Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio
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Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio
By Spade & Palacio Non-touristy Tours
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About
Walk through Old Montreal, Chinatown, and the Plateau on a guided walking tour that explores Montreal neighborhoods from historic to hip, with a group that’s limited to 10 people for a more personal experience. Seeing the city on foot is a great way to learn what’s fun to see, do, and taste in Montreal, and the walking tour includes a Chinatown snack and locally roasted coffee.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 10 per group
Duration: 2h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Cover some of the historic highlights of Old Montreal
- Get an introduction to Montreal’s Underground City
- Cultural experience: visit one of the city's hippest neighborhoods
- Included entrance fees, snack, and coffee mean no extra costs
- Beverages
- Food tasting
- Snacks
- Local guide
- Entry/Admission - Chinatown
What's not included- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
- Meet a guide in Montreal’s historic center, and start the day by visiting Notre Dame Basilica, an ornate cathedral that blends religious and Quebecois art. Before leaving Old Montreal, see a few more of the area’s historic gems, then duck into the massive underground city on the way to Chinatown. Pause for a quick tasting in Chinatown before you stroll into the former Red Light District, now a favorite for local culture, and continue to the bustling Saint Laurent Boulevard. Visit a gallery of street art and see some of the outdoor highlights of Montréal’s Mural Festival, and finish the day with a cup of locally roasted coffee in a neighborhood café.
- Start:
- Monument to Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve, 512 Pl. d'Armes, Montréal, QC H2Y 2W2, CanadaWe meet next to engraving « 1642 « on the Maisonneuve Monument middle of Place d'Armes Square, directly across the Notre-Dame Basilica. Tour starts on time and we can't wait for latecomers. Please show up 10 minutes before the tour starts. If you are late, you might not be able to join the group.
End:- Dispatch Coffee, 4021 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y4, CanadaWe 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!
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13149P4- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 13149P4
From
C$72.54
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 512 Pl. d'Armes, Montréal, QC H2Y 2W2, CanadaWe meet next to engraving « 1642 « on the Maisonneuve Monument middle of Place d'Armes Square, directly across the Notre-Dame Basilica. Tour starts on time and we can't wait for latecomers. Please show up 10 minutes before the tour starts. If you are late, you might not be able to join the group.
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- 4021 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y4, CanadaWe 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!
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Jonathan S0 contributionsLoved it! Our guide was personably and answered all our questions. He had a great relationship with the local vendorsWe loved our tour guide he was easy to get along with and had a great pace which didn’t rush and allowed any questions. Choice of samplings was great.Written November 24, 2024
- jessicawP5616AE0 contributionsAmazing insightful art experienceChris was so knowledgeable and friendly. The tour was insightful and very unique. We loved it. My daughter and I have arts school backgrounds and were very impressed and learned lotsWritten November 12, 2024
- suelongow0 contributionsGreat murals of Montréal.Chris was very knowledgeable friendly tour guide. The tour was a good mix of both murals and graffiti. We learned so much from Chris, wish we had more time on this trip for another tour. Sue and JasonWritten November 11, 2024
- E4173HGsuzannem0 contributionsExcellent tour!I went on this amazing tour with my husband and learned so much about the culinary culture of Montreal. Our tour guide Pascal was excellent - knowledgeable, funny and very engaging. He was a wealth of knowledge about the stops along the way and the tastings were excellent! I highly recommend.Written October 25, 2024
- O1977KWcharless0 contributionsIn and around the Jean Talon MarketThe tour was very enjoyable. It included the flavour of family run neighbourhood food establishments that we would otherwise not have experienced. Marie was knowledgable in foods and culture. The pleasant walk was a bonus.Written October 21, 2024
- T9183JYadrians0 contributionsGreat Tour, Great Guide! Great for tourists and localsThe guide, Danny, was fantastic at giving context to each piece we looked at. I've grown up in Montreal my whole life, but I found myself looking at the city in a new light and keeping my eyes peeled for little installations. This tour is great for locals or tourists who want to learn more about the art scene that populates the walls and alleys of our city.Written October 21, 2024
- chrissophinos0 contributionsFun Walking Food TourMarie was high energy, knowledgeable and fast. We hit a lot of spots but the Jean Talon market was amazing! Great variety and yet old school charm- my wife and I really enjoyed the experienceWritten October 19, 2024
- Laurie-Frank880 contributionsLovely charming neighbourhood with a vibe all its own!Wonderful tour, our guide, Mel obviously loves and is proud of her city. The street art was fabulous but it was the stories and background information that put it all together for us. We loved Le Plateau/Mile End and 2 hours went by quickly. We highly recommend this tour, and Melanie (sp) in particular.Written October 18, 2024
- TracyAcc0 contributionsOutstanding Market Food Tour with RufusWe had a fantastic Market Food tour with Rufus! There were so many wonderful food tastings throughout the market, from delicious cheese, aromatic spices, scavenged delicacies, excellent coffees, amazing chocolates and more. Rufus had such a passion for all the offerings and was an amazing guide. I would definitely recommend this tour to both first-time and return visitors to Montreal - I guarantee you will discover things you have never experienced along the way.Written October 17, 2024
- C1548MVnelsond0 contributionsTrip HighlightWe did the food tour with Marie on Monday, October 7th, in Montreal. It was recommended to us by our adult children who did the tour in November 2023 and loved it. We were not disappointed. In fact, it may have been the highlight of our trip. Maria’s enthusiasm and knowledge and very personable (she learned everyone’s names!) approach certainly enhanced all the tasty tidbits she offered to us. Perfect balance of flavors and cultural expressions. We live near Philadelphia so may see you on a future tour there. Food tours will definitely be something we include in our travels. Thanks for a high quality experience that we would recommend to anyone.Written October 15, 2024
- stuartcA4968BZ0 contributionsGreat off the beaten path tour !Pascoal was a great tour guide giving us background of the places we visited, the context, and the importance of the locations. We appreciated that the businesses we visited were mostly women entrepreneurs. We would recommend this tour and our guide unreservedly.Written October 13, 2024
- taco630 contributionsA Pleasant Walk Through Our Guides NeighborhoodMarie is an excellent guide! In addition to sharing facts about the market and neighborhood, Marie did it in a very personable and engaging manner. Marie was just taking us on a tour of her neighborhood, as was evident by the fact that passersby would greet her by name and exchange pleasantries. The food stops are a nice sampling. We experienced central american, Italian, middle eastern, arboreal, and sorbet. Lastly, good advice on other spots around the city. Highly recommend this tour. Other tour members had taken different tours from this company and had similar comments about the high quality.Written October 13, 2024
- marthgmills0 contributionsGet to know MontrealReally great tour around Montreal. Guide was fantastic, he clearly knows and loves this city and it showed throughout the tour. Had a fantastic time.Written October 12, 2024
- wiffee0 contributionsTerrific tastings!We highly recommend this tour if you enjoy getting below the surface about a place you're visiting. Our guide, Marie, was informative and engaging, and learned all 12 of our names immediately! This is one of the best food tours we've done-MANY different samples from in and around the farmer's market. History and relavant current events included. Quite a bit of walking (if you're not used to that) but several opportunities to sit for a bit at several stops. Marie was great about answering our questions, very patient. Very memorable experience!Written October 12, 2024
- cindyfA5616VR0 contributionsGreat alternative tour of Montreal!A fun and different way to see Montreal. Our guide was great but needs be more in tune with questions from visitors. We loved the tour of the murals and the side streets. We are 70 and experienced cyclists. I would not recommend this tour if it has been sometime since you last road a bike. The bikes were great! I normally only ride an e-bike with a lower cross bar. The only problem I had was getting on and off the bike but once I got going I was fine. I forgot to bring water-so bring water!Written October 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Popular mentions
5.0
401 reviews
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384
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13
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Sydney
Montreal, Canada1 contribution
Feb 2020
This tour of the city is definitely one of a kind! For those who are not familiar with Montreal, this kind of tour gives you the ins and outs that you wouldn't of had the chance to discover otherwise. From the basilica in Old Montreal, to the snacks in Chinatown and then to finish up in the Plateau Mont Royal, you really get a fun and informative sense of what this city is all about. Let's not forget the tour of the multiple art murals that are up all over the Plateau! What a treat. Would recommend to people visiting the city for the first time, or those coming back looking to uncover its dozen of hidden gems.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heya!
Means a lot when locals join and appreciate what we do. The BTB is an excellent intro to Mtl hoods from historic to art heavy and weird. Glad the added food tastings were a hit. Come back in summer for a bike tour or a walking food tour!!! Thanks for sharing, helps a lot being the small company we are :)
Written February 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NewScubaDiver
Atlanta, GA144 contributions
Dec 2019
Although the weather was not extremely cooperative with being cold, rainy and icy, our tour with Tom was nothing short of fantastic. He gave such a great overview of the history of the city and its people and showed us parts of Montreal that we definitely would never have found on our own. The tour does include a visit to Notre Dame Basilica initially. I had planned beforehand to come back to see it but was pleasantly surprised that we visited it as the first stop on our tour. Loved the bao in Chinatown and thought the stop for coffee at the end was the perfect way to conclude our tour. Great job guys! Would highly recommend this tour group.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI!
This route was designed to take guests from the historic and classic Basilica up to the artsy and fun hood where you had the third wave coffee and the recommendations list was given. So happy you enjoyed despite the skating rink that day. Thanks for joining :) Come back for a food tour next summer!
Written January 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mark andrew h
5 contributions
Feb 2020
Montréal is much more than just its old buildings and Notre-Dame Basilica. Wandering from Old Montréal to the Plateau, the Beyond the Basilica tour is a fantastic way to spend a morning – and there's multiple snacks and treats on the way! Where most tours of Montréal stick to the beaten path, getting some insider information on some of the city's famous MURAL Festival murals (including background on the artists themselves) was great, and the Chinatown snack was particularly appreciated. Danny is friendly and hilarious, and also pokes a little bit of fun at his city too, which is always a nice touch. Highly recommended.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi!
Thanks for sharing. The goal of this route is just the right amount of the historic Old Montreal stuff and on to current and funky Montreal hoods. Happy you appreciated the snacks too. Make it back for a a bike tour during the warmer months!
Cheers
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tanya c
Marina del Rey, CA3 contributions
Oct 2020
What is one to do these days to experience culture in a city you're not that familiar with? This was the perfect choice. My husband and I were the only two on this guide through interesting parts of the city that we would not have seen otherwise. It led us through alleys of hidden art and streets filled with color and vibe. The ever-changing landscape of this city is endlessly interesting and invigorating. Our guide Danny was a native of the city and was able to answer a myriad of questions we had ranging from real estate to festivals to food. If I were a local I would want to go on this tour.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heya!
That means a lot. It was so nice to have just you two on the outing and am very pleased you enjoyed the experience. Hope we can host you again on another route in the future.
Merci
Written November 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jarvyn C
Ajax, Canada1 contribution
Feb 2023 • Couples
We had a fun time touring Montreal with Gabrielle. She was well-informed about her city and spoke in great detail about the city’s history and culture. The spots we saw were unique and showcase various cultural aspects of Montreal - from visiting a very regal Chapel to checking out the distinct part of Chinatown and learning the history about it. It truly made a memorable first impression for visiting Montreal for the first time and would recommend her tour to first time visitors. She also gave us an astounding recommendation to Reuben’s deli - best smoking meat sandwhiches we ever had and highly recommend paying thrm a visit!
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindaqvx195
Bolton, MA252 contributions
Jun 2022
Our tour guide Mel lead us in a nicely balanced tour - a beautiful church, lots of art, murals, the underground, Chinatown, shopping and dining recommendations, sampling a Chinese bun and later some iced coffee, and more. Mel was very knowledgeable and I got so much more out of my time than I would have exploring on my own. She walked at a reasonable pace and I was able to keep up, and I don't walk fast. My Fitbit says it was about 7,000 steps, so if you are up to walking that far, I highly recommend this tour.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awesome ! That’s exactly the point of the tour. To see a bit of everything in a short amount of time. Thanks for sharing
Written July 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Keyz
London, UK801 contributions
I normally book free walking tours but this time
I wanted something a little bit more in depth so booked this tour on the same day.
Such a great tour. Pascoal might just be one of the best guides I’ve ever met. It was pouring rain on a cold Sunday afternoon yet his passion and dedication made us forget the weather and fully immerse ourselves in Montreal. I learned so much and had a great time.
I always thought I preferred Toronto to Montreal but spending a few hours with Pascoal I can now firmly say I love Montreal and cannot wait to come back.
Obrigada and best wishes to Pascoal. Any guests who have him as a guide are in for a treat as he’s simply great.
I wanted something a little bit more in depth so booked this tour on the same day.
Such a great tour. Pascoal might just be one of the best guides I’ve ever met. It was pouring rain on a cold Sunday afternoon yet his passion and dedication made us forget the weather and fully immerse ourselves in Montreal. I learned so much and had a great time.
I always thought I preferred Toronto to Montreal but spending a few hours with Pascoal I can now firmly say I love Montreal and cannot wait to come back.
Obrigada and best wishes to Pascoal. Any guests who have him as a guide are in for a treat as he’s simply great.
Written May 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Awe that’s great. This is such a quick intro to many hoods in MTL on foot and great for first timers or seasoned travellers. Next time catch the food tour to see less visited hoods. merci!
Written May 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Erin O
8 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I wish I had done this tour my first day in Montreal, because Danny our guide really made me feel welcome and comfortable walking through this enormous and beautiful city! Not only was he personable and friendly but obviously very knowledgeable about current events and past history of Montreal. The pit stops were a good mix of Montreal history and unconventional hidden gems that you would only get from a local. After giving his unique and individualized spiel, Danny gave ample time to group members to explore a little on their own before bringing us back and moving on to the next sight to see. I’m very satisfied I chose this tour in particular, highly recommended!
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is such a good intro to the city, as is the bike tour in the summer, to get your bearings and be able to explore more of what you liked on your own. Glad you had fun, you were a pleasure to have as part of the group!
Thanks for sharing, means a lot to us.
Written April 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
swparkmcfadden
Washington DC, DC74 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I have never booked a walking tour before, usually preferring to just find my way around the city, but I had a college aged son and a middle schooler with me, so I decided to try the tour hoping it would please everyone. They absolutely loved it and we all learned so much, and it was the perfect combination of being organized, informative, and fun. I like how the smallness of the group allowed us to move quickly through the different sites. I loved the tour company — who was very responsive to my questions— and our tour guide was top notch and super friendly and knowledgeable. I definitely think I will book these kinds of tours again!
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth H
Brooklyn, NY11 contributions
Jul 2022
Amalie is an outstanding guide. She was our leader for "Beyond the Basilica." Right away I knew we were in good hands. As we walked through neighborhoods Amalie's insights were always interesting. She was personable, kind, savvy, sophisticated and inclusive. Being with this small group deepened my understanding of Montreal , as Amalie gave us a more nuanced narrative beyond simple histories or tour book descriptions. The snack in Chinatown and the iced coffee at the last stop were the perfect additions. I loved everything about Amalie's style and the attentive ways she helped us to wend our way through the streets, with our eyes and minds open.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes! Love that. That’s the vibe. A little history, some current info, being honest about the city, culture and murals plus recommendations list! Merci énormément!
Written July 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, I'm travelling with my puppy that I can't leave alone in my hotel. She fits in my purse. Can I bring her?
Written May 18, 2020
I believe my husband is waiting for that tour group, and headed there now but he thought it was at 10:30 and I see now on Saturday that starts at 10. Hoping he can still make it. His name is Richard Wiigs.
Written February 15, 2020
Sorry, posted to wrong area. Thank you Danny for being so helpful!
Written February 15, 2020
Hello, my wife and I will be visiting on Oct. 29 & 30. First time to Montreal. We really enjoy guided tours but does not appear to be available during a short stay. What would be the chances of someone willing to show us around anyway ? Steve
Written October 10, 2019
I am sorry i did not see this sooner. You can ask the concierge where you are staying. Also try Tours by locals website
Written October 29, 2019
nhuhanhtran
Montreal, Canada
Bonjour, est ce que le tour Balade au dela de la Basilique pourrait offrir à notre groupe d'amis de 13 à 18 personnes& et ce, pour le samedi 8 sepembre 2018
Written August 2, 2018
Do you take breaks during the 3 hour tour or are we walking/moving the whole time? Is the terrain flat or hilly?
Written July 9, 2018
You are walking/moving much of the time. Your stops are while receiving information/history of an area. Some of the areas are hilly. In our group was a person with some limitations and she had some trouble keeping up. I really enjoyed this tour because you do cover many areas and see things you may not notice on your own.
Written July 10, 2018
Do you take breaks and sit down during the 3 hour tour or are we walking/moving the the whole time? Is the terrain flat or hilly?
Written July 9, 2018
There are a couple of short breaks and the terrain is fairly flat. The walking was also at a slow-ish pace. There were people of a variety of ages on the tour and everyone did great.
Written July 11, 2018
We are seeing conflicting times for the July 2 tour. Is it at 10 or 10:30? I understand this could be a Monday holiday.
Written June 11, 2018
If we do this tour can we still make the 1230 food walking tour! Or is there a walking tour a available after the food tour?
Written April 13, 2018
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