21 Incredible Montreal Tours – Food, Culture, and Day Trips Await!
Located in the province of Quebec in Canada, this vibrant and multicultural city is a melting pot of cultures, with French heritage and influences from all over the world. Taking a tour is a great way to see Montreal, learn about the city’s history, see its beautiful architecture, and get an insider’s view of its culture.
Also, it is a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends in one of the most welcoming places in the world!
In this guide, you will find some of the best Montreal tours to take this year. From bagel-making workshops to ghost tours and day trips, these tours will surely make any trip to Canada even more fun.
Plan your Perfect trip to Montreal
🏨 Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com
🎫 If you’d like to go on a tour, check out Viator
🎒 Pack a good winter coat, a travel camera, thermal underwear, a travel umbrella, and ugg boots or similar
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Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. That means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps me keep this blog running. Enjoy!
Why book a tour in Montreal?
Taking a tour is a great way to get an overview of the city and learn about its history and attractions with the help of a knowledgeable guide who can show you around and answer any questions you have.
Tours are available in both English and French, so you can choose the language that you’re most comfortable with.
And, because Montreal is such a large city, taking a tour can help you to see and do more than you would if you were on your own.
Best company to book tours in Montreal
There are many different tour companies available, but my favorites are definitely Viator and Get Your Guide.
Viator is a great company to use for booking tours, for several reasons.
First, they offer a wide variety of tours, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. Second, their tour guides are highly experienced and knowledgeable, so you can be confident that you’re getting the most out of your tour. Third, their prices are very competitive, so you can be sure to get a great deal.
Lastly, their customer service is excellent, so you can be sure that any problems you have will be quickly resolved. Overall, Viator is a great choice for booking tours, and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
The 21 best Montreal tours
| Tour | Duration | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal: 3.5-Hour Guided Bus Tour | 3,5 hours | See prices |
| Le Bateau-Mouche Sightseeing Cruise in Montreal | 1.5 hours | See prices |
| Montreal Bagel Making Workshop | 2 hours | See prices |
| The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour | 3,5 hours | See prices |
| Admission - La Grande Roue de Montréal | 30 minutes | See prices |
| Beyond the Basilica a Walking Tour in Montreal | 2.5 hours | See prices |
| St. Lawrence River Sightseeing Guided Cruise | 1.5 hours | See prices |
| Laurentian Mountains Day Trip From Montreal | 10 hours | See prices |
| Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour | 2,5 hours | See prices |
| Beyond the Market Food Tour in Montreal | 3 hours | See prices |
| 4 Hour Montreal Architecture & City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer | 4 hours | See prices |
| Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal | 12 hours | See prices |
| Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour | 2 days | See prices |
| Montreal City Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary | 3.5 hours | See prices |
| Guided Scooter Sightseeing Tour in Montreal | 3 hours | See prices |
| Helicopter Tour Over Montreal | 30 minutes | See prices |
| Secret Food Tours Montrea | 2.5 hours | See prices |
| History Walking Tour of Old Montreal | 1.5 hours | See prices |
| Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour | 3.5 hours | See prices |
| Mont Tremblant Private Day Tour from Montreal | 7.5 to 9 hours | See prices |
Keep reading for detailed information on each tour.
Food tours
If you love food and travel, then a food tour is the perfect way to experience a new destination.
Food tours offer a delicious way to explore a new city or region, learn about local cuisine, and meet new people.
Montreal Bagel Making Workshop
Bagels are one of Montreal’s top treats and proudest culinary exports—and this hands-on, small-group cooking class will teach you all the secrets to mastering these tasty, crisp, and chewy delights.
Make your own way to the cooking facilities hosted in a charming Mile End apartment.
With your guide’s instruction, learn all about different flour varieties, how to properly knead the dough, the steps that set bagel-making apart from other types of bread, and how to top your bagels with your favorite seasoning.
Secret Food Tours Montreal
Montreal is one of Canada’s most exciting foodie destinations with everything from gourmet cuisine to classic French dishes to tasty street food.
On this tasting tour, explore Montreal neighborhoods such as Little Italy and Mile End with a local guide, stopping at bars, restaurants, bakeries, and delicatessens.
Along the way, sample a variety of local and European-inspired dishes, including gnocchi, Alsatian tarts, and Montreal-style bagels, accompanied by Quebecois beer and sweet crepes.
The Sip of Montreal Brew Tour
Beer lovers will enjoy this fun brewery tour of Montreal.
Get a behind-the-scenes look into how beer is made at local microbreweries. Receive plenty of samples, so you can pick your new favorite beer.
Don’t worry about how you’re going to get around the city after a few drinks, as you are conveniently transported by minibus. A fun way to begin a night out in Montreal.
Jewish Neighborhood Food Tour
Taste your way through Montreal’s historic Jewish neighborhood on this delicious walking food tour.
Learn about the area’s vibrant culinary heritage and renowned residents as you follow your guide to authentic local eateries, including a smoked meat deli, a kosher bakery, and an 80-year-old dining institution.
Sample neighborhood staples like cured meats, sweets, and Montreal’s best bagels on the tour.
Beyond the Market Food Tour in Montreal
Visit buzzing eateries and busy watering holes on this market and food tour in Montreal.
Explore Jean-Talon Market and a section of Little Italy with your guide and discover ‘farm-to-table’ produce, Canada-style.
Gain insight into Montreal locals’ love of fresh food and sample some yourself at one of their hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Meet the producers who work hard to keep standards high and gain insight into the Vietnamese, Italian, and Latino influences spicing up Canada’s cuisine.
Historical Tours
Historical tours can be a great way to learn about the past and see some interesting places that have shaped our world.
When choosing a tour, it’s important to find one that covers the topics you’re most interested in and is led by a knowledgeable guide.
History Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Visit Montreal’s historic centerpiece on this guided walking tour of Old Montreal.
Discover the history, heritage, architecture, and culture in this, the oldest area of the city of Montreal, dating back to New France.
Choose between a shorter tour around either the east or west sides of Old Montreal or a longer tour around both. See famous sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, Bonsecours Market, Montreal City Hall, and Champ de Mars, to name a few.
Beyond the Basilica a Walking Tour in Montreal
Travel from historic Old Montreal to the borough of Plateau Mont-Royal on this walking tour of the city.
Visit the ornately decorated Basilica, then wander the streets of Vieux-Montréal while learning about the city’s history and checking out its street art. Plus, make stops in the entertainment district and Chinatown.
Old Montreal Ghost Walking Tour
Immerse yourself in the dark side of Old Montreal on this exciting ghost walk.
After night falls, follow your guide through the hidden streets of Old Montreal and hear the haunted stories of Montreal and its spooky ghosts!
You’ll be entertained by legends of criminals, witchcraft, and grim events that haunt the city streets.
Sightseeing tours
One of the best ways to see a new city is to take a sightseeing tour.
These tours provide an overview of the city’s history and culture, as well as its most famous landmarks. Tours are typically led by local guides who are familiar with the city’s attractions.
This means that you’ll be able to learn about the city’s history and culture while seeing its most famous landmarks.
Montreal City Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary
Experience an overview of Montreal on this guided sightseeing tour of the city.
Visit many of Montreal’s top attractions and historical sites like Notre Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Stadium, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, Old Port, and Old Montreal, to name a few.
Hop aboard a comfortable motorcoach and get to know the largest city in Quebec province with live commentary from a professional tour conductor. Montreal hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Guided Scooter Sightseeing Tour in Montreal
Explore the city of Montreal on this scooter tour that takes travelers through back streets and past top attractions. Learn about interesting neighborhoods as you cruise along on an electric scooter.
Helicopter Tour Over Montreal
See Montreal from above on this helicopter tour of the city. During the ride, catch views of the Olympic Stadium, downtown Montreal, Mount Royal, and other sights as you soar at an altitude of 1,500 feet (457 meters).
Before taking off, you’ll receive a safety briefing and be able to get comfortable with the aircraft.
4 Hour Montreal Architecture & City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer
Leave the crowds behind during this half-day Montreal bike tour, covering the city’s top architecture, food, neighborhood life, and history with a local guide.
Pick from among two unique tour options, each of which explores a different cross-section of this historic city’s diverse neighborhoods and fascinating culture.
Best of all, keep your bike rental for the rest of the day after your tour ends. This bike tour of Montreal also includes a helmet, 21-speed bike, bottled water, one food tasting, and a glass of beer or wine in historic Old Montreal.
Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Explore the best of Montreal on this narrated, hop-on hop-off, double-decker bus tour.
Visit many of Montreal’s top attractions — like Notre Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Mount Royal Park, Crescent Street, Old Port, and Old Montreal, to name just a few.
With this two-day pass, you can board at any of the ten stops and get to know the largest city in Quebec in a customized fashion, with live onboard commentary from a bilingual professional tour conductor.
Admission to La Grande Roue de Montréal
For unparalleled views from the Old Port to downtown to Mount Royal, visitors looking for some of the best vistas in the city shouldn’t miss a spin on La Grande Roue de Montréal.
With your ticket, you can hop in a gondola that takes you 197 feet (60 meters) into the air and lets you marvel at the city. Whether you plan to visit during the day or want to enjoy the sparkling skyline at night, you can bet on unparalleled views.
Le Bateau-Mouche Sightseeing Cruise in Montreal
Cruise down Canada’s waterways on a 1.5-hour tour that sets off from the Jacques-Cartier Pier at the Old Port of Montreal.
Enjoy panoramic views of the area as you go, and catch sight of Montreal Olympic Stadium, Clock Tower, the Montréal Science Centre, Jacques Cartier Bridge, and Habitat 67.
St. Lawrence River Sightseeing Guided Cruise
Cruise the St. Lawrence River and see Montreal’s amazing sights from the water. Onboard the lovely Cavalier Maxim river vessel, see the waterfront buildings while a certified guide narrates a fascinating city history full of anecdotes.
Day trips
Day trips are my favorite kind of tour!
They allow you to visit different places and cities near your main destination without the need to rent a car or find accommodation.
Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal
Explore Québec City and the surrounding region on this guided, full-day sightseeing tour from Montreal.
Hop aboard your coach to visit Québec City’s top attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Old Québec, Place Royale, and the Plains of Abraham, before venturing into the scenic countryside to see Montmorency Falls.
Hear commentary from your guide along the way, and enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from downtown Montreal.
Laurentian Mountains Day Trip From Montreal
Discover southern Quebec’s beautiful Laurentian Mountains on this full-day tour from Montreal. Travel along narrow country roads, admiring views of the stunning mountain range — including Mont Tremblant, well known for its popular ski resort.
Stop in delightful towns like Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard, and Mont-Tremblant. Enjoy free time to eat (own expense), shop, and walk around these quaint, French-style villages.
Then take a scenic cruise on Lac des Sables. It’s all in a day away from the hustle of city life on this picturesque sightseeing adventure. Montreal hotel pickup and drop-off included.
Mont Tremblant Private Day Tour from Montreal
Leave Montreal behind and take a day trip to the Laurentian Mountains without having to rent a car or plan bus transfers.
This small-group day trip can be adapted to suit your tastes, with a guide to provide commentary during the drive, information about the Mont Tremblant resort, and pointers on how best to spend your day.
Where to stay in Montreal
If you enjoy cute cafes and charming neighborhoods as much as I do, I recommend staying in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood.
First of all, the neighborhood is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste.
Secondly, the Plateau is one of the most vibrant and lively neighborhoods in Montreal. With its cobblestone streets and charming boutiques, it’s the perfect place to wander and explore.
And last but not least, Plateau Mont-Royal is centrally located, making it easy to get around the city.
Best hotels in Plateau: Manoir Sherbrooke, Auberge du Carre St-Louis and Auberge du Plateau
Travel tips to know before a trip to Montreal
1. Get a BIXI bike: This is the best way to get around the city!
2. Montreal is a very bilingual city, so don’t be afraid to speak both English and French.
3. Eat as much poutine as you can. It’s a must-try Montreal dish!
4. The best time to visit Montreal is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and there are lots of festivals and events taking place.
5. If you’re visiting in winter, make sure to bring your warmest clothes as it can get very cold!
6. Be sure to check out some of the city’s amazing museums, such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Canadian Centre for Architecture.
7. Montreal is known for its nightlife, so be sure to hit up some of the city’s best bars and clubs.
8. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, buy a jar of high-quality maple syrup.
What to pack for Montreal
Be sure to pack plenty of layers. Montreal can have very hot summers and very cold winters, so it’s important to be prepared for both extremes.
Also, remember to pack comfortable shoes. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking, and you’ll want shoes that can handle all kinds of weather and terrain.
Fun facts about Montreal
1. Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada, after Toronto.
2. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec.
3. Montreal is located on an island in the Saint Lawrence River called Île de Montréal.
4. The population of Montreal is approximately 1.7 million people.
5. French is the official language of Montreal, but English is also widely spoken.
6. Montreal is home to two professional sports teams: the Canadiens (NHL) and the Impact (MLS).
Wrap-up: The best tours to take in Montreal
That’s a wrap! You just learned about the best Montreal tours to take! I hope this guide helps when planning a trip to the wonderful city that is Montreal. Personally, I can’t wait to go back and try out the bagel workshop myself.
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