Custom Walk in Montreal, Canada by andrel_58375 created on 2025-07-07
Guide Location: Canada » Montreal
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 6
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Share Key: FW38R
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 6
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Share Key: FW38R
How It Works
Please retrieve this walk in the 911±¬ÁÏÍø app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.
Retrieve This Walk in App
Step 1. Download the app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2. In the 911±¬ÁÏÍø app, download(or launch) the guide "Montreal Map and Walking Tours".
Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: FW38R
1) Notre-Dame Basilica (must see)
The Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal (Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) is a stunning piece of Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by the Irish-American architect James O'Donnell, it was completed, for the most part, in 1829.
The sanctuary was constructed a year later, while the first and second towers were added in 1841 and 1843, respectively. Both towers have bells: the West Tower (La Persévérance), has a bourdon bell nicknamed Jean-Baptiste. It was cast in John Dod Ward’s Eagle Foundry in 1848 and weighs 10,900 kg. Jean-Baptiste tolls only on special occasions, such as funerals, great religious festivals, and Christmas Eve. The East Tower (La Temperance), houses a ten-bell carillon from the same foundry, made in 1842.
The facade of the church was completed in 1865 and includes, among other features, three statues by the French sculptor Henri Bouriché, namely: the Virgin Mary (representing Montreal), Saint John the Baptist (representing Quebec), and Saint Joseph (representing Canada).
The interior – colorful and lavish – took much longer to complete and is quite impressive with its richly decorated columns, intricate wood carvings, statues, and elaborate stained glass windows. Quite unusual for a church, the stained glass windows here depict scenes from the history of Montreal rather than biblical scenes. Another spectacular highlight of the basilica is the Casavant Frères pipe organ, created in 1891, which is one of the largest organs in North America, comprising four keyboards and 7,000 individual pipes.
The Notre-Dame church was raised to the status of a minor basilica, by Pope John Paul II, in 1982 and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989.
Today, the Notre Dame of Montreal is a popular landmark, attracting yearly more than 11 million tourists from around the globe, making it one of the most visited sites in North America. Even the $10 admission fee doesn't turn visitors away.
Over the years, the basilica has hosted a number of important events, such as Céline Dion's wedding in 1994 and the funeral of the former Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, in 2000.
If you're interested in classical and religious music, the basilica offers musical programming of choral and organ performances, including Handel's Messiah every Christmas.
Tip:
The provided on-site brochure is very informative and can be used as a self-guide. Additionally, there's a free 20-minute English/French tour available at entry.
The 'AURA' light show (starting usually at 7 and 9 pm) is exceptional but often sold out, so plan your visit in advance: you can book a ticket online or come early to get a place. Try sitting somewhere in the middle to get the best music & light experience.
The sanctuary was constructed a year later, while the first and second towers were added in 1841 and 1843, respectively. Both towers have bells: the West Tower (La Persévérance), has a bourdon bell nicknamed Jean-Baptiste. It was cast in John Dod Ward’s Eagle Foundry in 1848 and weighs 10,900 kg. Jean-Baptiste tolls only on special occasions, such as funerals, great religious festivals, and Christmas Eve. The East Tower (La Temperance), houses a ten-bell carillon from the same foundry, made in 1842.
The facade of the church was completed in 1865 and includes, among other features, three statues by the French sculptor Henri Bouriché, namely: the Virgin Mary (representing Montreal), Saint John the Baptist (representing Quebec), and Saint Joseph (representing Canada).
The interior – colorful and lavish – took much longer to complete and is quite impressive with its richly decorated columns, intricate wood carvings, statues, and elaborate stained glass windows. Quite unusual for a church, the stained glass windows here depict scenes from the history of Montreal rather than biblical scenes. Another spectacular highlight of the basilica is the Casavant Frères pipe organ, created in 1891, which is one of the largest organs in North America, comprising four keyboards and 7,000 individual pipes.
The Notre-Dame church was raised to the status of a minor basilica, by Pope John Paul II, in 1982 and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989.
Today, the Notre Dame of Montreal is a popular landmark, attracting yearly more than 11 million tourists from around the globe, making it one of the most visited sites in North America. Even the $10 admission fee doesn't turn visitors away.
Over the years, the basilica has hosted a number of important events, such as Céline Dion's wedding in 1994 and the funeral of the former Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, in 2000.
If you're interested in classical and religious music, the basilica offers musical programming of choral and organ performances, including Handel's Messiah every Christmas.
Tip:
The provided on-site brochure is very informative and can be used as a self-guide. Additionally, there's a free 20-minute English/French tour available at entry.
The 'AURA' light show (starting usually at 7 and 9 pm) is exceptional but often sold out, so plan your visit in advance: you can book a ticket online or come early to get a place. Try sitting somewhere in the middle to get the best music & light experience.
2) Underground City. Place Bonaventure
Montreal's Underground City, also known as La Ville Souterraine in French, attracts tourists from around the globe. It comprises a series of interconnected complexes beneath and above the ground in Downtown Montreal. Renowned as the Indoor City, it stands as the largest complex of its kind worldwide.
The creation of the Underground City was inspired by the vision of urbanist Vincent Ponte. In November 2006, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at Place Ville-Marie in his honor. As you explore this city, you'll discover that certain sections extend above ground as well.
These above-ground and underground areas are linked by tunnels, boasting exceptional lighting. Both spaces are air-conditioned, and the tunnels are spacious enough to accommodate shops on either side. Within the 32 kilometers of tunnels, spread across 12 square kilometers, you'll find banks, condominiums, hotels, apartment buildings, shopping malls, seven metro stations, universities, museums, the Bell Center amphitheater and arena, a regional bus terminal, and two commuter train stations.
With over 120 exterior access points, you can easily enter the Underground City. Located in Downtown Montreal, Place Bonaventure serves as an office, exhibition, and hotel complex. Its name derives from the nearby Bonaventure Station, a former railway station. Place Bonaventure is also connected to Montreal's underground city.
Why You Should Visit:
Shop, eat & drink and walk to another part of town, all out of the weather! Very clean, well lit/ventilated and dry (even when the rain is pouring above).
Tip:
There is a revolving restaurant on the top floor which is worth a visit for lunch as the views are fantastic.
The creation of the Underground City was inspired by the vision of urbanist Vincent Ponte. In November 2006, a commemorative plaque was unveiled at Place Ville-Marie in his honor. As you explore this city, you'll discover that certain sections extend above ground as well.
These above-ground and underground areas are linked by tunnels, boasting exceptional lighting. Both spaces are air-conditioned, and the tunnels are spacious enough to accommodate shops on either side. Within the 32 kilometers of tunnels, spread across 12 square kilometers, you'll find banks, condominiums, hotels, apartment buildings, shopping malls, seven metro stations, universities, museums, the Bell Center amphitheater and arena, a regional bus terminal, and two commuter train stations.
With over 120 exterior access points, you can easily enter the Underground City. Located in Downtown Montreal, Place Bonaventure serves as an office, exhibition, and hotel complex. Its name derives from the nearby Bonaventure Station, a former railway station. Place Bonaventure is also connected to Montreal's underground city.
Why You Should Visit:
Shop, eat & drink and walk to another part of town, all out of the weather! Very clean, well lit/ventilated and dry (even when the rain is pouring above).
Tip:
There is a revolving restaurant on the top floor which is worth a visit for lunch as the views are fantastic.
3) Old Port (Vieux-Port) (must see)
Located on the north bank of the Saint Lawrence River, the historic Old Port of Montreal (Vieux-Port de Montréal) stretches for over two kilometers (1.2 miles) south of Old Montreal, in a natural harbor that was once frequented by Amerindian canoes and then by barges and ships of French fur traders and others.
In service from as early as 1611, the port bore witness to the economic and cultural development of Montreal and remained in use until 1976, when the present Port of Montreal was launched further east. In the early 1990s, the territory was redeveloped and in 2005 changed its name to The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal. Today, it serves as a recreational and historical area, attracting annually over six million visitors.
A place for all seasons, there's always something happening here! Summer is great for all sorts of riverfront activities such as rollerblading, cycling, quadricycling, and pleasure boating. Taking a boat cruise on the Saint Lawrence river, or renting a pedal boat for a trip around Bonsecours Basin is also available. A thin park, running the entire length of the Old Port Promenade, offers tourists and locals an ideal spot to relax and catch a cool breeze off the water.
Winter is ideal for skating on the outdoor rink or just playing in the snow. At all times of the year, the Saint Lawrence river is awe-inspiring and powerful.
The on-site attractions include a "labyrinth" in Shed 16 (which is a maze of alleys and obstacles built inside an old waterfront warehouse), the Montreal Science Centre (complete with an IMAX Theatre) on King Edward Pier, and the Montreal Clock Tower.
One of the Port's gems is the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil which approximately every two years, in spring, launches a new show from the Jacques Cartier Quay by setting up its signature blue-and-yellow-striped tents. In June 2012, an urban beach, called the Clock Tower Beach (Plage de l'Horloge), was opened adjacent to the Clock Tower.
Cultural events in the area include the Montreal High Lights Festival (Festival Montréal en lumière), Igloofest, and the Matsuri Japon festival.
If you have a couple of hours to kill in Montreal, wandering around the Old Port is worth considering.
In service from as early as 1611, the port bore witness to the economic and cultural development of Montreal and remained in use until 1976, when the present Port of Montreal was launched further east. In the early 1990s, the territory was redeveloped and in 2005 changed its name to The Quays of the Old Port of Montreal. Today, it serves as a recreational and historical area, attracting annually over six million visitors.
A place for all seasons, there's always something happening here! Summer is great for all sorts of riverfront activities such as rollerblading, cycling, quadricycling, and pleasure boating. Taking a boat cruise on the Saint Lawrence river, or renting a pedal boat for a trip around Bonsecours Basin is also available. A thin park, running the entire length of the Old Port Promenade, offers tourists and locals an ideal spot to relax and catch a cool breeze off the water.
Winter is ideal for skating on the outdoor rink or just playing in the snow. At all times of the year, the Saint Lawrence river is awe-inspiring and powerful.
The on-site attractions include a "labyrinth" in Shed 16 (which is a maze of alleys and obstacles built inside an old waterfront warehouse), the Montreal Science Centre (complete with an IMAX Theatre) on King Edward Pier, and the Montreal Clock Tower.
One of the Port's gems is the Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil which approximately every two years, in spring, launches a new show from the Jacques Cartier Quay by setting up its signature blue-and-yellow-striped tents. In June 2012, an urban beach, called the Clock Tower Beach (Plage de l'Horloge), was opened adjacent to the Clock Tower.
Cultural events in the area include the Montreal High Lights Festival (Festival Montréal en lumière), Igloofest, and the Matsuri Japon festival.
If you have a couple of hours to kill in Montreal, wandering around the Old Port is worth considering.
4) The Big Wheel of Montreal (La Grande Roue de Montréal)
Open to the public in September 2017, to mark the 375th anniversary of the city, The Big Wheel of Montreal (La Grande Roue de Montréal) is the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada, standing at 60 metres (200 feet). It is also the fourth of its type installed worldwide following those in Hong Kong (2014), Baku (2014), and Chicago (2016).
Situated directly on the river, on Bonsecours Basin Island in the Old Port of Montreal, the wheel provides a 360° view of the city, including Old Montreal, its historic buildings, Jacques-Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier), and the architecture of Downtown Montreal with Royal Mountain (Mont-Royal) as the backdrop. To the south, unfolds the Saint Lawrence River and its seaway, while in the middle of the river, you can see Saint Helen's Island and Notre Dame Island – the former sites for Expo 67. In the evening, the dominant view is the illuminated Mount Royal Cross accompanying the changing lighting on Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
The wheel has 42 passenger units, each capable of carrying up to 8 persons, for a total capacity of 336 passengers. The climate-controlled cabins are suitable for use all year round, day and night, in temperatures down to −40 °C (−40 °F) and winds of up to 240 kilometres per hour.
A small park by the wheel contains modern and clean facilities including a restaurant, a cafe with an ice cream parlor, a gift shop, and restrooms.
Package deals are available for families, and those wanting VIP rides, yearly passes, and more. You do not have to book or reserve a time in advance – just show up and pay. Certainly not a bad addition to an Old Montreal itinerary!
Situated directly on the river, on Bonsecours Basin Island in the Old Port of Montreal, the wheel provides a 360° view of the city, including Old Montreal, its historic buildings, Jacques-Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier), and the architecture of Downtown Montreal with Royal Mountain (Mont-Royal) as the backdrop. To the south, unfolds the Saint Lawrence River and its seaway, while in the middle of the river, you can see Saint Helen's Island and Notre Dame Island – the former sites for Expo 67. In the evening, the dominant view is the illuminated Mount Royal Cross accompanying the changing lighting on Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
The wheel has 42 passenger units, each capable of carrying up to 8 persons, for a total capacity of 336 passengers. The climate-controlled cabins are suitable for use all year round, day and night, in temperatures down to −40 °C (−40 °F) and winds of up to 240 kilometres per hour.
A small park by the wheel contains modern and clean facilities including a restaurant, a cafe with an ice cream parlor, a gift shop, and restrooms.
Package deals are available for families, and those wanting VIP rides, yearly passes, and more. You do not have to book or reserve a time in advance – just show up and pay. Certainly not a bad addition to an Old Montreal itinerary!
5) Saint-Paul Street (Rue St-Paul) (must see)
Saint-Paul (Rue Saint-Paul) is the oldest street in Montreal, laid out in 1673 according to a plan by François Dollier de Casson. It follows the path that once bordered the northern edge of the former Fort Ville-Marie and is named after Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, founder of the fort and the first governor of Montreal, who built a home for himself in this area in 1650.
Unlike other – straight – streets drawn by Dollier de Casson, the cavernous cobblestone Saint-Paul is a bit winding. Centered on Royal Square (Place Royale), a major marketplace until 1803, it was destined to become, for many years, the city's main thoroughfare. In the 19th century, Old Montreal was the cradle of the local press, making Saint Paul home to a multitude of French- and English-language newspapers and journals. Busy day and night, the street was the first in the city to benefit from oil lighting.
There are several historic buildings lining Saint-Paul such as the Intendance Palace of 1698 and the Vaudreuil Castle (Château de Vaudreuil) of 1724. The street is also home to such prominent landmarks as the Bonsecours Market and the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours). It also boasts perhaps the highest in the city concentration of tourist-themed souvenir shops, art galleries, boutique hotels, lively rooftop terraces, cafés, and eateries with international cuisine.
Tip:
In case you are budget-conscious, remember that the prices in this area are a bit higher than usual.
Unlike other – straight – streets drawn by Dollier de Casson, the cavernous cobblestone Saint-Paul is a bit winding. Centered on Royal Square (Place Royale), a major marketplace until 1803, it was destined to become, for many years, the city's main thoroughfare. In the 19th century, Old Montreal was the cradle of the local press, making Saint Paul home to a multitude of French- and English-language newspapers and journals. Busy day and night, the street was the first in the city to benefit from oil lighting.
There are several historic buildings lining Saint-Paul such as the Intendance Palace of 1698 and the Vaudreuil Castle (Château de Vaudreuil) of 1724. The street is also home to such prominent landmarks as the Bonsecours Market and the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours). It also boasts perhaps the highest in the city concentration of tourist-themed souvenir shops, art galleries, boutique hotels, lively rooftop terraces, cafés, and eateries with international cuisine.
Tip:
In case you are budget-conscious, remember that the prices in this area are a bit higher than usual.
6) Old Montreal (must see)
Transporting you back to the era of New France, Old Montreal stands as one of the most ancient districts frequented by tourists. Positioned ideally within Ville-Marie's borough, this neighborhood is bordered by Ruelle des Fortifications to the north, McGill Street to the west, the majestic Saint Lawrence River to the south, and Berri Street to the east.
Ville-Marie borough remains vibrant and dynamic, fueled by its perpetually lively neighborhoods, including the bustling downtown core, McGill Ghetto, Latin Quarter, Chinatown, Gay Village, and Old Montreal. Visitors revel in exploring this area using public transportation, indulging in shopping, dining at exquisite restaurants, and exploring renowned museums within Ville-Marie.
Should you find yourself in Old Montreal between July and October, an enthralling experience awaits you—the renowned Montreal Ghost Walks. Led by a local storyteller, this captivating journey uncovers the darker aspects of the area's history, guiding you through haunted locations that will send chills down your spine. You have the option to embark on either the west or east side walking tour. Undoubtedly, Old Montreal offers an unparalleled visitor experience, leaving a lasting impression.
Why You Should Visit:
A stroll through Old Montreal will give you a feel of European charm in North America. The cobblestone streets, the architecture, the restaurants and art galleries – all make an irresistible combination.
Tip:
You can walk from one end to the other of what is Old Montreal in 15-20 minutes, but there is a lot packed into that small section so you can easily spend 2 to 3 days exploring it.
Ville-Marie borough remains vibrant and dynamic, fueled by its perpetually lively neighborhoods, including the bustling downtown core, McGill Ghetto, Latin Quarter, Chinatown, Gay Village, and Old Montreal. Visitors revel in exploring this area using public transportation, indulging in shopping, dining at exquisite restaurants, and exploring renowned museums within Ville-Marie.
Should you find yourself in Old Montreal between July and October, an enthralling experience awaits you—the renowned Montreal Ghost Walks. Led by a local storyteller, this captivating journey uncovers the darker aspects of the area's history, guiding you through haunted locations that will send chills down your spine. You have the option to embark on either the west or east side walking tour. Undoubtedly, Old Montreal offers an unparalleled visitor experience, leaving a lasting impression.
Why You Should Visit:
A stroll through Old Montreal will give you a feel of European charm in North America. The cobblestone streets, the architecture, the restaurants and art galleries – all make an irresistible combination.
Tip:
You can walk from one end to the other of what is Old Montreal in 15-20 minutes, but there is a lot packed into that small section so you can easily spend 2 to 3 days exploring it.
