Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Travel back in time to the cobblestone streets travelled by early French missionaries, fur traders and British conquerors on this walking tour of le Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal). The historic district has become one of the city's top tourist attractions thanks to its privileged heritage buildings, a lovely waterfront and, not least of all, its underrated restaurants and swanky rooftop bars.
The first stop on this guided walk is St-Paul Street, Montreal's oldest and most picturesque street, featuring a number of historic greystone buildings. St-Paul's earliest cobblestones date from 1672 and, for many years, the street was Montreal's main thoroughfare. Today, it's lined with a variety of high-end retail and classy cafes, which makes it a wonderful place to window shop and spend the afternoon. If you venture a little further from the main strip, you'll also find quiet leafy squares and the beautiful Notre-Dame-du-Bonsecours Chapel on the eastern end of the street.
In the west, you'll come to Jacques Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier), which was built as a marketplace during the height of the area's economic prosperity and is still a popular shopping and dining spot. The square is surrounded by some of the city's most noteworthy architecture, including 19th-century Montreal City Hall and Bonsecours Market. The west end of the square is home to Chateau Ramezay, a grand residence built in 1705 that now houses Quebec's oldest history museum.
Further east, the main streets that make up Old Montreal offer a variety of cultural experiences. The district has a particularly strong reputation for its jazz scene and is home to the world-renowned Montreal International Jazz Festival. Other highlights include the Musée d'Art contemporain de Montréal, Pointe-a-Calliere Museum and Marguerite d'Youville Museum. New museums have opened to broaden the range of historical and interpretive experiences, too - including the Centre d'histoire de Montreal, Sir George-Etienne Cartier National Historic Site and the new Musée des Arts technologiques.
Of course, no trip to old Montreal is complete without a visit to its numerous cafes and restaurants. There are a number of high-end eateries and trendy spots, but there's no shortage of casual eateries as well. You'll be able to grab everything from coffee and a quick bite to upscale meals at restaurants like Le Bremner, Caffe Un Po’ Di Piu and Monarque. Those with a sweet tooth won't be disappointed either; this part of town is brimming with dessert shops that are to die for.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a clip-clopping ride on one of the city's horse carriages as you take in the sights. Otherwise, just take your time strolling the streets and soaking up the atmosphere. As the name suggests, the old Montreal streets are very pedestrian-friendly, so you can just relax and enjoy the ambiance of the city's oldest neighbourhood.