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
760 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Montreal 101 in a few great hours
Sarah C,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Great introduction to city for those with limited time. Gabrielle knew her stuff and handled the torrential rain situation well. We enjoyed the tour and highly recommend.
❤️ Montréal
Josie F,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with lots of insight into Montreal’s past that informs and shapes its present. A positive and hopeful perspective told with humor and hope for the future. David deserves a 6 pack of Molsons!
Upbeat, Dynamic, and Worth the Walk
Felipe R,Jun 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00David did an amazing job with the tour. He was interactive, excited, and always checked to make sure that guests were caught up in what he's talking about. He was also accommodating as well for guests that needed restroom breaks or who are behind in keeping pace with the group.
A Most Enjoyable Tour
John M,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gabriella was great. She is funny, engaging and above all else, she is very knowledgeable. Her pace is reasonable. She was able to answer every question presented to her. I took 4 Montréal tours, I wish she had lead every tour.
Brilliant behind the scenes Montreal
Going with Teen,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! In and out of interesting buildings, local history you can’t find on Google and a Hollywood style - back lot, behind the scenes tour. We were captivated by Fred’s genuine enthusiasm for her French roots and how they pair with the modern day blended French/ English community. Her knowledge of the past and present was woven with personal anecdotes and humor. The tour includes admission to the basilica, a warm bao bun in Chinatown and coffee/ tea in the international food area near little Portugal. We were inspired to explore the neighborhood beyond the tourist areas and were charmed by the nooks and crannies of this great city. Book now!
Rain, what rain?
Amy S,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The weather absolutely did no cooperate with this tour but Amelie made the most of it. She made us all feel comfortable and welcome. This tour was interesting and moved at a nice pace. I very much enjoyed the stop for bao and also the stop for tea. That is a nice touch and a great way to give an even bigger sample of what the city offers. Thank you for a great morning. It was so good that I even forgot how bad the rain was!
A very enjoyable walk through some of Montreal’s neighborhoods.
Ron P,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took this tour with Amelie and throughly enjoyed it. I liked that visited multiple neighborhoods. Amelie’s love of Montreal was obvious. I enjoyed that she shared a lot of history and that she could go off-script when people asked questions. I booked a second tour with this company based on this tour, that’s probably the best recommendation.
Knowledgeable and personable
jacobcZ9997KV,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour! Dave was great! Gave us some of the history of the city and current happenings. Would highly recommend Dave, especially for English speakers!
Don't miss this tour!
Z3808DPpaulas,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Danny was an engaging guide who expressed his love of the city and the spots that tourists generally miss. I learned so much about the history, architecture, culture, and layout of the city. The groups are kept small (no more than 10) , which keeps things manageable and moving. We stopped for delicious bao buns in the middle of the walk--oh my heavens they were good! Danny even provided a sheet of recommendations at the end for other places to go (food, culture, etc); we went to one of the restaurants afterwards, and were rewarded with an enjoyable lunch at a great price. I wish I took this tour at the beginning of my week in Montreal instead of the second to last day.
Wonderful Small Group Walking Tours
mallet man89,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dave was lovely host, super friendly and informative about the history and culture of Montreal. I felt like I learned a lot from Dave and he has a genuine passion for the city. Would highly recommend Spade & Palacio.
Related Experiences
Operated by Spade & Palacio Tours