Old Montreal Walking Tour
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Established by French colonists in 1642, Old Montreal is the site of Montreal Canada’s original settlement. Located along the St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal is full of French-inspired architecture and monuments. Our free self-guided Old Montreal walking tour will help you explore the cobblestones, scenic squares, and quays of Old Town and Old Port Montreal.
Though the Baroque-style buildings of Old Montreal are from its colonial era, there is a vibrancy to the neighborhood. The colorful awnings of sidewalk cafes, artfully decorated shop windows, and bustling pubs give the area an inviting warmth. Just a few streets away, the Old Port (Vieux Port) riverfront zone is also full of charm.
There is no better way to see Montreal’s original neighborhood than on foot. A walking tour is one of the best things to do in Montreal. Our free self-guided Old Montreal walking tour takes in the Old Town and Old Port districts.
OLD MONTREAL WALKING TOUR DETAILS
Length: The 1.5-mile (2.8 km) walk is a loop that can be completed in either direction.
Duration: Google Maps times the walk at 39 minutes. Plan for a 3-hour outing.
If your travel time is limited, having a tour guide to help navigate unfamiliar neighborhoods is a great way to see city highlights and learn about the local culture. Use our article to learn about must-see Old Town sites, Then, shop for a tour. Explore these top-rated Montreal tours with a guide:
There are so many interesting and unique things to do in Montreal. Try pairing our Old Montreal & Old Port Walking Tour with another activity such as:
OLD MONTREAL ATTRACTIONS ON WALKING TOUR
1. Place d’Armes (Arms Square)
2. Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal
3. Rue Saint Paul
4. Place Royale (Royal Square)
5. Montreal Museum of Archeology and History
6. Montreal Science Centre
7. Vieux Port (Old Port)
8. La Grande Roue de Montreal (The Big Wheel of Montreal)
9. Chapel of Our Lady of Good Hope
10. Marche Bonsecours (Bonsecours Market)
11. Hotel De Ville (City Hall)
12. Place Jacques-Cartier (Jacques Cartier Square)
WALKING TOUR – OLD MONTREAL MAP
OLD MONTREAL WALKING TOUR ROUTE:
STOP 1: PLACE D’ARMES MONTREAL (ARMS’ SQUARE)
The beginning location of our Old Montreal walking tour is Place d’Armes. The large public square is one of the oldest in Montreal, dating back to 1693. Over the centuries the square has served as hay market, practice field for military drills, and Victorian garden.
In the middle of the square there is a monument to Montreal’s founder. Surrounding the square are a series of buildings representing an array of architectural styles Two notable buildings are the Saint Sulpice Seminary (1680s), and the Notre Dame Basilica (see Stop 2). Also, not to be missed at this stop are the sculptures of the Englishman and French woman symbolizing English power and French influence in the city.
STOP 2: BASILIQUE NOTRE DAME (NOTRE DAME BASILICA)
The Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal is a must-see Montreal attraction. The basilica receives over 11 million visitors a year. The 19th century basilica is remarkable for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture, stained glass, and intricate chapels. Notre Dame was the site of Celine Dion’s 1994 wedding. After paying the admission fee, visitors can tour the church on their own or join a free guided tour.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: It is a 5-minute walk to Place Royale via Rue St. Sulpice and St. Paul.
STOP 3: RUE SAINT PAUL (ST. PAUL’S STREET)
Rue Saint Paul is the oldest street in Montreal (1673). The road began as a path that bordered the city’s first fort, Ville Marie. Over the years, the windy lane developed into Montreal’s main thoroughfare. Today, Rue St. Paul is lined with historic buildings that are filled with boutiques, B&Bs, art galleries, bistros, and souvenir shops.
STOP 4. PLACE ROYALE (ROYAL SQUARE)
Our next stop is a small, but historic square on the west end of Old Montreal. Place Royale is the location of Ville Marie, Montreal’s original fort. Over the centuries the location evolved from a military installation to a marketplace. Today, the square serves as the courtyard of the Old Customs House (which holds a gift shop for the Museum of History).
WALKING DIRECTIONS: Head south on Rue de la Capitale to the Museum of History.
STOP 5: MONTREAL MUSEUM OF ARCHEOLOGY AND HISTORY
At the Museum of Archeology and History you will be moving from Old Montreal into the Old Port Montreal area. Exhibits at this Montreal museum are spread over several buildings which are connected by underground passages. Learn about the city's colonial period, see the remains of old forts, and enjoy period reenactments.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: Trek toward the waterfront until reaching the Science Centre.
STOP 6: MONTREAL SCIENCE CENTRE
You have reached the beginning of Old Port Montreal when you see the flags of the Montreal Science Centre. Located on King Edward Quay, the Montreal museum offer exhibits on technology, transportation, marine biology, and nature as well as an IMAX theater.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: Walk along the riverfront until reaching the Big Wheel of Montreal.
STOP 7. VIEUX PORT (OLD PORT)
As you walk along the St. Lawrence River, stop to explore the massive quays that invite strolling. The wharves are home to ferries, cruise boats, restaurants, yacht clubs, marinas, shops, and the tents of the Cirque du Soleil when in season.
On shore, the Old Port Promenade (a shaded park) runs along the riverfront. There are grassy lawns for picnics and pavement to bike. In this area there are often food truck, sidewalk sales, and street performers. Montreal attractions in this area include the Tyrolienne Zipline, Labyrinth, and Big Wheel of Montreal.
STOP 8. GRANDE ROUE DE MONTREAL (BIG WHEEL OF MONTREAL)
The Big Wheel of Montreal was constructed to help celebrate Montreal’s 375th birthday. The Big Wheel rises 200-feet into the air. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Canada. There are great views of Old Montreal and downtown from the top of the ride. Open daily weather permitting.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: Just past the Big Wheel, look to your right for the steeple of Our Lady of Good Hope. Walk to the church (Rue Bonsecours to Commune to Quia de l’Horloge).
STOP 9. CHAPEL OF OUR LADY OF GOOD HOPE
The Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours) was erected in 1771. Known as the “sailor’s church,” it was a traditional destination for sailors who came to make offerings to the Virgin Mary for safe passage in crossing the Atlantic. Inside the chapel there is a ship that hangs from the ceiling. Visitors can climb the church spire for views of the St. Lawrence River.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: Walk next door to the Bonsecours Market.
STOP 10: MARCHE BONSECOURS (BONSECOURS MARKET)
In the mid-19th century, the Bonsecours Market complex served as the main agricultural market for the city of Montreal. The market is notable for its elaborate Neoclassical façade and tin dome. In more recent history, the building has been updated into an indoor-outdoor mall with shops and restaurants.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: Trek up one block to the Hotel de Ville (Rue St. Paul to St. Claude to Notre Dame).
STOP 11: HOTEL DE VILLE (CITY HALL)
The Montreal City Hall (Hôtel de Ville de Montréal) is a working government building. Built in the late 19th century the grey limestone structure is decorated with ornate turrets, balconies, and a grand clock tower. The building currently is home to the Mayor and City Council offices.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: It is a 2-minute walk to Jacques Cartier Square (east on Rue Notre Dame).
STOP 12: PLACE JACQUES CARTIER (JACQUES CARTIER SQUARE)
Jacques Cartier Square is the perfect location to end our Old Montreal walking tour. With views of the waterfront, the lovely square is flanked by galleries, boutiques, markets, and upscale restaurants with outdoor terraces. The area is a favorite of street buskers and sketch artists. Off of the square there are a series of cobblestone alleys that are fun to explore.
WALKING DIRECTIONS: Take Rue St. Paul to St. Sulpice. Finish the walking tour loop at the Place d’Armes.
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Au Revoir from Montreal, Laura and Randy
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