Montreal: Discover Reso - The Underground City

If you’re planning a trip to Montreal and want to see a side of the city that most visitors miss, a guided tour of Reso, the Underground City, is a smart choice. This experience offers a peek into one of the world’s most extensive underground networks, filled with stunning architecture, vibrant art, and a lively mix of shops and local spots. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a practical yet immersive way to experience Montreal beyond its surface streets.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines informative storytelling with the chance to explore a true urban labyrinth—perfect for wandering, snapping photos, and feeling like a true insider. The guide’s local knowledge shines through, making it both enjoyable and educational. Plus, the price point of $29 for about two hours of guided discovery offers excellent value, especially given the variety of stops included.

One thing to consider: While the tour covers a lot of ground, it’s primarily walk-based, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with some walking and stairs. If mobility is a concern, it’s worth noting that this tour isn’t designed for wheelchair users or those with very low fitness levels. That said, if you’re curious about Montreal’s underground and want a guided route that hits key sights, this tour is a well-rounded choice.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a history buff, or just looking for a fun way to beat the weather—rain, cold, or heat—this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s especially great for those who enjoy learning about a city’s hidden layers and seeing spots you might not stumble upon on your own.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Underground City Tour

2 Who Will Love This Tour?

3 Frequently Asked Questions

4 Final Thoughts

Key Points

Extensive underground network: Explore Montreal’s largest underground city, which spans over 33 km.
Expert local guide: Benefit from a knowledgeable host with deep understanding of the city’s underground and history.
Variety of stops: From art-filled tunnels and historic sites to shopping and food stops, this tour covers diverse highlights.
Affordable price: At $29, it provides a rich experience with a great mix of sights, stories, and practical tips.
Inclusively designed: Suitable for those interested in architecture, local culture, and hidden corners of Montreal.
Limited group size: Small groups (up to 10 people) ensure personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

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An In-Depth Look at the Underground City Tour

You can also read our reviews of more city tours in Montreal

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off inside the Complexe Desjardins, a central hub for shopping and activity. Meeting downstairs near the large water fountain, you immediately get a sense of the scale—this is the gateway to a subterranean world that runs beneath downtown Montreal. The guide, often described as passionate and personable, sets a friendly tone and is eager to share stories behind the sights.

Exploring Montreal’s Largest Underground Network

Spanning roughly 33 km, Montreal’s underground city is an engineering marvel. This tour makes it manageable by guiding you through its most captivating sections without overwhelming. You’ll visit key points like Les Cours Mont-Royal, with its stunning architecture, and the Eaton Centre, home to the trendy Time Out Market, perfect for a quick snack or browsing local treats.

Art, History, and Hidden Gems

One of the highlights is the art-filled tunnels, showcasing murals and installations that turn the underground into an open-air gallery. You’ll also visit the World Trade Centre of Montreal, where a piece of the Berlin Wall adds a layer of historical intrigue. The tour also includes a quick stop at a historic bank-turned-café—a cozy spot for photos and stories.

Multiple reviewers mention the Barbie Expo as a favorite, especially for photo lovers—think of it as a quirky, colorful section that adds fun and lightness to the experience. The guide’s explanations about the significance of these sites help deepen the understanding of Montreal’s urban fabric.

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Transportation and Practical Tips

A quick Metro 101 session is part of the tour, helping you feel confident navigating the city’s transit system afterward. The underground city is designed for convenience, with easy access from Central Station and other transit points. This means you can extend your exploration seamlessly if you wish.

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Food, Drink, and Recharge Stops

Throughout the tour, you’ll find opportunities to grab espresso or fresh juice—a perfect way to recharge. The Cathcart Terrace restaurant and Biergarten offer a stylish break, giving you a taste of Montreal’s culinary scene in an underground setting. You’ll also receive a shopping route map for exploring nearby stores and markets.

The Experience and Atmosphere

While the tour is about two hours long, it packs in plenty of sights, stories, and photo opportunities. The small group size (limited to 10) means everyone gets attention, and the guide can tailor the experience if needed. Many reviews rave about the guide’s enthusiasm—praising her knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make complex history accessible and fun.

The Value for Money

At $29 per person, this tour is incredibly cost-effective considering the variety of sights and stories covered. Reviewers frequently mention it’s “great value for the money,” noting how it’s a much better way to get acquainted with the underground city than wandering alone.

The Critical Perspective

A few minor points to keep in mind: this tour involves some walking and stairs, which might not suit everyone. It’s not designed for wheelchair users or those with very low fitness levels. Also, the focus is mainly on the central underground areas, so if you’re after a comprehensive city tour of Montreal’s above-ground attractions, you might want to combine this with other activities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a first-time visitor eager to understand the layout of downtown Montreal, this tour provides a perfect primer. History buffs will enjoy learning about the city’s underground developments, while art lovers will appreciate the murals and installations. Those searching for a practical, weather-proof way to experience Montreal will find this tour invaluable.

Travelers who enjoy small, friendly groups and personalized attention will appreciate the limited size. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of Instagram-worthy moments, and anyone curious about Montreal’s hidden layers will come away with a new perspective.

This tour isn’t for travelers who prefer a leisurely, unstructured sightseeing experience or those with mobility challenges. But for most curious, active visitors, it hits the sweet spot of fun, function, and authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 2 hours, giving enough time to see key spots without feeling rushed.

Where do I meet the guide?
Meet inside the Complexe Desjardins, downstairs in the main atrium near the water fountain. Be sure to arrive on time for the best experience.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for children over 5 years old. Children should be comfortable walking and climbing stairs, as the tour involves some physical activity.

Are there any dietary restrictions or food included?
Food and drinks are available for purchase at various stops—no meals or drinks are included in the price unless specified.

Can I join this tour if I don’t speak English or French?
The tour is offered in English and French, so check with the provider about language options.

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour covers walking routes through the underground city, but you’ll be given tips on how to navigate the metro afterward.

Final Thoughts

The Montreal Discover Reso tour offers a clever, engaging way to experience the city’s underground marvels. For a modest price, you gain access to a network of tunnels filled with art, history, and local secrets, all narrated by a passionate guide. It’s especially perfect if you’re looking to escape bad weather, beat the heat, or simply discover a hidden layer of Montreal’s urban landscape.

Travelers seeking an authentic, well-organized, and affordable experience will find this tour highly rewarding. The combination of storytelling, sightseeing, and practical tips make it a valuable addition to any Montreal itinerary.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this underground adventure is sure to deepen your appreciation for Montreal’s clever infrastructure and vibrant local culture. It’s a journey worth taking—one that will leave you with fresh stories and fantastic photos to share.