Notable points of interest we will cover (depends on how much time you would have and how long can you walk).
- Old Port - The Old Port is a historic district located along the St. Lawrence River in downtown Montreal. It's home to a variety of attractions, shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces.
- City Hall - The City Hall is located in the heart of downtown Montreal, and is surrounded by several important landmarks and attractions. We can start our tour at the City Hall itself, which is a stunning building that dates back to the 19th century. The building is an impressive example of Second Empire architecture, and its central tower is one of the tallest in Montreal.
- Jacques-Cartier Place - is a popular public square located in the heart of Old Montreal. The square is named after Jacques Cartier, the French explorer who discovered Canada in the 16th century.
- One of the main attractions in Jacques-Cartier Place is the Nelson's Column, a towering monument that commemorates the victories of British naval hero Horatio Nelson. Nearby, there's also a beautiful fountain, which is surrounded by benches and provides a nice spot to relax and people-watch.
- In addition to the monuments and the fountain, Jacques-Cartier Place is also known for its vibrant street performers, who entertain visitors with their music, acrobatics, and other talents. You'll often find musicians, magicians, and other performers putting on shows throughout the day.
- The square is also home to several cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're looking to grab a bite to eat, browse for souvenirs, or simply soak up the atmosphere of Old Montreal, Jacques-Cartier Place is a must-visit destination in the city.
- Bonsecours Market i- s a historic building located in the heart of Old Montreal. The building dates back to the mid-19th century and was originally built as a public market. Today, the building is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions.
- We will start our tour by exploring the exterior of the building, which features beautiful neoclassical architecture and a prominent clock tower. From there, we can head inside and browse the different shops and boutiques that are located within the market. You'll find everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to high-end fashion and gourmet food products.
- One of the most popular attractions in the Bonsecours Market is the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, which is located on the third floor of the building. The museum showcases the history and culture of Montreal, with exhibits that cover everything from the city's founding to its modern-day cultural scene.
- Another highlight of the market is the rooftop terrace, which offers stunning views of the Old Port and the St. Lawrence River. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery, or to take some photos of the surrounding area.
- Finally, we can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the market. From classic French cuisine to trendy sushi spots, there's something for everyone here. Whether you're looking to shop, learn about history, or simply enjoy some great food, the Bonsecours Market is a must-visit destination in Montreal.
Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History is an optional add-on.
- Champs de Mars - is a historic park located in the heart of Old Montreal. The park dates back to the 17th century and was originally used as a military parade ground. Today, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with plenty of green space, walking paths, and historical landmarks to explore.
- One of the main attractions in Champs de Mars is the Champ-de-Mars Metro station, which is an architectural masterpiece that was designed by French architect Hector Guimard. The station is a popular spot for photography, and its unique Art Nouveau design is sure to impress.
- From there, we can explore the park itself, which is home to several important historical landmarks. One of the most notable is the Montreal City Hall, which is located at the northern end of the park. The building is an impressive example of Second Empire architecture, and its central tower is one of the tallest in Montreal.
- Place d'Armes i- s a historic public square located in the heart of Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is a popular tourist attraction and a significant landmark in the city. The square has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was originally used for military purposes. It was later transformed into a public square in the 18th century and has since served as a venue for various events and ceremonies.
- The square is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Bank of Montreal, and the Aldred Building. It is also home to several monuments, including the Maisonneuve Monument, which commemorates the founder of Montreal, Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve.
- Today, Place d'Armes is a bustling hub of activity with many restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is also a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the historic ambiance of Old Montreal. The square is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Montreal Metro.
- Notre-Dame Basilica - is a historic church located in the heart of Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Montreal and a popular tourist attraction. The church is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, which includes soaring ceilings, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful stained-glass windows.
- The construction of the basilica began in 1824 and was completed in 1829. The architect responsible for the design of the church was James O'Donnell, who was inspired by the architecture of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Over the years, the basilica has undergone several renovations and restorations, including a major restoration in the 1970s.
- Today, the basilica is still an active place of worship and hosts concerts, events, and other cultural activities. Visitors can take guided tours of the church and learn about its history and architecture. The basilica is also home to a beautiful Casavant Frères pipe organ, which is one of the largest organs in North America.
- Notre-Dame Basilica is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Montreal. Its stunning architecture, rich history, and religious significance make it a truly unique and special place to visit.
Private tour of Notre Dame Basilica is an optional add-on.
- The Aura @ Notre Dame Basilica – The Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal offers an impressive light and sound show called "Aura". This multimedia experience is designed to showcase the beauty and grandeur of the basilica's architecture and art through an immersive audiovisual display.
- During the show, visitors are treated to a combination of music, lighting, and projected images that highlight the intricate details of the basilica's sculptures, stained glass windows, and other artistic features. The show lasts for approximately one hour and is available in several languages.
- The Aura show is a unique and memorable way to experience the Notre Dame Basilica and is highly recommended for anyone visiting Montreal. Keep in mind that flash photography and filming is not permitted during the show, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Aura Light & Sound Show is an optional add-on.
- The Récollet Quarter - is a historic district in Montreal, located in the eastern part of the city's downtown core. The district is named after the Récollets, a group of Franciscan friars who established a monastery in the area in the 17th century.
- Today, the Récollet Quarter is a vibrant neighborhood that is home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and other businesses. Some of the notable attractions in the area include the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, the Bonsecours Market, and the Place Jacques-Cartier, which is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
- The Récollet Quarter is also known for its beautiful architecture, with many of the buildings in the area dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The neighborhood has undergone significant revitalization efforts in recent years, and is now considered to be one of the most vibrant and dynamic areas of Montreal.
- Pointe-à-Callières - is a historic district in Montreal, Canada. It is located in the Old Montreal neighbourhood, near the waterfront and the Montreal Science Centre. The area is named after the Pointe-à-Callières Museum, which is a major attraction in the area and is dedicated to the history and archaeology of Montreal.
- The Pointe-à-Callières area has a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years. It was originally a First Nations settlement and later became the site of the city's first European settlement. The district has many historic buildings, including the Château Ramezay, a former governor's residence that now houses a museum, and the Montreal City Hall, which was built in the 19th century and is a National Historic Site of Canada.
- In addition to the museums and historic sites, the Pointe-à-Callières area has many restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to tourists and locals alike. The area is a popular destination for both visitors and residents of Montreal, who come to learn about the city's history and enjoy the picturesque streets and buildings.
Note – The points of interest that can be visited on a Walking Tour will depend on the clients desire and ability to walk in terms of distances and hours. If a client desires to cover both Olde Montreal East and West, we recommend they break up the tour into two parts, a morning session of 2 hours and an afternoon session of 2 hours.
Alternatively, clients can decide to just walk only Old Montreal East, which is in our opinion kore interesting.