The Essential 101 Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio

4.9 (847 reviews) 2 h 45 min Free cancellation

out of 5

847 reviews

4.9

Notre-Dame Basilica — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Mural by A-Shop — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!!

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 45 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 10 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Spade & Palacio Tours

Ages: Youth (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide
Included: Snacks
Included: Beverages
Included: Food tasting

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)

Itinerary

Maisonneuve Monument

10 min

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

15 min

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.
Old Montreal

45 min

We walk the elegant streets, visit the old Wall Street of Canada and point out cool cultural events in the area as well get an idea of the history of the foundation of our city
Underground City

15 min

From the World Trade Center to Chinatown we walk a stretch of the world's largest interior network.
Chinatown

15 min Admission included

We pop in for a snack to go at a local bakery and walk the pedestrian mall of our Chinatown!
Saint Laurent Boulevard

20 min

We visit a bunch of street art from a massive festival. We visit a crazy thrift store and art gallery. We learn about this historic boulevard and its many waves of immigration. We walk through the old Red Light now entertainment district.
Eva B

10 min

We visit this crazy thrift store for free time. 3 floors, a wild interior and a chance to check it out before returning on your own for free time!
Plateau Mont-Royal

20 min

We visit the borough home to a high concentration of artists. We see about a dozen murals and works of art. We point you in the right direction of cool shops and stuff to see when you are on your own and sit down at a coffee shop for a locally roasted coffee and hand you a list of recommendations.
Place d'Armes

10 min

Intro to the tour, your guide before skipping the line at the basilica!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet next to engraving « 1642 « on the Maisonneuve Monument middle of Place d'Armes Square, directly across the Notre-Dame Basilica.

Tour starts on time and we can't wait for latecomers. Please show up 10 minutes before the tour starts. If you are late, you might not be able to join the group.

End point

We end in the Plateau district. We'll leave you with a list of recommendations and point out places if you want to grab a bite or a drink!

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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