Old Montreal Private Walking Tour with Cruise Tickets

If you’re thinking about getting a comprehensive taste of Montreal’s historic charm without the hassle of navigating on your own, this Old Montreal Private Walking Tour with Cruise Tickets could be just what you need. While we haven’t personally joined this exact experience, it’s received glowing reviews, and the details suggest it offers a memorable blend of history, architecture, and scenic views.

We particularly love that it’s a private tour, meaning you get a more personalized experience—less rushing, more engaging stories from your 5-Star Licensed Guide. Also, the pairing with a scenic cruise along the St. Lawrence River makes this trip stand out, offering a unique perspective of the city from both land and water.

However, keep in mind that this experience includes walking on uneven surfaces and steps, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity and suitable footwear. It’s an ideal option for travelers who want to see the city at their own pace, learn some stories, and enjoy beautiful views without the crowds.

This tour seems perfect for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply wanting a relaxed yet insightful way to experience Montreal’s Old Town. Whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or have lived here a while and want a new perspective, this experience offers a well-rounded, intimate look at one of Canada’s most captivating cities.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private guides tailor the tour to your interests, making it more engaging.
• Historic Landmarks & Hidden Gems: From Notre-Dame Basilica to secret viewpoints, there’s plenty to discover.
• Beautiful River Views: The cruise provides a relaxing way to see Montreal’s skyline from the water.
• Flexible & Convenient: The tour combines walking and cruising, providing a mix of active exploration and leisure.
• Great for History & Architecture Lovers: Rich stories about Montreal’s past bring the city’s architecture to life.
• Accessible & Comfortable: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suited for travelers who enjoy moderate activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

This tour kicks off in the heart of Old Montreal, starting at the Bonsecours Market. Known as both a marketplace and an architectural marvel, it’s a fitting beginning—its historic façade hints at the city’s trading past. Your guide, fluent in your preferred language, will lead you through the surrounding streets, sharing stories that go beyond what you might read in a guidebook. You’ll walk along Rue Saint-Paul, the city’s oldest street, lined with charming boutiques, cafes, and buildings whispering tales of old Quebec.

What makes this part special? The architecture and the stories. As your guide points out details, you’ll feel transported back in time, gaining insight into how Montreal evolved from a trading post to a bustling metropolis. The Notre-Dame Basilica is a clear highlight, with its Gothic Revival architecture, stunning interior, and vibrant history. It’s a place where you can pause, admire the craftsmanship, and appreciate the religious and cultural significance of the structure.

Next, your guide will take you to Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary and the Old Custom House, both of which contribute to understanding Montreal’s religious and maritime heritage. The guide’s engaging storytelling makes these stops come alive, giving you a layered picture of the city’s past.

Throughout the walking portion, your guide will highlight lesser-known spots and viewpoints, perhaps leading you to a quiet lookout that offers sweeping views of the city. One of the things we loved hearing from past travelers was the guide’s ability to make history feel relevant and interesting, sharing stories that stick with you long after the tour ends.

After about two hours of exploring on foot, your guide will escort you to the dock for the river cruise. The 1.5-hour cruise aboard a Croisières AML vessel promises a different perspective of Montreal. From the water, you’ll see the impressive skyline, the Olympic Stadium, Mount Royal, and other landmarks that might seem quite different from street level. The cruise’s audio guide in multiple languages adds context, telling stories about Montreal’s maritime roots, urban development, and culture.

The cruise is described as smooth and relaxing, with food and bar service available onboard, making it a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the city’s scenery. The combination of walking and cruising offers a balanced day—active enough to keep your interest, but leisurely enough to feel unwound by the end.

The small group size, limited to 1-25 guests, ensures that you get individual attention and an experience tailored to your interests. The guide’s ability to answer questions and focus on what excites you most makes it stand out from more generic tours.

From a value perspective, at $242 per person, the tour offers a rich experience—covering major landmarks, hidden spots, and a scenic cruise. While it doesn’t include food, drinks, or attraction tickets, the personalized guide service and the cruise itself justify the cost for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free day in Montreal.

What’s the Tour Itinerary Like?

Starting Point – Bonsecours Market:
A beautiful historic building that acts as the tour’s focal point. From here, you’ll stroll through the streets that have witnessed centuries of Montreal’s history, learning about its trading and cultural past. Your guide will highlight architecture, stories, and points of interest along the way.

Old Montreal Streets & Landmarks:
Walking along Rue Saint-Paul, expect to see cobblestone streets, quaint shops, boutiques, and cafes. The guide’s stories will help you visualise the city’s evolving character and its historic significance.

Notre-Dame Basilica:
A standing marvel of architecture and artistry, this basilica is more than just a religious site; it’s a symbol of Montreal’s identity. You can admire the stained glass, the intricate woodwork, and the vibrant interior. It’s a wow moment for many visitors.

Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary & Old Custom House:
These landmarks deepen your understanding of Montreal’s religious and maritime history, each with its own story to tell.

Hidden Viewpoints & Offbeat Stops:
Your guide might take you to secret viewpoints or share anecdotes about buildings and areas that aren’t on the typical tourist radar, enriching your experience.

Transition to the Cruise:
Your guide will escort you to the pier, making sure you’re comfortable and ready for the next part of your adventure.

Scenic River Cruise:
Relax on the boat as the city’s skyline unfolds around you. The cruise provides a fresh perspective and is an excellent way to see the city from a different angle, especially if you enjoy photography or simply want to unwind.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

According to reviews, the guides are a major highlight. One reviewer praised Ronny as being “knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging,” bringing history and architecture to life. The personal touches, like messaging before and after the tour, add a level of care that many appreciated.

The views from the water are also consistently praised. Several mention how seeing Montreal from the river gives a new appreciation for the city’s layout and landmarks. The cruise’s smooth ride and the inclusion of an audio guide in multiple languages make the experience accessible and comfortable.

Travelers also appreciate the flexibility of the private tour, which allows for questions and a tailored experience. The quiet, scenic cruise afterward makes for a perfect wind-down after exploring on foot.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking for a personalized, in-depth introduction to Montreal’s Old Town, especially if you have a curiosity for history, architecture, or scenic views. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace but still want to cover a lot in a few hours. Because it’s private, it’s also perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who prefers a more intimate setting rather than large group tours.

While it’s accessible and wheelchair friendly, keep in mind that walking on uneven surfaces and steps might be a consideration if you have mobility issues. Kids who enjoy history and scenic boat rides may also find this experience enjoyable, though it’s not explicitly tailored as a family tour.

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FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and steps, so it’s best for those comfortable with moderate activity and suitable footwear. It is wheelchair accessible, but it’s good to check specific needs in advance.

How long does the whole experience last?
The total duration is approximately 3.5 hours—2 hours on the walking tour and 1.5 hours on the river cruise.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price, but the cruise does offer food and bar services onboard.

Can I choose my language for the guide and cruise audio guide?
Yes, the tour is led by guides fluent in multiple languages including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The cruise’s audio guide is available in eight languages, including French, English, Italian, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for families, children who enjoy historical stories and boat rides might find it interesting. Just be aware of the walking component.

What’s the meeting point?
You’ll meet your guide in front of Auberge Alt Hostel at 347 Rue Saint-Paul E in Montreal. Remember, it’s just a meeting spot, not a hotel check-in.

Final Thoughts

This Old Montreal private walking tour combined with a river cruise offers a thoughtful, engaging way to explore the city’s core. Its personal guide ensures you get the stories and insights that make Montreal special, while the cruise offers a relaxing, scenic finale. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value quality over quantity and enjoy a more intimate, flexible experience.

Travelers who appreciate historical architecture, stunning viewpoints, and a mix of active and leisurely moments will find this tour well worth the price. While it may not include all attractions or meals, the combination of guided storytelling and scenic cruising creates a well-rounded snapshot of Montreal’s charm.

If you want to see Montreal through a local’s eyes, learn its secrets, and enjoy beautiful views from two perspectives, this experience could just be a highlight of your visit. It’s a thoughtful choice for anyone wanting a customized, memorable day in Old Montreal.

You can check availability for your dates here: