Downtown Montreal and Underground RESO Walking Tour

Discover the vibrant heart of Montreal on this captivating 1.5-hour walking tour. Explore the city’s key landmarks, from the bustling St. Catherine Street to the stately Christ Church Cathedral. But the real gem lies beneath the surface – the expansive RESO network, an underground urban oasis accommodating half a million daily visitors. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a local eager to uncover new wonders, this tour promises a unique perspective on Montreal’s rich history and innovative urban planning. Get ready to step into a world that few have the chance to experience.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive 1.5-hour walking tour of downtown Montreal, including visits to St. Catherine Street, Christ Church Cathedral, Les Cours Mont-Royal, and Dorchester Square.
• Guided exploration of the RESO, Montreal’s renowned underground city network that accommodates approximately 500,000 daily visitors.
• Tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, professional guides, and accessibility features for wheelchair users and strollers.
• Highlights the history and development of the RESO, which dates back to 1962 and spans over 32 kilometers.
• Mixed reviews on tour quality, with some issues reported, but overall recommended for first-time visitors to gain a unique perspective of the city.

Tour Overview

The Downtown Montreal and Underground RESO Walking Tour typically lasts 1.5 hours, taking visitors through the heart of downtown Montreal and the renowned underground city network known as the RESO.

The tour highlights key landmarks like St. Catherine Street, Christ Church Cathedral, Les Cours Mont-Royal, and Dorchester Square.

Established in 1962, the RESO network now sees approximately 500,000 people circulate its underground passages daily.

The tour is led by professional guides and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities.

It departs from the Gray Line Montreal Tourist Information Center at 1:30 p.m. and is accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers.

Tour Duration and Location

The Downtown Montreal and Underground RESO Walking Tour typically lasts 1.5 hours, giving participants ample time to explore the heart of downtown Montreal and the renowned underground city network. Located in the bustling downtown district, the tour showcases key highlights, including:

Location	Highlights
St. Catherine Street	Central shopping district
Christ Church Cathedral	Historic cathedral
Les Cours Mont-Royal	Upscale shopping complex
Dorchester Square	Public green space
RESO Underground City	Vast network of shops, restaurants, and attractions

With professional guides, hotel pickup and drop-off, and accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, this tour offers a comprehensive and convenient way to experience the best of downtown Montreal.

Tour Highlights

Highlights of the Downtown Montreal and Underground RESO Walking Tour include a stroll along the bustling St. Catherine Street, a visit to the historic Christ Church Cathedral, and a stop at the luxurious Les Cours Mont-Royal shopping complex.

Guests will also explore Dorchester Square, a beautiful urban oasis in the heart of the city.

The tour culminates in an immersive experience in the underground RESO network, a sprawling system of interconnected tunnels, hotels, shops, and restaurants that accommodate an estimated 500,000 daily visitors.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will share insights into Montreal’s rich history and the evolution of this unique underground city.

History of RESO

Montreal’s underground city, known as the RESO, has its origins dating back to 1962. It was initially developed as a network of underground walkways connecting major buildings, hotels, and metro stations.

Over the years, the RESO has expanded to cover over 32 kilometers, making it one of the largest underground complexes in the world.

Today, the RESO is a bustling hub, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and businesses, attracting an estimated 500,000 daily visitors.

The underground city has become an integral part of Montreal’s infrastructure, providing a climate-controlled environment and convenient access to various amenities, especially during the city’s harsh winters.

Daily Foot Traffic

Approximately 500,000 people circulate through Montreal’s underground city, the RESO, on a daily basis.

This vast underground network, spanning 32 kilometers, is a hub of activity, bustling with foot traffic throughout the day.

The RESO offers:

1. A convenient passage for commuters, shielding them from the weather.
2. A diverse array of shops, restaurants, and amenities for visitors.
3. A unique cultural experience, allowing exploration of Montreal’s underground landscape.
4. A testament to the city’s forward-thinking infrastructure and urban planning.

This extraordinary daily foot traffic highlights the RESO’s vital role in Montreal’s cityscape, seamlessly integrating underground and above-ground spaces to create a dynamic and accessible urban environment.

Tour Details

The tour package includes a professional guide, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off, with gratuities covered. Visitors meet at the Gray Line Montreal Tourist Information Center located at 1255 Rue Peel, with the tour starting at 1:30 pm. The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, with surfaces suitable for mobility devices.

Meeting Point	Start Time	Accessibility
Gray Line Montreal Tourist Information Center, 1255 Rue Peel	1:30 pm	Wheelchair, stroller, wheelchair-accessible surfaces

Ample time is provided to explore the underground city, known as RESO, which features hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars, with the tour concluding around 3 pm.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with participants meeting the guide and group at the Gray Line Montreal Tourist Information Center.

The group then walks along St. Catherine Street, parallel to the largest segment of RESO, the underground city.

Next, they visit:

1. Christ Church Cathedral
2. Les Cours Mont-Royal
3. Dorchester Square

The tour then descends into RESO to explore the hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars that make up this vast subterranean network.

Throughout the journey, the guide shares insights into the history of Montreal and the development of RESO, which began in 1962.

The tour concludes by returning to the meeting point around 3 p.m.

Customer Feedback and Tips

Travelers have offered mixed reviews of the Downtown Montreal and Underground RESO Walking Tour. While some praised the knowledgeable guides and unique experience, others expressed disappointment due to poor customer service, cancellations without notice, and a focus on shopping rather than historical insights.

Specific issues included a lack of communication regarding cancellations, guides not meeting expectations, and tours perceived as mall walks rather than historical explorations.

To make the most of the tour, visitors are advised to dress appropriately, bring water and snacks, and be prepared for walking and climbing stairs.

The tour is recommended for first-time visitors to Montreal, providing a unique perspective on the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Families?

The tour is generally suitable for families and children. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, with highlights like shopping and historical sights that could engage younger visitors. However, the 1.5-hour duration may be tiring for some children.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

The tour can likely be customized to cater to specific interests, such as focusing more on the historical or architectural aspects or tailoring the experience for families. Travelers should inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Pricing Available?

The tour company offers discounted tickets for seniors, students, and children. Travelers can also find package deals that combine the walking tour with other attractions in Montreal. Group rates are available for parties of 6 or more.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves a good amount of walking, with visitors exploring St. Catherine Street, Christ Church Cathedral, and the underground RESO system. Participants should be prepared to walk for approximately 1.5 hours and climb some stairs during the tour.

Are Audio Guides or Multi-Language Options Provided?

The tour doesn’t provide audio guides or multi-language options. Guests are led by an English-speaking guide throughout the experience. While translations aren’t available, the guide offers insights and explanations to help all participants understand the tour’s highlights.

The Sum Up

The Downtown Montreal and Underground RESO Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant cityscape and expansive underground network. With a duration of 1.5 hours and accessibility for wheelchair users and strollers, the tour caters to both first-time visitors and locals, providing a captivating insight into Montreal’s rich history and modern urban planning. The tour’s highlights, including key landmarks and the RESO system, make it a must-do experience for anyone interested in experiencing the city’s diverse offerings.