Private Walking Tour: Old Montreal and Underground City

If you’re considering a guided experience in Montreal, this private walking tour of Old Montreal and the Underground City offers an appealing blend of history, architecture, and modern urban life. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve gathered enough details to give you a pretty good idea of what to expect—and what makes it stand out.

What we love about this experience is how it balances historical sights like Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port with the fascinating underground network that connects the city in a completely different way. Plus, with a private guide, your experience can be tailored to your interests, making it feel more personal and relaxed.

That said, a possible consideration is the cost—at nearly $1,700 per person, it’s not exactly budget-friendly. So, this tour is best suited for those who value detailed, guided insights and want a comprehensive look at Montreal’s past and present. If you’re a history enthusiast or someone who appreciates a mix of cultural highlights with a modern twist, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: A private guide means tailored insights and fewer crowds.
• Historical and Modern Mix: From centuries-old architecture to the underground city, you’ll cover a lot.
• Includes Major Landmarks: Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port, Place des Arts, and more.
• Flexible & Informative: Approx. 4 hours, ideal for a deep yet manageable city overview.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees and food are not included, so budget accordingly.
• Review Highlight: Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides and stunning city views.

A Closer Look at the Montreal Private Walking Tour

This private 4-hour tour packs in a lot, making it ideal for travelers who want a thorough, stress-free exploration of Montreal. For a fee of $1,699.87 per person, you get a personalized guide who will lead you through Montreal’s most iconic sites and hidden gems. While it’s on the pricier side, most of that expense is justified by the quality of guide service, the flexibility, and the opportunity to customize your experience.

Starting in Old Montreal

The tour kicks off in Old Montreal, a neighborhood that immediately transports visitors into the city’s past with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively plazas. Here, your guide will share stories about the city’s founding by Jacques Cartier, Jeanne Mance, and others, setting the tone for a journey through time. Expect to see Notre-Dame Basilica, a highlight with its stunning architecture—note that admission isn’t included, but the exterior alone is worth the look.

We love that the tour includes stops at Rue Saint-Jacques, Montreal’s version of Wall Street, offering a glimpse into the city’s economic history. It’s a quick 10-minute stop, perfect for a photo or a quick lesson on Montreal’s business past.

Visiting Major Landmarks

The tour continues with a visit to the Gare Montreal-Ouest, a main train station that speaks to the city’s railway history, and the Observatoire Place Ville Marie, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Montreal from the top. While viewing platforms aren’t included, the vistas from here are often spectacular and give you a sense of the city’s layout.

The Windsor Station offers another slice of history—once a hub for Canadian rail travel—and the Old Port of Montreal provides a lively, scenic area to stroll and enjoy the waterfront. If you’re a fan of lively, bustling spots, this area won’t disappoint.

Artistic and Cultural Highlights

The tour takes you to Place des Arts, Montreal’s premier entertainment district. The venues here host a variety of performances, and the area is a vibrant cultural hub. Plus, you’ll see the Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture, and the Mile End, a neighborhood famous for its quaint residential streets and lively nightlife.

Exploring the Underground City

One of the tour’s standout features is descending into the Underground City, a vast network of tunnels and shopping centers. This part of the tour reveals how Montreal’s residents navigate the city during harsh winters or busy days—an essential part of city life that’s rarely seen by travelers just wandering around.

Your guide will explain the history and purpose behind this modern subterranean maze, which connects hotels, malls, and metro stations. It’s a stark contrast to the historic above-ground streets, showcasing Montreal’s innovative urban planning. The underground network is perfect for those who want to see how a city can be both old and cutting-edge at once.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are:

• Pickup in a central hotel or meeting point
• A private licensed tour guide for 4 hours
• Public liability insurance
• Taxes

Extras you’ll need to cover separately:

• Entrance fees (e.g., Notre-Dame Basilica, Observatory)
• Food and drinks

This setup means you’re paying for the guide’s expertise and the convenience of a private experience, but you’ll need to budget for additional costs if you want to access certain sites or enjoy a meal.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, and city explorers who want a detailed, guided look at Montreal. If you prefer self-guided wandering, this might feel a little restrictive, especially considering the price. It’s also a great option for travelers who want to learn about Montreal’s evolution from a historic port to a modern metropolis.

Those traveling with limited time will appreciate the efficient 4-hour format, giving you a rundown without feeling rushed. And if you’re someone who values local insights—the guide’s stories and tips—this tour can truly elevate your experience.

Final Thoughts

This private Montreal tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s past and present, with the added benefit of a personalized guide. The combination of historic sites like Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port, along with the modern underground network, makes it particularly appealing for those who want a thorough, immersive experience.

While the price might be steep for some, the customization, knowledgeable guides, and access to key sites can make it worthwhile—especially if you’re visiting during a busy season and want to skip the crowds. It’s particularly suited for travelers who love to learn, explore comfortably, and see both the classic and contemporary sides of Montreal.

The positive reviews, especially praising the guides’ professionalism and the views, reinforce that this tour delivers on its promises. Just remember to account for additional entrance fees and meals if you want to fully experience all the stops.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, this is a walking tour, but pickup is offered from your hotel or a central location, making it easy to start without extra hassle.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees (such as for Notre-Dame Basilica or the observatory) are not included, so you’ll need to budget for those separately.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private guide, you can likely discuss specific interests or sites, but the core stops are part of the planned itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
The description doesn’t specify, but given the walking nature and focus on history and architecture, it’s probably best suited for older children or teens interested in these topics.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and check the weather forecast since most of the tour is outdoors.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through Viator or directly through Tour Travel & More, with options for mobile tickets and group discounts.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, which offers some flexibility if your plans change.

Is there any food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to grab a snack or meal beforehand or afterward.

In short, if you’re looking for a detailed, engaging way to see Montreal’s highlights with the comfort of a private guide, this tour checks many boxes. Just keep in mind the cost and extra expenses, and you’ll be well on your way to a memorable city experience.