Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

We start our Montréal walking tour by skipping the line at the Notre-Dame Basilica before wandering Vieux-Montréal. We’ll pop into some historic and architecturally gems to get an understanding of the district before heading out and leaving the tourist crowds behind.

We stroll through a segment of our interior or underground city. It’s the largest indoor network on the planet and lets us make our way to Chinatown for a quick snack as we get the skinny on the area.

Then it’s off to our old Red Light District, turned entertainment Mecca to see where the biggest festivals take place. We pop into a whacky often missed institution for a visit. Up Saint-Laurent boulevard, we check out half a dozen impressive works of art from Montréal’s MURAL Festival in the borough that is home to the highest concentration of artists in Canada.

With a coffee from a local third wave shop in hand we walk the hip parts of the lower Main before leaving you with a custom list of recommendations!!

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

A moderate amount of walking is involved, please be ready for that and to be wearing comfortable shoes.

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Minimum age is 5 years

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Local guide

Snacks

Beverages

Food tasting

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)

What To Expect

Place d'Armes

We meet here to start the tour and learn about the eclectic architecture that surrounds the square before we enter the Basilica!

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Notre-Dame Basilica

We learn about the beauty and history of the country's most ornate church and leave our guests some free time to take it all in on their own.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Beyond the Basilica

Reviews

4.90

712 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

667

Awesome tour with a great guide, prepare for a walk, bring water and comfy shoes. Also Bao Buns 10/10
Departure03903290531,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was by far the best tour we took here to date, she was extremely well versed in the area and was a pleasure to get to know during the tour, lots of walking and a couple hills so wear proper shoes and prepare for the weather of montreal. Bao buns were AMAZING super great spot. We loved everything about this tour and the stuff we learned along the way 10/10
Fascinating and unforgettable
Mindi M,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Gabby was incredible - great, clear communicator with very relaxed, cheerful energy. Was flexible and adaptable when positioning us in busy areas, improvising easily, and she really knew her stuff! We loved learning the stories of the basilica architect as well as Chinatown and the Anglo / Franco relationship. We now know more about Montreal than our sister who lives there LOL! All this while being extremely professional and punctual. Give this girl a raise!
Cool City Vibe Tour!
Michelle P,
Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a wonderful time on this tour! Gabriella was a wonderful tour guide and was very knowledgeable about Montreal. We were able to explore some cool neighborhoods, have some wonderful bao in China Town, and got many local tips We would highly recommend!
MY FAVORITE TOUR OF THE CITY OF MONTREAL!
gailsV3524ST,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Danny was a great tour guide and made every stop interesting and filled the tour with lots of unknown facts. His love for his home city of Montreal is evident , as he guides you effortlessly around , even in the November cold, explaining the history & each landmark & highlight. Plus the added stop in Chinatown for a “bao” was such be a great surprise! The tour was chock full of information and unique stops , e.g., the murals scattered around the city , a super funky thrift shop with a big history behind it! He definitely brought the city of Montreal alive to all of us.
Top tour
Jennifer T,
Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our tour guide Danny was funny and friendly, making sure the group was having fun and learning so much about Montreal. Highlight of my trip! Definitely recommend for anyone’s first time here.
Remarkable!
marypY1797RJ,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I go on many different tours in different cities when I travel for work. Without a doubt, the tour with Chris was one of the best. It's a lot of walking, which I enjoyed. A small group. Great conversation. I learned so much about Montreal. I wasn't even looking forward to seeing the art on the buildings and that ended up being a favorite and unique part of the tour!
Rufus did a fabulous job...
Sunny M,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Rufus did a fabulous job and kept the group entertained. Great event to learn the city especially with a teenager. He did a fabulous job remembering all of the guests and pulling each into the conversation.
Great introduction to Montreal
lornapI319QI,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
So glad we did this! Chris (our tour guide) was really friendly and knowledgable, it felt like we were going for a stroll with a friend rather than a formal tour. It was a small group (10) so we could hear everything and had plenty of time. We went as a family and our two kids (age 10 and 12) really enjoyed it as well.
Great walking Tour!
Erin M,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a great tour with Gabby, despite the fact that it was raining the entire time. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area and was nice enough to engage in conversation about many things Montreal, Quebec and Canada. She kept us going through the standard to our sites, but popped us into alcoves in buildings for some dry spells and deeper dives on the tourist sites. You certainly can do some of the tours with headphones and recorded tours, but seeing and hearing about Montreal through a local perspective is highly recommended.
Great mix of everything
Peta L,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Great tour. Be prepared to walk but it wasn’t a hard walk. Very informative guide Mel was only too happy to answer all our questions. The basilica was beautiful inside and definitely worth it. Great mix of history, modern and old, and a bit of food tasting along the way. Would definitely recommend this tour.