Best Montreal Tours from Toronto

Places to Visit in Montreal: A Feast for the Senses

Montreal is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new. One moment you're exploring the historic streets of Old Montreal, and the next you're admiring the modern architecture of downtown. Here are some of the must-visit places in Montreal:

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): Step back in time as you wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Old Montreal. This historic district is home to stunning architecture, including the magnificent Notre-Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Don't miss Place Jacques-Cartier, a lively square filled with street artists and charming cafes.

Mount Royal Park: For the best views of the city, head to Mount Royal Park. This urban oasis, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the same landscape architect who designed New York's Central Park), offers a stunning panoramic view of the Montreal skyline. It's the perfect spot for a picnic, a leisurely stroll, or even some ice skating in the winter.

The Old Port (Vieux-Port): Located along the St. Lawrence River, the Old Port is a vibrant hub of activity. Take a ride on La Grande Roue de Montréal, the city's observation wheel, for breathtaking views. In the summer, you can enjoy boat tours and jet skiing, while in the winter, the port transforms into a magical ice skating rink. For a unique perspective, consider a Montreal sightseeing cruise to see the city from the water.

Jean-Talon Market: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Jean-Talon Market. This bustling market is a food lover's paradise, with a wide array of fresh produce, local cheeses, and delicious pastries. It's a great place to pick up some souvenirs or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts: Art enthusiasts will love the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of Canadian and international art. The museum's collection spans from Old Masters to contemporary works, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

A Perfect Day in Montreal: A Sample Itinerary

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. Here's a sample one-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Montreal:

Morning: Start your day with a visit to Old Montreal. Explore the cobblestone streets, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, and soak in the historic atmosphere. Afterward, head to the Old Port for a ride on the observation wheel and some stunning views of the city.

Afternoon: For lunch, head to the Jean-Talon Market and indulge in some local delicacies. In the afternoon, make your way to Mount Royal Park for a leisurely walk and some incredible panoramic views of the city. If you're interested in a more active exploration, a Montreal bike tour is a fantastic way to see the city's highlights.

Evening: In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of Montreal's many excellent restaurants. Afterward, catch a show in the Quartier des Spectacles, the city's entertainment district, or enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar with a view.

Experiences That Make Montreal

Montreal is a city that's meant to be experienced, not just seen. Here are some unique experiences to add to your Montreal itinerary:

Food tour: Join a guided food-walking tour through Old Montréal or Jean-Talon Market to taste bagels, smoked meat, poutine, seasonal specialties.

Bike tour: With over 700 kilometers of bike paths, Montreal is a paradise for cyclists. A bike tour is a fun and active way to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the trendy Plateau to the historic Lachine Canal. Many tours include a stop at the famous St-Viateur or Fairmount Bagel for a well-deserved treat.

Cruise on the St. Lawrence River: See Montreal from a different perspective with a relaxing cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Whether you opt for a daytime sightseeing cruise or a romantic dinner cruise, you'll be treated to stunning views of the city skyline and its landmarks.

Street art & mural tours: Montreal is known for its vibrant urban art scene. You can join a guided walking tour through Plateau and Mile End to discover massive murals from local and international artists - many created during the annual MURAL Festival.

Underground city exploration: Especially useful in winter, the Underground City (RÉSO) offers over 32 km of tunnels connecting malls, metro stations, museums, and food courts. You can explore on your own or join a guided tour to learn how this underground network became an essential part of local life.

Festivals and seasonal events: Time your visit right and you’ll catch major festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival, Just for Laughs, or Igloofest in winter. There’s usually something going on - outdoor concerts, art pop-ups, foodie events, especially from May to October.

Local market visits: Don’t miss Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy - one of North America's largest open-air markets. Grab fresh fruit, local cheese, maple syrup, or a quick crêpe. Another favorite is Atwater Market for charcuterie, chocolates, and baked goods, perfect for a casual food crawl.

Montreal at night: Whether it’s watching live jazz in a tucked-away lounge, catching a circus performance from Cirque Éloize, or joining a Montreal night tour to see the city lights and skyline, Montreal really comes alive after dark.

Day Trips Around Montreal

If you have some extra time, consider taking a day trip from Montreal to explore the beautiful surrounding region. Here are a few popular options:

Quebec City & Montmorency Falls

A full-day trip (bus or train) takes about 3 hours each way. Visit Old Quebec, Chateau Frontenac, Plains of Abraham and the falls (~83 m high).

Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant, this charming resort town in the Laurentian Mountains is a popular year-round destination. In the winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while in the summer, you can go hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Ottawa

Canada's capital is a 2 hour ride via VIA Rail. Museums, Parliament Hill and multicultural vibrancy await.

Montreal Weekend Getaway and Vacation Ideas

Whether you're looking for a short Montreal weekend getaway or plotting out a full Montreal Quebec vacation, there are plenty of flexible routes you can build around the city. Here's how you can make the most of your time based on how many days you have:

For a 2-3 day weekend:
Stick to Montreal, but explore it like a local. One day for Old Montreal and the Old Port area (cruise, Notre-Dame, walk the cobblestones), one day for Mount Royal, Mile End, and a Montreal food tour. On day three, you can add a day trip from Montreal - popular picks include Eastern Townships (for wine and scenery), Oka Park (for hikes), or Mont-Tremblant (a charming ski village that's still fun in summer).

If you’re working with just a long weekend but still want to experience multiple cities, consider joining one of the guided bus tours from Montreal. These tours are ideal for travelers who prefer having transportation, hotel stays, and daily plans taken care of. In just 2-3 days, you can explore Montreal-Toronto-Niagara Falls or take the scenic route across Ottawa-Montreal-Quebec City. These itineraries are designed to be efficient, offering packed but manageable schedules with pickup and drop-off services. It’s a smart way to make the most of a short Montreal weekend getaway without sacrificing too many highlights.

For 4-5 days:
Combine the best of Montreal with a night or two in Quebec City. You can travel by VIA Rail (about 3 hours), and base yourself in Old Quebec - a UNESCO-listed old town with cobbled streets, French-style cafes and Château Frontenac watching over the river. Spend a night there to see the lights, then visit Montmorency Falls or even the Ile d’Orléans for cider and strawberry tasting in summer. This mix offers a perfect French Canada getaway with just enough contrast between the two cities.

Got a week or more?
Now you’re ready for the classic Eastern Canada route: Toronto → Ottawa → Montreal → Quebec City. Fly into Toronto, explore the CN Tower and local eats, then take the train or drive to Ottawa for Parliament Hill and canal-side biking. From there, head to Montreal (2 hours) for your cultural fix, before ending with a relaxed couple of days in Quebec City.

What to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall (May-October) brings festivals, warm weather and biking. Tam-Tams drum jams on Sundays at Mount Royal kick in over summer. Winters are snowy and cold - with outdoor skating, skiing or cross-country trails if you’re equipped.

How to get around: The métro works well, but most neighbourhoods are best explored on foot or bike. Bags, water bottles and walking shoes are essentials. Underground City offers heated connections in winter.

Tipping & language: Tipping in North American restaurant fashion (15-20 %) is expected. Many locals speak both French and English; basic French phrases are appreciated.