. This historic building, renowned for its beautiful silver dome, hosts a variety of boutique shops and art galleries.
Historical Fact: It was the first main public market in Montreal, before it was moved to Place Jacques-Cartier.
Fun Fact: in 1990, an image of the building was featured on a Canadian stamp.
7. Musée Marguerite Bourgeoys
A few steps from Marché Bonsecours, you’ll find the Chapelle Notre-Dame-De-Bon-Secours and the historic site of Marguerite de Bourgeois.
Location: 400, rue Saint-Paul E., Montréal
Marguerite Bourgeoys was one of Montreal’s earliest teachers. This museum celebrates her life and her legacy as a pioneer.
Historical Fact: Marguerite Bourgeoys’ historic chapel is the oldest stone chapel in Montreal.
Fun Fact: Marguerite Bourgeois was recognized as a saint in 1982.
8. Montreal Clock Tower
Location: At the eastern end of Quai de l’Horloge
This is a significant landmark built as a tribute to the Canadian sailors who lost their lives during World War I.
Historical Fact: Montreal Clock Tower’s extremely accurate mechanism was modelled after London’s Big Ben.
Fun Fact: During summer, the Clock Tower Beach offers visitors a chance to enjoy sunbathing with a view on the Saint-Laurent.
Looking for a cheap flight to Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair I use regularly. Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Montreal and surrounding cities with Busbud.
9. La Grande Roue de Montreal
Location: Vieux-Port de Montréal, Bassin Bonsecours
La Grande Roue de Montréal is the tallest ferris wheel in Canada. Located on the city’s shore, the wheel offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city, river, and beyond.
Historical Fact: The Ferris wheel was inaugurated in 2017 for Montreal’s 375th celebration.
Fun Fact: The climate-controlled gondolas provide a comfortable experience in any season.
10. Diner at Jardin Nelson
After a delightful day exploring Old Montreal, unwind with a delicious dinner at Jardin Nelson. Famous for its large terraces and live jazz music, the restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere right in the heart of the action.
11. Evening Entertainment in Old Montreal
If you’re still up for an adventure, end your day with one of these unique experiences.
- Cité Mémoire Montréal:download the Montréal en Histoires free application and walk through Old Montreal. See the walls come alive with images and sounds telling the city’s story.
- Montreal Ghosts Tour: explore the darker, haunted side of Old Montreal with an evening ghost tour. Listen to tales of historical figures and legends as you wander through the old streets and alleyways.
Step Back Into Our Century
From the stunning architecture to the lively cobblestone pathways, Old Montreal leaves us with cherished memories and a desire to return. Even after a day filled with discovery, there’s always more to explore, such as:
- Promenade d’Iberville with its green roof and public piano.
- Bota Bota and its innovative concept: a spa on a floating boat.
- Montreal Science Centre, an interactive science museum, perfect for a family activity.
Here are some other amazing tours in Montreal you may want to book!
- Try your hand at a bagel making workshop, an iconic Montreal institution!
- Vélo Festif MTL partying with friends (or new acquaintances) and biking collide.
- Combine bike and spa for sore joints with Fitz Tours.
- Spade & Palacio lead activities like Beyond the Bike Lanes, Beyond the Market, Beyond the Basilica, Mural Tours, and Beyond the Village.
- Secret Montreal offers hidden history tours of the Montreal red light district around what we now call the Quartier des Spectacles.
- Watch a Montreal Canadiens Ice Hockey Game Ticket at Bell Centre.
- Take a History Walking Tour of Old Montreal with Guidatour.
- Quartier des Spectacles offers a free walking tour around the Place des Festivals in the summer.
- Urban Marmotte and his owner Michel take you around the city for a Montreal by Night tour!
- Discover the RESO: Montreal’s Underground City + Downtown Tour.
- If you’re into architecture and quirky living spaces, Habitat 67 tours are for you!
- Indulge in some of the best bites in the city with Secret Food Tours.
- In the Shadow of the Mountain: Montreal Jewish History Walking Tour.
- The Montreal Street Art & Mural Tour with Fitz Montreal.
- Montreal’s Sin City Era & Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours.
For more activities to do in Montreal browse through those articles:
- 5 Best Places to See Fall Colours in Montreal
- A Night at Le Germain Montreal: Staying and Eating Right Downtown
- Best Places for Bowling in Montreal and Surroundings
- Top 5 Places to Enjoy the Montreal Fireworks Competition
- Graffiti in Montreal: Guide to the Best Street Art
- Top 5 Things to Do Alone in Montreal
- Is Montreal Safe?
- Montreal Airport Taxi to Downtown: Everything You Need to Know
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