Have you ever walked through a city you thought you knew, only to discover it in a completely new light? That’s exactly what happened to us on our first Old Montreal Private Tour.
After living in the city for more than 15 years, we were invited by GetYourGuide to experience a private guided tour of Old Montreal that combined history with breathtaking views from a St. Lawrence River cruise.
To our surprise, this journey revealed hidden viewpoints, fascinating stories, and a chance to see the city from a fresh perspective — all topped off with a scenic cruise along the river.
If you’re planning your next trip to Quebec or simply looking for unique things to do in Montreal, we totally recommend this tour. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect!
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Why Choose a Private Tour in Old Montreal?
As we mentioned, we’ve been living in Montreal for over 15 years. Believe us, we’ve walked through Old Montreal hundreds of times. But this experience? It felt completely different.
Walking through Old Montreal is like stepping back in time — cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and centuries of stories around every corner. But having a private guide truly made all the difference.
Our guide, Ronny, didn’t just share facts. He brought the city’s past to life.
Right from the start, he explained how everything in Montreal has meaning behind it. From stories of merchants at Place Jacques-Cartier to the grandeur of Notre-Dame Basilica, every stop came with layers of history that deepened our appreciation for the city.
✨ And here’s the best part: Ronny showed us a hidden viewpoint we had never seen before. For us, as locals, that was a real treat!
Highlights of Our Old Montreal Tour
It’s hard to explain how much we learned in just under two hours with Ronny. The mix of history, architecture, and culture was incredible — and that was before even boarding the cruise.
Here are some highlights that made the tour unforgettable:
- 🏛️ Bonsecours Market – A landmark of Montreal’s commercial history.
- ⛪ Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Church – The sailors’ church with beautiful details.
- 🏰 Château Ramezay & City Hall – A window into Montreal’s political past.
- 🌸 Château Ramezay Gardens – Peaceful and charming.
- ✨ Notre-Dame Basilica – Always breathtaking, but even more when you know the stories.
- 🔭 Hidden Viewpoint – A surprise perspective of the city you won’t find on your own.
We also invite you to watch our Travel Vlog:
Old Montreal Private Tour + River Cruise 🌊 Discover History & Hidden Gems,
where Serge captured the main highlights of our adventure beautifully.
St. Lawrence River Cruise Experience | A Unique Way to See Montreal
After our walking tour, the adventure continued with a river cruise from the Old Port — the perfect way to relax and enjoy Montreal from a different angle.
Ronny walked us to the port, helped us with tickets, and even shared tips for lunch before we boarded.
The boat itself was very comfortable, with indoor and outdoor seating, a snack bar, drinks, and friendly staff. To top it off, there was also a guided narration onboard, giving us even more insights into Montreal’s landmarks.
The cruise took us under the Jacques Cartier Bridge, all the way to Îles de Boucherville National Park, before looping back to the Old Port of Montreal. With skyline views, fresh air, and the chance to grab a drink on deck, it was the ideal ending to our day.
Why We Recommend This Tour
Whether it’s your first visit to Montreal or you’ve lived here for years, this experience has something special to offer.
A private tour means:
- A personalized experience with a local certified guide.
- Freedom to ask questions and go at your own pace.
- Insider tips to explore not just Old Montreal, but the rest of the city too.
- Stories that make history come alive — far beyond what you’d get from walking alone.
- A bonus river cruise showcasing Montreal’s skyline in all its glory.
👉 Want to try the same experience? Book your Old Montreal Private Tour + River Cruise here:
Discovering Destinations | Old Montreal Private Tour
Get your FREE List – Old Port Montreal sites
We’ve been using Google Maps for a very long time. It helps us pin places we would like to visit prior to making our trip. So we’ve decided to share our recommended list of places to visit in Old Port Montreal with you, for FREE!
Simply provide us with your email address and we’ll gladly share it with you.
More Things to Do in Montreal
If a private tour isn’t quite in your budget, don’t worry — there are plenty of other ways to explore Old Montreal. GetYourGuide also offers group walking tours and standalone cruises at more affordable prices. You can browse options here: [Insert affiliate link].
And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, we’ve got you covered!
👉 Check out our collection of Montreal travel blogs, packed with insider tips, itineraries, and hidden gems: [Discover Montreal Blogs].
Final Thoughts
This experience reminded us that even in a city we thought we knew inside out, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered. The mix of history, culture, hidden gems, and a peaceful cruise along the St. Lawrence River made this one of our favorite Montreal adventures to date.
So, if you’re wondering what to do in Montreal, especially around the Old Port, we can’t recommend this private tour enough.
✨ Have you explored Old Montreal before? Share your experience in the comments — we’d love to hear your favorite spots!
