Five Ideas for Guided Tours in Montreal

• Old Montreal

  Old Montreal is one of the city’s most famous attractions, drawing both visitors and locals year-round. Declared a “historic district” in 1964 by Quebec’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs, this area is filled with architectural and historical treasures. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply looking for a picturesque stroll, every corner of Old Montreal holds memorable discoveries full of charm, easily accessible by public transportation.

  * Place d’Armes – In the heart of the city, Place d’Armes is surrounded by historical monuments. Here, you’ll find the Old Seminary of the Sulpicians, one of the oldest buildings from the French Regime, as well as the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Gothic masterpiece. Inaugurated in 1829, it impresses with its grand dimensions, soaring vaults, and colorful stained glass windows.

  * Saint-Jacques Street – Walking along Saint-Jacques Street, you can appreciate the charm of this former financial district. Take a break at Crew Café, a coffee shop housed in the stunning Royal Bank of Canada building from 1928, offering gourmet cuisine in an exceptional setting.

  * Pointe-à-Callière – The Pointe-à-Callière Archaeology Museum, located on the very site where Ville-Marie was founded in 1642, immerses you in the city’s historical roots. Established in 1992, the museum was expanded with a new pavilion in 2017, tracing the various stages of the region’s evolution.

  * Place Jacques Cartier – Don’t miss a stroll through this lively square, where terraces, musicians, and street artists make it one of downtown’s favorite spots. It’s the perfect place to relax while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Old Montreal.

  * Bonsecours Market and Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel – Nearby, you’ll discover the magnificent Bonsecours Market, built in the 1840s, with its neoclassical architecture. Just steps away, the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel awaits, a pilgrimage site founded in the 1650s that remains an important place of worship with its historic setting.

• The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA)

  Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts-style building for over a century (since 1912), the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts spans 13,000 square meters across five distinct pavilions. The newest addition, the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace, inaugurated in 2017, reflects the museum’s commitment to promoting peace and tolerance through artistic expression.

  The MMFA’s collections are vast, ranging from antiquity to the 21st century, offering an unparalleled cultural experience. Among its most notable works are masterpieces of European art, including paintings by Rembrandt, El Greco, and Monet.

  The contemporary art section highlights Quebec and Canadian artists, alongside international works that provoke thought on modern themes. This blend makes the museum an excellent place to explore diverse artistic perspectives. Visiting with a tourist guide in Montreal enhances the experience by providing deeper insights into the stories behind the artworks.

  The museum is also renowned for its extensive collection of decorative arts and design, featuring everything from antique furniture to modern creations. The wing dedicated to Indigenous and First Nations art offers visitors an in-depth look at ancient traditions and contemporary expressions from these communities, showcasing their cultural diversity.

  The MMFA doesn’t just house permanent exhibits—it regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that attract international audiences. These exhibitions spotlight renowned artists as well as emerging talents. One of the museum’s most engaging aspects is its educational mission, offering numerous family-friendly activities, interactive workshops, and lectures that solidify its role as a top cultural and educational institution.

• Mount Royal Park

  Spanning ten square kilometers, this vast green oasis was inaugurated in 1876. It was designed by landscape architect Frederic Law Olmsted, who, just a few years earlier, had created Central Park in New York.

  This magnificent urban park is a true green lung in the heart of the city, offering a nature escape just minutes from downtown. Its winding trails invite visitors to explore, whether on foot, by bike, or on ice skates in winter.

  Among its main attractions are two scenic lookouts. The most famous, Kondiaronk Belvedere, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of downtown and its skyscrapers, with the St. Lawrence River in the background. The second, less known but equally enjoyable, provides a scenic view of the eastern part of the city and its historic neighborhoods.

  These spots are perfect for relaxation or capturing unforgettable photos. The park is also a prime location for outdoor activities. In summer, locals come to jog, cycle, or simply unwind near Beaver Lake, an artificial lake where you can rent boats.

  In winter, the park transforms into a playground for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating on the frozen lake. The Olmsted Trail, winding through the park, is one of the most popular routes for these activities.
  The wooded areas are home to diverse wildlife, including the famous squirrels that dart between the trees, amusing visitors.

  This park is an essential destination for nature lovers, athletes, and anyone looking for fresh air, away from urban hustle and bustle, yet still close to downtown.

• The Montreal Botanical Garden

  If you’re looking for an escape from city life, the Montreal Botanical Garden is an essential destination.
  Located east of downtown, in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district, this magnificent garden offers a refreshing retreat within the heart of the metropolis.

  With 75 hectares of greenery, majestic greenhouses, and themed gardens, it is one of the city’s top attractions.
  The garden offers numerous pathways. Don’t miss the Japanese Garden, a peaceful retreat perfect for meditation. With its serene ponds, koi fish, and Japanese maples, this garden embodies the minimalist beauty of Asia. You can also explore the Chinese Garden, the largest of its kind outside China, where exotic pavilions and stone bridges transport you to the Far East.

  Every section brings a new discovery. The First Nations Garden immerses visitors in the culture and traditions of Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Here, medicinal and symbolic plants tell centuries-old stories of wisdom.

  Another must-see: the Rose Garden, where you can wander among hundreds of vibrant rose varieties. This romantic setting invites contemplation. The Shrub Garden, meanwhile, showcases a diverse collection of native and exotic shrubs, all meticulously maintained.

  Explore the Tropical Greenhouses: During your visit, take the time to explore the greenhouses. You’ll find exotic plants from around the world. The Tropical Plant Greenhouse is a true treasure of biodiversity. Marvel at orchids, bromeliads, and other lush vegetation thriving in this recreated tropical environment.

  In summer, don’t miss Gardens of Light, a mesmerizing event that illuminates the Japanese and Chinese gardens at nightfall. A magical experience that enchants visitors of all ages.

• Le Plateau Mont-Royal

  This charming borough will captivate you with its distinctive vernacular architecture. Its iconic “plexes” (duplexes, triplexes, and multiplexes) with their external staircases give the neighborhood a unique identity.

  Stroll along Saint-Denis Street, lined with lively cafés and boutiques. Explore Duluth Street with its “Bring Your Own Wine” restaurants, or wander down Boulevard Saint-Laurent, where trendy shops, vibrant bars, and striking murals adorn the avenue.

  Each season brings a different ambiance to the Plateau, making it a must-visit any time of the year. In summer, the neighborhood buzzes with festivals and packed terraces. In autumn, the changing leaves create a stunning, postcard-perfect setting. In spring, after a long winter, locals return to enjoy the lively streets with friends and family.

  In the **Mile-End** district, don’t miss Fairmont and Saint-Viateur Streets, famous for their legendary bagel bakeries. The Mile-End district is also a multimedia hub, home to numerous tech companies. Ubisoft, one of the area’s largest employers, has played a key role in revitalizing this zone, turning it into a center of creativity. This young, trendy neighborhood is filled with some of the city’s most popular restaurants, where you can enjoy diverse and innovative cuisine.