City Highlights in Montreal

Overview: Considered one of the most beautiful and cultured cities in the world, the Montreal City Highlights tour showcases the best of this Canadian favorite from its world renown arts and entertainment venues and museums, to some of the city’s most photo-worthy outdoor must-sees.

While many tourists visiting Montreal head straight to Montreal's waterfront where they can enjoy a cruise along the St. Lawrence River, others prefer to visit some of the city’s main sights such as its Olympic Park that pays tribute to its 1976 Olympics history, as well as one of Montreal’s architectural masterpieces, the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica built between 1824 and 1829 and known for its paintings, sculptures, stained-glass windows and evening light show that chronicles the church's impressive history.

This full-day tour highlights the best of Montreal’s interior and exterior beauty and its historical hotspots and cultural gems.

Start your City Highlights tour by hopping on the metro on the green line towards Honoré-Beaugrand and get off at Pie IX Station. Coming out of the station make a right and walk up the hill. Or take bus #139 and get off at Sherbrooke Street. Cross the street and enter the Botanical Garden & Insectarium, your first of many stops along the way. From there we will direct you to several other points of interest in Montreal.

Tips: WHEN TO GO: Spring or summer are good times for this tour but fall is the best time to visit Montreal as temperatures are mild and the city’s autumn colors can rival the foliage found in New England.

GETTING THERE: Getting around Montreal is quite easy. All of the sights listed on this itinerary are accessible by the city’s extensive rail and bus system, as well as by taxi. Montreal is also a walkable city where many visitors choose to sight see by foot or bicycle. Should you choose to take public transportation, trains and buses operate daily, including evenings. Fares start at $3 for one trip. Tickets can be bought at any metro station from the booth (cash only) or the machines (cash, credit, or debit card.) Keep your ticket with you; it’s your proof of purchase and your transfer if you need to change trains, and there are inspectors travelling around with machines to check.

ANYTHING ELSE?: Wear comfortable shoes should you decide to walk this tour. Some of Montreal’s streets are cobblestoned. If you prefer to bike, Montreal has several bike rental shops where you can rent a road or mountain bike, usually for about $20 per day. Your hotel’s concierge can provide you with a list of bike rental shops near your hotel. The city also has a Bixi bike sharing system, which for around $5 you get 24-hour access to a bike.