No matter how many times I visit, I can never get enough of wandering around Old Montreal. The city’s historic district is a dream for tourists, feeling more like an old town centre in Belgium or France than a neighbourhood in Canada’s second-largest city.
Whenever I set out to explore Old Montreal, I love strolling among the historic buildings and peeking my head into the area’s boutique shops, cute European-style cafés, brasseries, and restaurants. In the mix, there’s a ton of great attractions, too. Even after visiting Montreal more than half a dozen times, I still cherish the chance to roam among distinctive Canadian landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica and Bonsecours Market, and to enjoy more modern attractions like La Grande Roue de Montréal.
Ready to plan the ultimate adventure through Montreal’s historic quarter? Enjoy a stroll through Canadian history with this complete Old Montreal walking tour for first-time visitors, including my recommendations on what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay.
Our recommended Old Montreal walking route
Fuel up at Crêperie Maison Bagatelle
Let’s drag ourselves out of our comfy hotel bed for an early start to the day at Crêperie Maison Bagatelle (80 Notre-Dame St W). After stopping in at this popular spot on my late-spring 2025 trip to Montreal, I can see why it’s such a hit with locals. This small creperie serves a variety of baked goods, including bagels, paninis, and savoury and sweet crepes.
While my girlfriend and I both enjoyed the coffee, turkey crepe, and lox bagel, one item here stood out more than all the others: their pistachio croissants. This delicious pastry is perfectly soft and buttery, loaded with sweet pistachio spread and topped with fresh pistachios.
(We loved these croissants so much, we returned the day we were leaving for a second round—and to buy their pistachio spread to make our own back home!)
Even if pistachios aren’t to your taste, there’s plenty more on the menu to enjoy, including chai lattes, paninis, and classic Montreal bagels. (Plus, the eclectic, old-school aristocratic European decor is sure to keep your attention.)
PRO TIP: The Crêperie Maison Bagatelle opens daily at 8 am. As this is an insanely popular local spot, I suggest arriving as early as possible to snag a table. (Nearly every time I walked by this place after 9 am, it was fully packed with a line-up out the door.)
Walk through Canadian history at Place d’Armes
Mere metres from the creperie, let’s step into Canada’s early history by walking down to Place d’Armes. Dating back to 1693, this public square is one of the oldest in Montreal. It’s the perfect starting point for a self-guided walking tour through the city’s historic district.
What’s most interesting about Place d’Armes, in my opinion, is how it fuses together several eras from Montreal’s long history.
Look to the east to see the 17th-century Saint-Sulpice Seminary and 19th-century Notre-Dame Basilica. (Our next stop!) To the north, spot the late-19th-century New York Life Insurance Building and the 23-storey Art Deco-style Aldred Building, dating back to 1930. Opposite the basilica is the Bank of Montreal’s Head Office, a 1847 masterpiece of neoclassical architecture that resembles the Pantheon in Rome.
While admiring the surrounding buildings, be sure to also sneak a peek at the interesting statues lining the square.
Grab a snapshot of the square’s central Maisonneuve Monument, honouring Montreal’s founder, Paul Chomedey de Maisonneuve. On the square’s southern flank, in front of 500 Place D’Armes, keep on the lookout for the quirky Le Pug Anglais Et Le Caniche Français statues. These sculptures, completed by artist Marc André J. Fortier in 2013, throw tongue-in-cheek shade at the historical tensions between the English and French cultures in Canada.
Marvel at Notre-Dame Basilica
Before we leave Place d’Armes, there’s one spot we need to spend a little more time at: the Notre-Dame Basilica. One of the must-see Montreal attractions for first-time visitors, this 19th-century basilica is one of Canada’s most distinctive landmarks.
No matter how many times I see it, the stunning Gothic Revival-style architecture at the Notre-Dame Basilica always immediately makes me feel as if I’ve been transported to the streets of a European city. But as I discovered after ignoring it on my first couple of trips to Montreal, the interior is even more impressive than its beautiful “wrapper.”
I’d highly recommend setting aside a bit of your travel budget to step inside this magnificent church. When I first entered Basilique Notre-Dame, I was stunned by the intricate carvings and statues lining the main hall. The streams of prismatic light through the colourful stained-glass windows and domed stained-glass ceiling also add to the ambiance.
Included with regular admission ($16) is a free English tour. Join in to get the whole scoop on the church’s rich history and learn about its unique architectural features.
Even better than the regular admission is to add The AURA Experience by Moment Factory to your ticket. This magical light show projects scenes onto the church’s walls and stained-glass windows, timed to orchestral music.
PRO TIP: If you opt for the AURA Experience, I recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time. Photos and videos of the performance aren’t allowed. If you arrive early, however, you can take pictures of the illuminated stations before the light show begins.
See the city’s humble beginnings at Place Royale
From the cathedral, let’s walk one block south on Notre Dame Street and turn left at Saint Francois Xavier Street. A few buildings from the corner, take a look to the left to check out the Old Montreal Stock Exchange Building (453 Saint Francois Xavier St).
This eye-popping building was designed by American architect George B. Post, famed for his work on the New York Stock Exchange. Completed in 1903, the Old Montreal Stock Exchange Building features six Corinthian columns and a Beaux-Arts-inspired architectural style. Today, the building houses the Centaur Theatre, a cozy performing arts venue for local English-language productions.
At Saint-Paul Street West, swing left. At the next block, we’ll slide into Place Royale. This small historic square marks the site of the city’s original fort, Ville-Marie.
While this European-style city square is picturesque, what’s even more interesting at Place Royale, in my opinion, is what lies beneath.
If you’ve got time on your Old Montreal self-guided walking tour, I’d recommend popping into the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (350 Place Royale). The museum features an “archaeological crypt,” built underneath Place Royale. Head down to the Where Montreal Began exhibition to learn about the city’s archaeological origins, including the ruins of Fort Ville-Marie and First Nations artifacts that predate the city’s founding.
The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History is open from 10 am to 5 pm on Tuesday to Friday, and from 11 am to 5 pm on the weekends. Check ticket prices on the museum’s official site here.
Take a stroll along Rue Saint-Paul
Just above the Old Customs House on Place Royale lies Rue Saint-Paul (Saint-Paul Street). Dating back to 1672, Rue Saint-Paul is Montreal’s oldest street. The path once followed the border of Fort Ville-Marie, and eventually became the city’s main street. Today, Rue Saint-Paul is one of the city’s most delightful spots for tourists to wander.
Every time I visit Montreal, I love walking up and down this atmospheric street. Carve out time in your Old Montreal itinerary to walk north along Rue Saint-Paul to explore its art galleries, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Need a little pick-me-up? Some of my favourite stops along Rue Saint-Paul include:
- Tommy Café (151 Saint-Paul St W): Grab a quick espresso or delicious breakfast & brunch dishes like salmon bagels, eggs Benedict, or a Buddha bowl at this popular local European-style cafe.
- Pub Wolf & Workman (139 Saint-Paul St W): Enjoy a pint of local craft beer or cocktails in the courtyard of this cool English-style gastropub, set in a beautiful 1830s heritage building.
- 3 Brasseurs Saint-Paul (105 Rue Saint-Paul E): If I’m looking to dabble in local brews while visiting Montreal, this local chain has always been a safe bet. And with its streetside beer garden, set among Old Montreal’s historic buildings, this location is one of the best I’ve seen around the city.
Get active at the Old Port of Montreal (Vieux Port)
Wherever you land along Rue Saint-Paul, walk one block east across Rue Commune to check out one of Old Montreal’s main tourist attractions: the Old Port of Montreal (Vieux Port). Once a major trading port, this historic riverside area stretches about two kilometres along the St. Lawrence River. Today, the Old Port of Montreal is home to a barrage of family-friendly activities, market stalls, and attractions.
Okay, so I’ll admit that the Old Port of Montreal can feel, well, somewhat kitschy. But, still, I always love wandering around here to take in the river and city views whenever I’m in Montreal.
Want to add a little excitement to your day in Montreal? There’s no shortage of fun activities around the Old Port!
Bring the kids over to Voiles en Voiles, a pirate-themed amusement park. It’s chock-full of kid-friendly activities, including a rope-trekking course, climbing walls, and inflatable games. (I’m not a big fan of “open-air” heights, but even I have to say, this place looks FUN!)
Visiting Montreal on a rainy day? Scoop up the family for a few hours of learning about science & technology at the Montreal Science Centre. The science museum also hosts the IMAX®TELUS Theatre, sporting a massive 7-storey screen and 32,000-watt sound system.
Only got time for one stop at the Old Port of Montreal? Then, I’d highly recommend taking a spin on La Grande Roue de Montréal. During the 15-minute ride on this 60-metre-high Ferris wheel, I couldn’t get enough of the spectacular 360-degree views over the St. Lawrence River and the city.
PRO TIP: As great as the views from La Grande Roue de Montréal are during the day, I enjoyed them even more at night. If you’re still around Old Montreal in the evening, head back down here for a spin after dusk. I promise you won’t be disappointed by the views from the Ferris wheel as the city lights up after dusk!
Shop for souvenirs at Bonsecours Market
Once we’ve explored the Old Port of Montreal, let’s head west back over to Rue Saint-Paul. Walk one block north from Place Jacques-Cartier (which will be the final stop on our walking tour) to check out the Bonsecours Market. Built in 1847, this landmark Neoclassical building is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and one of Canada’s most recognizable places.
When I visited the Bonsecours Market (Marché Bonsecours) on my late-spring 2025 trip, I loved browsing its fashion boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries. As you wander about the halls, keep on the lookout for unique First Nations art & artifacts and local Quebecois products, including local wine & spirits, hot sauces, and, of course, plenty of maple syrup!
On my last Montreal getaway, I also enjoyed stopping in at the on-site L’Annexe BreWskey. It’s one of the microbrewer’s three locations at the Bonsecours Market. And, in my opinion, it’s the most interesting of the bunch.
Head up to the second floor to savour a pint of BreWskey’s craft beer while overlooking the brewery. I was a big fan of their NZ Mark IPA, but I saw a wide range of other interesting brews on their rotating taps, including several other IPAs, lagers, and stouts.
Another to visit L’Annexe BreWskey? The food.
While ordering my beer, the bartender mentioned that the kitchen smokes their own meat on-site. They dish it out in everything from sandwiches to mac & cheese, and like any respectable bar in Quebec, poutine.
Visit Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel
After wandering through the Bonsecours Market, head next door to its namesake Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel (400 Rue Saint-Paul E). This beautiful Catholic chapel dates back to 1771. With its blend of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, it’s one of Old Montreal’s most distinctive landmark buildings, and a must-see for first-time visitors.
The good news? Entrance to the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel itself is free.
Step inside to admire its fine architectural details and frescoes. Try to spot the model ships hanging from the ceiling. The ships pay homage to the chapel’s popularity among sailors, who would visit to pray for a safe voyage at sea.
Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel is also home to a museum and an archaeological site (admission $16). Entrance to the museum also gets guests access to the church’s Belvédère, which offers gorgeous views over Old Montreal, the Old Port, and Downtown.
After visiting the chapel, history buffs might want to detour a few blocks northwest to the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site (458 Notre-Dame St. East). Known as Lieu historique national de Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier in French, this well-preserved Victorian home is located on the corner of Rue Berri and Rue Notre Dame. The house once belonged to Sir George-Étienne Cartier (1814-1873), one of the Fathers of Canadian Confederation.
Admission to the Sir George-Étienne Cartier National Historic Site is $4.50 or $11, depending on the season. It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday through Monday.
Learn about Quebec history at Château Ramezay
From Bonsecours Street (or the heritage site), head back to Rue Notre-Dame for a quick one- to two-block walk to Château Ramezay (280 Notre-Dame St. East). Built in 1705, this landmark building was once the home of Claude de Ramezay, the Governor of Montreal. Like Sir George-Étienne Cartier’s former residence, Château Ramezay is a National Historic Site of Canada.
Visit the museum to walk through 500 years of Canadian history. The collection here includes everything from artwork and photographs to everyday artifacts that depict daily life in Quebec, ranging from its First Nations communities to Montreal’s settlers.
After checking out the collection, I’d suggest rambling back to the Governor’s Garden. Redesigned in 2000, the garden is built in a French Colonial style, utilizing the techniques from Montreal’s 18th-century French colonists. (Unlike the museum, the Governor’s Garden is free to enter.)
Château Ramezay is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, all year round. Admission to the museum is $14.50 for adults, with discounted rates for seniors and students.
Enjoy food & drinks at Place Jacques-Cartier
Within a stone’s throw of Château Ramezay, we find our last stop of the day: Place Jacques-Cartier. Ever since my first trip to Montreal in 2004, I’ve been enamored with this beautiful plaza.
I’ll admit that Place Jacques-Cartier might not have the architectural pedigree of nearby Place d’Armes. Still, I think it’s a wonderful spot to wind down an afternoon or evening on a patio to a backdrop of lovely historic buildings and street performances.
One word of warning: The restaurants and bars on Place Jacques-Cartier aren’t the cheapest or least touristy I’ve found in the city. (But, hey, I guess you’ve gotta pay for the views, eh?)
Either way, here are a few of my favourite spots on the square to end our day of sightseeing in Old Montreal:
- Jardin Nelson (407 Pl. Jacques-Cartier): If I could only recommend one restaurant on Place Jacques-Cartier, this’d be it. Although unassuming to the outside, this restaurant opens up to a big leafy courtyard. I always enjoy thumbing through the menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes here, from tapas-like appetizers like scallops with chorizo to Quebecois classics with a twist like duck paté chinois. Their sangrias are a hit, too.
- Sabrosa (404 Pl. Jacques-Cartier): No matter where I’m traveling, I never miss a chance to grab some authentic Mexican, one of my favourite cuisines in the world. And for my Mexican cravings in Old Montreal, this did the trick. The mouth-watering al pastor tacos are the perfect companion for their palo spritz, a unique Euro-inspired take on a classic paloma cocktail.
- Jacopo (436 Pl. Jacques-Cartier): Although I haven’t tried this one yet myself, I loved the previous pop-up Italian restaurant in this location, Terazza, which was owned by the same restaurant group. There’s definitely an overlap in the menus, with Italian dishes (Roman to be exact) like bruschetta, carpaccio, risotto ai frutti di mare, and pollo cacciatore. They’ve also got an extensive list of over 60 Italian wines to pair with your meal.
