Montréal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour

If you’re searching for a different way to see Montreal, this scavenger hunt and walking tour offers a fresh twist on sightseeing. Instead of typical guided tours, it turns your exploration into a game, giving you the chance to uncover the city’s gems at your own pace. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide if it’s your kind of adventure.

What caught our eye? First, the interactive nature of the tour—solving riddles and completing photo challenges makes it engaging. Second, the affordability, with a price tag around $7.72 per person, makes it accessible without sacrificing too much value.

That said, there’s a consideration worth noting: some travelers found the experience a little slow or dull, especially on very hot days or if your group isn’t into side quests. It’s a laid-back, self-led journey, so if you’re expecting a fast-paced or deeply historical tour, this might not be your jam. But for those who enjoy learning on the move and having fun outdoors, it’s worth a look.

This scavenger hunt is perfect for curious travelers who want to see Montreal from a different angle—whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even solo. It’s especially suited if you enjoy interactive experiences or are on a budget but still want to explore the city meaningfully.

Key Points

• Flexible pacing allows you to explore at your own speed and take breaks when needed.
• Interactive tasks make sightseeing engaging and fun, especially with photo challenges and riddles.
• Affordable price point offers value for money, especially given the variety of sights included.
• Self-guided experience means you’re in control, but it relies on your interest in puzzles and outdoor walking.
• Language options in English and French cater well to Montreal’s bilingual vibe.
• Mostly positive reviews highlight the tour’s ability to showcase iconic sights like Bonsecours Market and La Grande Roue, with some noting the experience’s simplicity.

A Closer Look at the Montreal Scavenger Hunt Experience

Imagine wandering through Montreal’s charming streets with your phone as your guide, following clues that lead you to both well-known landmarks and hidden corners. That’s essentially what this tour offers—a blend of sightseeing and playful discovery in a two-hour window, making it a flexible way to spend part of your day.

The experience kicks off at Place d’Armes, a bustling hub in Old Montreal, and is designed to be totally self-managed once you get your access code. You download an app called Explorial, input your code, and start your adventure. The tour lasts roughly 1-2 hours, and you can pause the game to rest, grab a snack, or soak in the views.

What’s great about this setup? You get full control over your pace. Unlike traditional guided walks, you’re not confined to a schedule or large group. Plus, because it’s an app-based game, you don’t need a physical guide, which means fewer logistical worries and more freedom.

The route covers some of Montreal’s must-sees, including the Vauquelin Place, Bonsecours Market, and La Grande Roue de Montréal. Each stop involves solving questions, often based on signs, murals, or landmarks, with hints to guide you. The questions are designed to be accessible and generally fun, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The core of this experience involves finding sights using hints provided through the app. Once you arrive at each location, you’ll answer questions—most answers are hidden in plaques, signs, or images—and earn points. It’s a game, but it also offers some educational tidbits, especially if you pay attention to the clues.

Many reviews note how informative and engaging this can be. For example, Leslie_L shared, “It was a very fun way to see the sights of old Montreal! We really enjoyed learning the history of the buildings and monuments.” That’s a good sign that, despite being a casual game, it can still serve as an insightful introduction.

Photo tasks pepper the journey—these are designed to encourage creativity and make the experience more lively. If you enjoy taking photos, you’ll appreciate the chance to snap some fun or artsy shots along the way. Successfully completing these tasks earns extra points, adding a light competitive element.

The entire experience is customizable to your interests. Whether you want to focus on the iconic sights or explore lesser-known spots, the app’s hints help steer your adventure. There’s no pressure to follow a strict itinerary, which is a bonus for travelers who prefer to explore in a relaxed manner.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Based on reviews, many travelers find this tour offers excellent value and an easy way to see Montreal. Beatriz_P mentioned, “We loved this tour, it was fun, interactive, and educational.” The price is undeniably attractive, especially considering the inclusion of sightseeing, puzzles, and photo opportunities.

However, some felt it was a bit boring or slow—Susan_C’s comment was, “It was just OK. I purchased to give my older teens something to do but they thought it was boring.” On a very hot day, they simply wanted to find shade, which highlights that the experience isn’t for everyone. If you’re not into puzzle-solving or outdoor walking, it might not hold your interest for the full two hours.

Another aspect to keep in mind is that since it’s self-guided, you need to be comfortable navigating with your phone and following clues. It’s casual, but not a structured guided tour, so if you prefer a more in-depth narration or historical storytelling, this might feel a bit light.

The Itinerary in Detail

While the tour’s exact route can vary based on your choices and pace, here’s what you might expect:

• Start at Place d’Armes: As a busy plaza near Old Montreal, this is an ideal starting point to get your bearings. You’ll receive your access code here and begin solving your first clues.

• Vauquelin Place: This charming square offers a glimpse into Montreal’s architectural charm and often appears in the puzzle-solving route. Here, you might learn a little about the area’s history or find interesting sights hidden in plain sight.

• Bonsecours Market: A must-see, this historic marketplace is a highlight of Old Montreal. The app might ask questions about its history or suggest creative photo tasks—like capturing certain angles or details.

• La Grande Roue de Montréal: The impressive Ferris wheel offers sweeping views of the city. In the game, your challenge may include snapping a photo or finding a specific detail visible from afar.

• Additional Stops: Depending on your progress, the game guides you through different alleyways, parks, and streets, unveiling hidden murals or lesser-known spots.

Throughout, the puzzles are designed to get you looking closely at your surroundings, turning sightseeing into a game of discovery. It’s an excellent way to learn small details about the city and see sights you might otherwise overlook.

Practical Details: What Travelers Should Know

The tour is quite flexible—once you buy your ticket, you’ll get an access code and can start anytime during the tour’s operating hours, which are extensive (from noon to late evening). It’s available daily, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

The experience is not limited in time, which means you can take your time and explore leisurely. Whether you want to breeze through it in an hour or spend more time soaking in sights, you’re in control.

Meet at Place d’Armes for the start, and the tour ends back at the same spot, making logistics simple. The app provides a map to guide you, and since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended—Montreal’s cobblestone streets can be uneven.

The cost is modest—around $7.72 per person—making it an affordable way to add some fun to your day without breaking the bank. Given the reviews, it offers solid value, especially with the variety of sights and interactive features.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys interactive experiences or solving puzzles while exploring, this tour could be a hit. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with a group that appreciates a relaxed pace and the chance to take many photos.

Those who like to explore without a rigid schedule will appreciate the freedom to pause or continue as they please. It’s also suitable for travelers on a budget, given the low price and the fact that it includes some of Montreal’s most iconic sights.

However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into Montreal’s history or prefer guided storytelling, you might find this experience a bit too light. And if your group isn’t into outdoor walking or puzzles, it could feel more like a chore than fun.

Final Thoughts

This scavenger hunt and walking tour offers a playful, budget-friendly way to see Montreal from a new perspective. It’s a good fit for curious, independent travelers who enjoy a bit of lighthearted challenge amid their sightseeing. The route covers many of the city’s highlights and hidden gems, making it a practical choice for those wanting a flexible, interactive experience.

While it might not satisfy those craving in-depth historical commentary, it compensates with engaging puzzles, fun photo tasks, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you’re up for a mix of sightseeing and playful discovery, this could add a memorable twist to your Montreal trip.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Since the experience involves walking and solving puzzles, it’s generally suitable for most ages. However, younger children should be comfortable with outdoor walking and focusing on clues.

How long does the tour take?
The app-based experience lasts about 1-2 hours, but you can explore at your own pace, taking breaks or extending your visit if you like.

Can I do this tour in French?
Yes, there are language options available, including French, which is handy in Montreal’s bilingual setting.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just your smartphone with the Explorial app installed and a fully charged battery. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

What sights are included?
You’ll visit iconic sites like Place d’Armes, Bonsecours Market, and La Grande Roue, along with hidden gems and alleyways.

Is the experience private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group participates in your adventure.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is this activity available year-round?
Yes, operating from April to September 2026, it’s available daily, anytime from noon to late evening.

In summary, this Montreal scavenger hunt and walking tour combines a relaxed pace with engaging puzzles and scenic sights. It’s a smart choice if you want to see Montreal in a playful, interactive way without too much hassle or expense. Just remember, if your group prefers guided storytelling or in-depth history, you might want to look for something more traditional. But for a fun, flexible, and affordable adventure, it’s worth considering.