Old Montreal Private Walking Tour with Cruise Tickets

If you’re planning a trip to Montreal and want to get a true feel for this vibrant city’s historic heart, a combined private walking tour and river cruise might just be your best bet. We haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, but based on detailed descriptions, it promises an intimate journey through Old Montreal’s iconic landmarks and hidden corners, topped off with stunning views from the St. Lawrence River.

What we love about this experience? First, it’s personalized—a private guide means you get tailored attention and the flexibility to focus on what interests you most. Second, the combination of walking and cruising offers a well-rounded perspective: walk through historic sites and then relax while watching the city’s skyline drift by from the water.

A potential consideration? While the tour is comprehensive, it’s about 3 hours 30 minutes total, which might be a long stretch for those with limited mobility or tight schedules. It’s best suited for travelers eager to enjoy Montreal’s cultural fabric without feeling rushed. Perfect for history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone who appreciates authentic city experiences in comfort and style.

Key Points

• Private guided experience ensures personalized storytelling and flexibility.
• Historic landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market highlight Montreal’s architectural beauty.
• Breathtaking river views on a 1.5-hour cruise add a scenic dimension to the tour.
• Flexible language options in English, French, and more make it accessible.
• Cost includes skip-the-line cruise tickets and a knowledgeable guide, offering good value.
• Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed introduction to Montreal’s Old Town.

Montreal is a city that wears its history on its sleeves. Old Montreal, with its cobbled streets and centuries-old buildings, makes for an excellent walking experience. Combining this with a river cruise enriches the visit, offering perspectives that are impossible to get from land alone.

This tour’s biggest selling point? It’s designed for those who want depth over speed. Instead of hurrying through attractions, you’ll spend plenty of time soaking in the details at places like Bonsecours Market and Notre-Dame Basilica. Plus, the guide’s insights help connect the dots, turning a sightseeing walk into a captivating story about Montreal’s past and present.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Auberge Alt Hostel

Your journey begins at the Auberge Alt Hostel, a central, easily accessible meeting point. Just a heads-up: it’s strictly a gathering spot; the staff there aren’t involved in the tour. Arriving on time is key to making the most of your experience.

Bonsecours Market: The Historic Heart

The tour kicks off at the Bonsecours Market, an architectural masterpiece that’s been standing since the 19th century. We loved the way this place encapsulates Montreal’s trading history while still functioning as a lively market. Exploring its grand halls gives a real sense of the city’s commercial past.

Rue Saint-Paul and the Old Town’s Charm

Strolling along Rue Saint-Paul—the oldest street in Montreal—is like walking through a living museum. The cobblestones, boutique shops, and centuries-old buildings create a charming atmosphere. Your guide will highlight stories behind these structures, making history feel immediate and real.

Notre-Dame Basilica & Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary

Nothing prepares you for the stunning interior of Notre-Dame Basilica. Its Gothic Revival architecture, soaring ceilings, and intricate stained glass windows are awe-inspiring. Spending about an hour here allows ample time to appreciate the craftsmanship. Nearby, the Old Saint-Sulpice Seminary adds another layer of historical significance, offering insight into Montreal’s religious and educational history.

The Old Custom House and Archaeology Museum

The tour also touches on lesser-known sites like the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and the Old Custom House. While these stops are more about cultural context, they deepen your understanding of Old Montreal’s layered past.

The River Cruise: An Unforgettable Perspective

After the walking portion, your guide will escort you to the dock, where you’ll board a pre-booked 1.5-hour cruise. The cruise is equipped with an audio guide in 8 languages, sharing stories and facts about Montreal’s skyline, the St. Lawrence River, and notable landmarks. You’ll love the views—especially if you’re fortunate enough to experience clear weather, as the city’s silhouette against the river is truly photogenic.

The cruise’s relaxed pace allows you to soak in the scenery—skyscrapers, Mount Royal, and the bustling port—without the rush of a bus or car. Plus, the experience of seeing Montreal from the water offers a fresh perspective, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.

Continuing the Tour: Olympic Stadium & Mount Royal

While the cruise concludes, the tour doesn’t end there. You might find the details about the Olympic Stadium and Mount Royal intriguing. The stadium’s unique architecture and the panoramic city views from Mount Royal add a scenic conclusion to your day.

Final Notes & Recommendations

Throughout the experience, your guide ensures an intimate pace, focusing on what sparks your interest. This is not a herd-style tour; it’s tailored to your group’s preferences. The tour ends back at the meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

What’s Included & What’s Not

You’re paying for a private guided experience with tickets for the cruise, which simplifies planning and avoids long lines. The guide’s fluency in multiple languages ensures you’re well-informed, and the pre-booked cruise tickets mean no hassle on the day.

However, be prepared to cover your own food, drinks, and entry to specific attractions if you choose to explore more after the tour. The price of around $227.70 per person is reasonable considering the personalized service and the inclusion of the cruise.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes; there’s quite a bit of walking on uneven surfaces.
• Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly; the tour is outdoors and rain or shine, so pack an umbrella or raincoat.
• Arrive promptly at the meeting point to start on time—timing is key to fitting everything in.
• Keep an eye on your email for any updates from Rosotravel, the tour provider.
• For anyone with mobility issues, it’s worth confirming accessibility details in advance—though generally, the tour is moderately paced.

This experience is perfect for those who want a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of Montreal’s Old Town. History enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed commentary, while anyone eager for breathtaking views from the river will find the cruise a highlight.

Couples, families, or small groups looking for a personalized tour that balances culture, architecture, and scenery will find this to be an excellent choice. If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s core, this combination tour offers great value.

This private tour of Old Montreal paired with a scenic river cruise offers a balanced mix of history, architecture, and breathtaking views. Its personalized approach ensures you won’t feel like just another face in a crowd, and the inclusion of a cruise adds a memorable outdoor element that enhances the overall experience.

While it costs a bit more than some group tours, the value is clear: you’ll benefit from an intimate, flexible, and richly informative journey through one of North America’s most charming historic districts. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed encounter with Montreal, with enough time to absorb the sights at your own pace.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another look, this tour helps you see Montreal from new angles—on foot and from the water—making for a truly memorable day.

Is this tour suitable for large groups? Yes, but it is designed for private groups of 1-25 guests. Larger groups can be accommodated with additional guides.

Do I need to book in advance? Absolutely. The tour includes pre-booked cruise tickets and a private guide, so booking ahead guarantees availability.

What languages are available for the guide and cruise audio guide? The guide is fluent in your chosen language (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish). The cruise’s audio guide is available in 8 languages, including French, English, and others.

How long does the entire tour last? About 3 hours 30 minutes, including walking and the cruise.

Are tickets to attractions included? No, entrance fees to individual attractions are not included, but the cruise tickets are pre-booked.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues? The tour is moderately paced, but for specific accessibility questions, it’s best to contact the tour provider in advance.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect and help you decide if this tour fits your travel style. For an authentic, scenic, and flexible introduction to Montreal’s Old Town, it’s certainly worth considering.