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The Essential 101 Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio

833 Reviews 4.94 out of 5 stars Based on 833 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 99% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Montreal, Canada
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (10.17) days in advance.

2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

We start our Montréal walking tour by skipping the line at the Notre-Dame Basilica before wandering Vieux-Montréal. We’ll pop into some historic and architecturally gems to get an understanding of the district before heading out and leaving the tourist crowds behind.

We stroll through a segment of our interior or underground city. It’s the largest indoor network on the planet and lets us make our way to Chinatown for a quick snack as we get the skinny on the area.

Then it’s off to our old Red Light District, turned entertainment Mecca to see where the biggest festivals take place. We pop into a whacky often missed institution for a visit. Up Saint-Laurent boulevard, we check out half a dozen impressive works of art from Montréal’s MURAL Festival in the borough that is home to the highest concentration of artists in Canada.

With a coffee from a local third wave shop in hand we walk the hip parts of the lower Main before leaving you with a custom list of recommendations!!

What's Included

  • Snacks
  • Beverages
  • Food tasting
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

512 Place d'Armes
Montréal, QC H2Y 2W2, Canada

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

4021 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montréal, QC H2W 1Y4, Canada

We end in the Plateau district. We'll leave you with a list of recommendations and point out places if you want to grab a bite or a drink!

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Maisonneuve Monument

We meet here to start the tour and learn about the eclectic architecture that surrounds the square before we enter the Basilica!
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Notre-Dame Basilica

We learn about the beauty and history of the country's most ornate church and leave our guests some free time to take it all in on their own.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Old Montreal

We walk the elegant streets, visit the old Wall Street of Canada and point out cool cultural events in the area as well get an idea of the history of the foundation of our city
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Underground City

From the World Trade Center to Chinatown we walk a stretch of the world's largest interior network.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chinatown

We pop in for a snack to go at a local bakery and walk the pedestrian mall of our Chinatown!
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Saint Laurent Boulevard

We visit a bunch of street art from a massive festival. We visit a crazy thrift store and art gallery. We learn about this historic boulevard and its many waves of immigration. We walk through the old Red Light now entertainment district.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Eva B

We visit this crazy thrift store for free time. 3 floors, a wild interior and a chance to check it out before returning on your own for free time!
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Plateau Mont-Royal

We visit the borough home to a high concentration of artists. We see about a dozen murals and works of art. We point you in the right direction of cool shops and stuff to see when you are on your own and sit down at a coffee shop for a locally roasted coffee and hand you a list of recommendations.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Place d'Armes

Intro to the tour, your guide before skipping the line at the basilica!
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved, please be ready for that and to be wearing comfortable shoes.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Essential 101 Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-13149P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.94
833 reviews

Average 4.94 out of 5 stars based on 833 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
793
4 stars
32
3 stars
5
2 stars
3
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (10.17) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Snacks
  • Beverages
  • Food tasting
  • Local guide
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved, please be ready for that and to be wearing comfortable shoes.
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Minimum age is 5 years
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

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