The Essential 101 Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 45 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
What To Expect
Maisonneuve Monument
We meet here to start the tour and learn about the eclectic architecture that surrounds the square before we enter the Basilica!
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.
Options
Beyond the Basilica
What‘s Included
Local guide
Snacks
Beverages
Food tasting
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
748 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Montréal Tour
sholtzcl,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was a perfect tour guide. Super knowledgeable, friendly, and fun. He encouraged participation and questions. Our group had a blast and the tour was well thought out.
Unmissable Montreal.
zoerH7733GL,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dave was amazing, kept the tour interesting and relevant.
Perfect tour to get to know the city. Jessie was great!
cjtis,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect tour to get to know the city. Jessie was a great guide. ND basilica was fabulous. The mural festival was happening and seeing that and hearing Jessie explain about the murals and artists was a treat. Went to Chinatown and had a bao bun that was yummy. Three hours of walking the city and learning about the different neighborhoods was a nice treat.
Perfect tour of Montreal
seahawkins03,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a perfect tour of unique places in Montreal with Mel! It covered a broad range of historical and cultural locations. Mel did a great job explaining everything along the way.
"Essential" tour a great intro to Montreal
913virginiad,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00On a cold, rainy day in mid-May, this tour lived up to its reputation. Danny, our tour guide and apparent co-owner of the tour company, was terrific. Beside his encyclopedic knowledge of all things Montreal, Danny was friendly and personable, and did the whole tour in English given our mostly American group. Our group was limited to 10 people as specified, so there was no need for hearing-aid boxes or time wasted waiting for stragglers. We were grateful that the tour included half a dozen indoor stops, including the Notre Dame cathedral (admission included in the tour price), the underground, and two cafes where we stopped for coffee and a snack, also included. This was our first activity after arriving in Montreal the previous evening, and well worth the price, despite the weather. It was a great way to start our visit to the city.
Great tour company!
Kerry O,May 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great guide and tour. We learned a great deal about Montreal.
Wonderful tour!
lizeT3344TS,May 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chris was so knowledgeable, engaging, and friendly! We had such a fun time exploring the neighborhoods of Montreal. Perfect experience! Highly recommend!
Great overview of the non tourist side of Montreal!
Sheetal M,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fred was our guide - she had amazing energy and a fabulous sense of humor! We learned several interesting facts about the city and saw some cool stores and view points! Definitely a must do
Informative and Entertaining!
Kelly B,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00David was an amazing tour guide! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Montreal and so passionate. He has a wonderful sense of humor and it made for a very informative and entertaining tour of the city. We highly recommend! I will be recommending David to my cousins who will be in Montreal in June!
Just book it
F1713TXkristinf,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Don’t think twice, just book this tour. Dave was not only charming and informative but an excellent guide. His passion for the city of Montreal shone through and made this tour so memorable. The time flew by and we had the best experience!
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Operated by Spade & Palacio Tours