We Rank Montreal’s 15 Top City Tours

Montreal stands out as a city packed with character and layers of history, art, and culture. Its compact downtown and surrounding neighborhoods lend themselves well to exploration through guided tours, bike rides, and even ghost walks.

What makes Montreal special for city tours is its mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy—think centuries-old churches and bustling markets, alongside underground shopping tunnels and sleek neighborhoods.

We particularly like the Full-Day Quebec City & Montmorency Falls trip for a comprehensive day out, or the 3-Hour Bike Tour for an active, intimate look at the city’s diverse districts.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just want to get a lay of the land, Montreal’s tour offerings cover all bases.

Quick Overview

Our list of the 15 best city tours in Montreal includes a variety of experiences—from full-day explorations of Quebec City and its waterfalls, to quick half-day tours of downtown. There’s even an underground city tour that reveals Montreal’s hidden passageways, and ghost walks for those craving a spooky twist.

For biking enthusiasts, the Montreal bike tours deliver a fun and efficient way to see the sights, while evening city walks give you a relaxed, atmospheric view of Old Montreal. Whatever your preference, these tours offer honest, detailed insights to help you pick the best fit.

1. From Montreal: Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip

At number 1, this full-day trip is a fantastic way to see Quebec City without the hassle of driving. For around $97, you’ll relax on a premium bus as your guide leads you through the narrow streets and steep hills of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The highlight is Montmorency Falls—1.5 times taller than Niagara—which you’ll admire from observation points and walkways.

Guests rave about the seamless logistics and the chance to explore Quebec’s historic charm in just a day. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided experience and don’t want to worry about transportation or logistics.

Bottom line: This tour offers exceptional value for a comprehensive, guided experience of Quebec City and its stunning waterfall, making it ideal for history lovers and nature seekers alike.

2. 3 Hour Montreal City Bike Tour with Wine or Beer (AM & PM)

Rating 5.0/5 with over 300 reviews, this bike tour is a lively way to explore Montreal’s top neighborhoods. For just over $67, you get a guided ride covering areas like Old Port, Mount Royal, and La Fontaine Park, with the choice of a City Tour or the Vista Architecture Tour.

A highlight is that after the tour, you keep your 21-speed bike rental for the rest of the day, making it easy to revisit favorites or explore on your own.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, the comfortable bikes, and the relaxed pace—plus, the inclusion of bottled water and local food tastings adds value.

This tour is perfect if you want an active day, enjoy fresh air, and love discovering neighborhoods from a local perspective.

Bottom line: If cycling appeals, this guided bike tour delivers a rich, energetic overview of Montreal with the added benefit of using your bike afterward for more exploration.

3. Old Montreal: Traditional Ghost Walk of the Haunted City

Rating 4.6/5 from nearly 700 reviews, this ghost walk offers a fun, spooky evening wandering through Old Montreal’s atmospheric streets. For only $24, you’ll uncover tales of local spirits, eerie legends, and unexplained phenomena that bring the city’s historic facades to life.

Perfect for families or friends looking for a different kind of history lesson, this 1.5-hour tour combines storytelling with a dash of the supernatural.

Bottom line: It’s a delightful way to experience Old Montreal’s charm with a spooky twist—ideal for those wanting a memorable, fun evening.

4. From Montreal: Quebec City & Montmorency Falls Full Day Trip

Rated 4.6/5, this full-day tour offers a similar experience to the first but focuses more on Old Quebec, the Château Frontenac, and the ice hotel in winter months. The 13-hour journey includes visits to Montmorency Falls, the historic city, and optional boat cruises from June to October. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a deeply immersive day without overnight accommodations.

Guests appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the well-planned itinerary, which balances sightseeing with free time. If you’re a history or architecture enthusiast, this comprehensive day trip will satisfy.

Bottom line: For an in-depth exploration of Quebec City with flexible options, this trip offers excellent value and a full experience.

5. Full-Day Quebec City Tour plus Sightseeing Cruise

Rated 4.5/5, this 13-hour guided tour combines Montmorency Falls, Old Quebec’s landmarks, and a scenic cruise on the St. Lawrence River. You’ll visit iconic sites like Place Royale and Petit Champlain, with informative narration from your guide. The cruise (seasonal from May to October) adds a unique perspective of the city from the water.

Guests highlight the convenience of seeing multiple sites in one day and the quality of the included cruise. It’s best for travelers who want a full, well-rounded trip with minimal planning.

Bottom line: This tour packs a lot into a day, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience of Quebec City’s key sights.

6. The MTL Detours Montreal Underground City + Downtown Tour

Rating 5.0/5 from 200 reviews, this 2-hour underground city tour is ideal for winter visitors or those curious about Montreal’s hidden passages. For just under $35, you’ll explore the world’s largest underground pedestrian network, stretching over 20 miles, discovering artistic and architectural hotspots.

The tour includes some outdoor sights, making it a balanced experience of tunnel exploration and street-level landmarks.

Guests love the personalized feel and the insights into Montreal’s unique underground infrastructure. It’s great for a quick, informative overview.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting to uncover Montreal’s underground secret and stay warm during winter.

7. Montreal: Guided Bike Tour of City, Old Port & Plateau

Rated 4.8/5, this 3-hour bike tour at $65 covers Montreal’s main neighborhoods, including the Old Port and Plateau. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll cycle through lively streets, sample local foods, and learn about the city’s history. The tour offers the option to upgrade to an e-bike, making it accessible for different fitness levels.

Reviewers praise the mix of culture, cuisine, and city views, making this a fun, active way to get oriented. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick, engaging overview with a bit of physical activity.

Bottom line: An energetic, friendly introduction to Montreal’s highlights—best for active explorers who enjoy tasting local flavors along the way.

8. Montreal: RESO Underground City and Downtown Walking Tour

Rating 4.8/5, this 2-hour tour immerses you in Montreal’s Underground City, a unique indoor labyrinth of shops, art, and architecture. Led by a licensed guide, you’ll explore the network’s best parts, including downtown landmarks and hidden tunnels. Small groups ensure a personal experience, and you’ll receive local tips to enhance your visit.

This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to explore Montreal’s modern side and its innovative urban design. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the insider details.

Bottom line: A must-do for urban explorers interested in Montreal’s underground innovations and downtown sights.

9. Montreal: Discover Reso – The Underground City

Rated 4.9/5, this indoor tour focuses on the largest underground network in the world. Visiting 33 km of tunnels and boutiques, it’s perfect for cold or rainy days. Led by a local, you’ll see art-filled tunnels and stylish shops, making it a lively way to beat the weather.

Ideal for those wanting to experience Montreal’s modern underground infrastructure, this tour offers a lively indoor escape.

Bottom line: Great for weather-sensitive travelers or those curious about Montreal’s innovative urban fabric.

10. City tour; afternoon in Montreal

Rated perfect 5/5, this 3-hour small-group afternoon tour covers highlights like Old Montreal, Mount Royal, and Saint Joseph’s Oratory. Starting with classic sights like Notre-Dame Basilica, it balances cultural landmarks with scenic views.

Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and convenient hotel drop-offs, making it a stress-free way to get an overview in a short time. Perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited schedules.

Bottom line: Ideal for a quick, personalized introduction to Montreal’s key sights, especially if you’re staying downtown.

11. From Montreal: Quebec City One Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

Rated 4.5/5, this day trip includes hotel pickup, Montmorency Falls, and Old Quebec. It’s a comfortable, hassle-free way to see Quebec City in a long day. The tour is praised for its smooth logistics and knowledgeable guides, making it perfect for travelers with limited time who want to maximize sights.

The tour balances structured sightseeing with free time, which is appreciated by many reviews. It’s suited for those who want a guided, all-in-one day experience.

Bottom line: A solid choice for those wanting the hassle-free convenience of hotel pickup and a full Quebec City visit.

12. From Montreal: Quebec City, River Cruise & Montmorency Falls

Rated 4.5/5, this scenic day trip combines a luxury bus ride to Montmorency Falls, a guided Old Quebec tour, and a river cruise. The cruise offers breathtaking views of the city and falls, especially in good weather. It’s suited for travelers who want a relaxed, multi-sensory experience of Quebec’s beauty.

Guests mention the comfort of the bus and the striking views from the cruise as highlights. It’s best for those who appreciate combining land and water perspectives.

Bottom line: This tour offers a relaxed, scenic day blending nature, history, and stunning vistas, fitting for travelers who love multi-faceted experiences.

13. Montreal: Half-Day City Tour

Rated 4.8/5, this half-day van tour covers Montreal’s core attractions, from parks and neighborhoods to churches. Available in morning or afternoon, it’s a flexible way to get a quick overview, especially for travelers on a tight schedule.

Guests appreciate the compact format that still covers major sites without feeling rushed, and the small-group setting means personalized attention.

Bottom line: Best for those wanting a fast, guided overview of Montreal’s highlights without a long day commitment.

14. MontréaL Downtown and Underground City Private Walking Tour

Rated 5.0/5, this private 2-hour tour offers a personal introduction to downtown Montreal and its underground passageways. Perfect for groups up to 8, it explores the city’s architecture, hidden tunnels, and cultural sites.

Highly praised for its personalized approach and flexibility, it’s suited for travelers who want an in-depth, private experience and tailored insights.

Bottom line: A personalized, flexible option for those wanting to explore Montreal’s core and underground secrets with a dedicated guide.

15. Montreal: Full-Day Small Group City Tour

Rated 4.8/5, this full-day tour takes you through Old Montreal, neighborhoods, markets, and historic sites with a small group for a personal touch. It’s a great way to see the diversity of Montreal in one comfortable day.

Guests enjoy the mix of sightseeing, local tastings, and the chance to ask questions in an intimate setting. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive day with local flavor.

Bottom line: An excellent choice for those who want a deep dive into Montreal’s culture, history, and cuisine all in one day.

How to Choose the Right Montreal Tour

Picking the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and fitness level. For a full immersion into Quebec City, the Full-Day Quebec City & Montmorency Falls is unbeatable. If you prefer active exploration, the Bike Tours or the Underground City give you a fun, energetic experience.

For those with limited time, the Half-Day City Tour or Downtown Private Walk offer concise yet comprehensive glimpses of Montreal’s highlights.

Weather can influence your choice—underground tours like Reso are perfect for rainy days, while scenic trips to Quebec City are best in good weather to enjoy outdoor landmarks.

Booking early is wise, especially during peak summer months or holiday seasons. Consider your interests—history, outdoor activity, or relaxation—and pick a tour that fits your style and pace.

Montreal offers a range of engaging, well-organized tours suited for every traveler. Whether you want an active day biking through neighborhoods or a leisurely exploration of Old Montreal’s spooky streets, the options are plentiful and varied.

For a comprehensive, cultural experience, the full-day Quebec City trips are unbeatable. For a quick taste, the Half-Day Tour or the private downtown walk provide excellent introductions.

Remember, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure you make the most of your time in this diverse and lively city. Happy exploring!