Begin your tour at Place d’Armes in Old Montreal, anchoring yourself at the Notre-Dame Basilica (110 Notre-Dame St W). This 19th-century Gothic masterpiece, with its vibrant stained glass and ornate interior. Spend 25 minutes exploring the basilica’s grandeur; entry is affordable, and no bookings are needed for general visits.
Walk 5 minutes to Café Olimpico (124 St-Viateur St W, a short detour or grab a closer spot like Le Cartet at 106 McGill St), a beloved Montreal institution with a retro European vibe. Sip a café au lait or grab a croissant, inexpensive and no reservations required. Its lively, artistic atmosphere feels straight out of a Montrealais painting. Spend 40 minutes enjoying the coffee and Old Montreal’s cobblestone charm.
Stroll 10 minutes along Rue Notre-Dame to Place Jacques-Cartier, a bustling square lined with historic buildings and street performers. Pop into Maison Christian Faure (355 Place Royale), a chic patisserie with French flair, for a quick macaron or pastry. Spend 20 minutes soaking in the square’s vibrant energy and historic facades.
Walk 10 minutes to Old Port of Montreal along the St. Lawrence River, pausing at the Clock Tower (1 Clock Tower Quay) for a quick view of this 1920s landmark. Then, visit Le Modiste (nearby at 420 St-Paul St E), a boutique with artisanal crafts and a nod to Montreal’s creative scene, evoking the elegance of bespoke shops. Spend 30 minutes browsing or admiring the waterfront.
Continue 15 minutes to Rue Saint-Paul, stopping at Olive et Gourmando (351 St-Paul St W), a famous bakery-café with a rustic, bohemian vibe. Grab a sandwich or scone, affordable, no bookings needed, but arrive early to avoid queues. Its warm, bustling feel recalls a classic French diner. Spend 45 minutes dining and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Finally, walk 15 minutes to Musée des Beaux-Arts (1380 Sherbrooke St W), Montreal’s premier art museum, housed in a grand Beaux-Arts building. Spend your final 40 minutes exploring a gallery (like Canadian or European art) or relaxing in the nearby Golden Square Mile, a historic district with elegant mansions. For a final treat, grab a hot chocolate at Café Vasco da Gama (1472 Peel St), a sleek spot nearby, to cap your tour.
This tour covers Montreal’s historic Old Port, vibrant squares, and cultural gems in about four hours, blending food, history, and French-inspired colour. The route is roughly 4 km, so wear comfortable shoes and expect a mix of cobblestone streets and urban charm.
