Montreal: Guided Bar Crawl with Free Shots and Club Entry

Setting out on a guided bar crawl in Montreal is an appealing way to experience the city’s lively nightlife while making new friends along the way. This particular tour, offered by Pub Crawl MTL, promises to take you through 3 or 4 of Montreal’s best bars and clubs in just four hours.

It’s designed for travelers who want a lively, social introduction to Montreal’s evening scene, complete with free shots and VIP entry to a popular nightclub at the end.

What we love about this experience is its focus on socializing and local flavor. You’ll enjoy the casual camaraderie of downing shots with fellow travelers and locals, and the convenience of VIP access means skipping long lines—something always appreciated after a day of sightseeing.

One thing to consider is that the quality of the venues and drinks isn’t guaranteed to be premium, according to some reviews, but if you’re after a fun night out in a group, this tour delivers on that front.

This experience is best suited for groups of friends, solo travelers wanting to meet others, and anyone curious about Montreal’s nightlife—as long as you’re over 18, of course. It’s also a decent choice for those who want a quick yet lively overview of the city’s bar scene without the hassle of planning.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 9 Best Drinking Tours In Montreal.

Key Points

• Social Atmosphere: Great for meeting new people and experiencing local nightlife.
• Convenience: Skip lines with VIP entry to a bustling Montreal nightclub.
• Included Shots: Kick off the night with free shots in each bar.
• Authentic Experience: See how locals spend their evenings.
• Flexible and Affordable: Four hours of fun for $41, with optional pay later booking.
• Mixed Reviews: Some find the venues underwhelming, but most enjoy the social vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Montreal Guided Bar Crawl

This tour is a straightforward, social-focused way to explore Montreal’s nightlife scene without the hassle of navigating alone or waiting in long lines. It’s operated by Pub Crawl MTL, a local provider that emphasizes providing an accessible and lively introduction to the city’s evening culture.

The Itinerary and Venues

The tour begins at a cozy local bar where everyone meets up with the guide. Here, the atmosphere is welcoming, and it’s the perfect setting to get to know your fellow participants. The guide will introduce everyone, and a welcome shot kicks off the night. You’ll then have the opportunity to purchase drinks—beers, cocktails, or whatever suits your style—while soaking in the vibe of a bar that attracts both locals and international visitors.

From there, the group moves to 2 or 3 additional bars, each with their own unique flavor. The focus isn’t on high-end, sophisticated drinking; instead, it’s about enjoying a lively, casual environment, sharing shots, and making friends. Some reviews note that the venues might not have an outstanding atmosphere or premium drinks—one unhappy reviewer even described the places as lacking energy and atmosphere. However, the fact that these are some of the best spots in the city suggests they are popular among both locals and travelers.

The Final Stop: The Nightclub

The tour culminates at a Montreal nightclub, where VIP wristbands allow you to skip the lines and head straight in. This is a significant perk—especially in a city known for its vibrant, dance-oriented nightlife. Once inside, you’re free to dance and enjoy the music with your new friends. Many travelers enjoy this aspect, as it transforms the tour from a casual crawl into a genuine night out.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $41, you get a local guide, a guided crawl through 2 or 3 bars, entry to a nightclub, and shots at each venue. It’s a decent value considering the VIP access and social nature of the experience. However, you’ll want to budget extra if you plan to buy additional drinks, which can add up.

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The Social Element and Group Size

With the inclusion of shots and the nature of the tour, you can expect a small to medium-sized group—usually enough for lively interactions but not so big that you’re lost in the crowd. The tour typically runs in the evening, making it a perfect way to kick off or cap off a night in Montreal.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

One of the most appealing aspects of this tour is the chance to see how locals spend their evenings. While it is aimed at travelers, the guide’s local knowledge can help you discover spots that are popular among Montrealers, providing a more genuine experience than just hitting tourist traps.

However, some reviews highlight inconsistent quality. One traveler shared, “It was not a great experience… the places we went to were not great.” Another mentioned being surprised at the “disgusting” shots and feeling that the included drinks weren’t worth the price. These comments serve as a reminder that, like any guided experience, your enjoyment depends greatly on the venues chosen and the group dynamics.

The Guide’s Role

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendly attitude and ability to keep the night flowing smoothly. A good guide can make all the difference, helping you navigate the venues, share insider tips, and keep the mood upbeat.

Practical Details and Tips

Timing-wise, this tour usually runs in the evening, lasting around four hours. The meeting point is inside the first bar, where you’ll find the guide. Make sure to bring your passport or ID for age verification, and dress appropriately—avoid sandals, flip-flops, hats, or sportswear, as these are not allowed inside the venues.

The tour is available in English and French, catering to Montreal’s bilingual vibe. While cancellation is flexible—full refunds are available if you cancel 24 hours in advance—it’s wise to reserve ahead to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This pub crawl is ideal for those seeking a social, inexpensive way to experience Montreal’s nightlife. It’s perfect if you’re traveling solo and want to meet others or if you’re in a group and looking for a lively, organized night out. It might not suit travelers looking for upscale venues or premium drinks, but for fun, casual evenings, it hits the mark.

In The Sum Up

This Montreal guided bar crawl offers a cost-effective, social, and lively introduction to the city’s after-hours scene. You’ll enjoy being part of a group, sampling some drinks, and gaining VIP access to a club—an excellent way to maximize your evening without the stress of planning. While some venues and drinks may not impress everyone, the overall experience is a good deal for the price, especially if you’re eager to mingle.

For travelers who value friendly guides, authentic social atmospheres, and convenience, this tour delivers. Just keep in mind that some participants have found the venues underwhelming, so temper expectations if you’re after a high-energy, upscale night.

If your goal is to meet new friends, see how locals party, and dance the night away, this tour can be a fun, memorable part of your Montreal trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, many solo travelers join this tour to meet others and enjoy a lively evening. The group setting naturally facilitates socializing.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided crawl through 2 or 3 bars, free shots at each stop, and VIP entry to a nightclub, all for $41 per person.

Can I buy additional drinks?
Yes, you are encouraged to purchase more drinks beyond the included shots, but these are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for age verification, and dress appropriately—avoid sandals, flip-flops, hats, or sleeveless shirts.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about four hours and usually takes place in the evening.

Is this tour available in both English and French?
Yes, the tour runs in both languages, accommodating Montreal’s bilingual environment.

In the end, this pub crawl serves as a lively, social way to discover Montreal’s night scene—ideal for those eager to party, mingle, and experience local nightlife with ease.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby