Best of Montreal Small Group Tour with River Cruise + Notre Dame

Explore Montreal’s Highlights in Just Half a Day

This Best of Montreal Small Group Tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s most famous attractions for $126.02 per person, lasting approximately 6 hours. Designed for those with limited time, the tour combines delightful sightseeing, a scenic boat cruise, and visits to key landmarks like Notre Dame Basilica and Mount Royal. With a small group of up to six people, the tour feels intimate and personalized, ensuring plenty of opportunity for questions and tailored commentary.

The tour starts with a convenient pickup from downtown Montreal hotels. It operates seasonally for the St. Lawrence River cruise, from May to October, or the La Grande Roue from November to April. This flexibility makes it a great choice for visitors seeking an in-depth yet manageable overview of the city’s highlights.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of six travelers for personalized attention
• Approximate 6-hour tour covering major Montreal sights with insightful narration
• Includes a scenic boat cruise on the St. Lawrence River (seasonal) or the La Grande Roue
• Visit Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and Olympic Park
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Montreal

Visiting Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal and Its Panoramic Views

The tour begins with a 30-minute stop at Saint Joseph’s Oratory, a stunning religious site perched atop Mount Royal. The visit offers sweeping views of Montreal’s skyline and the surrounding landscape. While the basilica itself is not accessible on Sundays, on other days, you can appreciate its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

This stop is perfect for those wanting a quick but meaningful introduction to Montreal’s spiritual and scenic side. It’s a peaceful start with photo opportunities that showcase the city from above.

Passing Through the Golden Square Mile and Its Victorian Charm

Next, the tour takes you past Mont-Royal, where you’ll see the Golden Square Mile area at the mountain’s base. This neighborhood is known for its Victorian-era architecture and historic charm, reflecting Montreal’s past as an affluent city. The pass-by approach provides a glimpse of the upscale homes and streets without the need for a lengthy walk, making it suitable even for those with limited mobility.

A 45-minute drive-by allows time to absorb the neighborhood’s elegance and learn about its significance. No formal entry is included, but the guide shares fascinating tidbits about the area’s history and architecture.

Discovering Old Montreal’s Historic Streets and Landmarks

After passing through modern neighborhoods, the tour reaches the heart of Old Montreal, a historic district known for its cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings. The bus stops for a one-hour visit, during which the guide points out landmarks such as McGill University, downtown Montreal, and Chinatown.

Travelers get an overview of Montreal’s colonial roots and vibrant urban life. While the tour does not include an inside visit, it emphasizes the rich history, architecture, and lively atmosphere that make Old Montreal a must-see.

Scenic St. Lawrence River Cruise (Seasonal) or La Grande Roue

A major highlight is the 1 hour and 30 minutes cruise along the St. Lawrence River, offering breathtaking views of Montreal’s skyline, the port, and surrounding landscapes. Known as a seasonal, scenic boat cruise, it operates from May to November.

In the off-season, or when the cruise is unavailable, guests experience the La Grande Roue, a giant Ferris wheel, providing panoramic city views from Monday to Wednesday. This switch ensures visitors still enjoy a striking perspective of Montreal, whether from the river or the city’s tallest observation wheel.

Visiting Notre Dame Basilica and Its Artistic Grandeur

The tour includes a stop at the famous Notre Dame Basilica. While not available on Sundays due to mass, on other days, visitors admire the basilica’s stunning interior, with its intricate stained glass, ornate woodwork, and impressive architecture.

The experience offers insight into Montreal’s religious and cultural history, with commentary from the guide enhancing the visit. Note that the basilica’s interior is a highlight for many, but access depends on the day of the week.

Mount Royal’s Panoramic Views and City Lookouts

Another key stop is Mount Royal, where the guide points out spectacular panoramic views of Montreal. This is a brief 45-minute stop, giving time to soak in the cityscape from the mountain’s lookout points.

It’s an ideal spot for photography and understanding Montreal’s layout, especially for first-time visitors eager to grasp the city’s geography.

Insightful Narration from Knowledgeable Guides

Throughout the tour, a narrated driving experience ensures you learn about Montreal’s history, architecture, and local culture. Guides like Bill, Mustafa, and Mostafa receive praise for their knowledge, humor, and personalized attention.

The small-group format allows for easy conversation and tailored storytelling, making the experience engaging and informative for all.

Practicalities: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Timing

The tour departs at 10:00 am with hotel pickup in downtown Montreal. It’s suitable for most travelers, with walking involved that can be adjusted for those with health restrictions. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and the tour is accessible for service animals.

Timing is structured to maximize sightseeing without feeling rushed. The seating and stops are designed to give a well-rounded introduction, but travelers should be aware that traffic and road conditions can affect the schedule.

What You Get and What You Don’t

Included in the price are pick-up and drop-off, all fees and taxes, and admission to Notre Dame Basilica (excluding Sundays). The boat cruise or La Grande Roue are seasonal and included in the itinerary.

However, lunch and snacks are not included, so it’s wise to plan ahead for meals. The tour does not provide bottled water, so bringing a drink is advisable.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This small-group tour is ideal for first-time visitors, those short on time, and anyone who appreciates personalized attention. The mix of sightseeing, scenic views, and insightful commentary makes it perfect for travelers wanting a broad overview of Montreal’s highlights.

The seasonal cruise adds a memorable touch, especially in good weather, though the La Grande Roue provides a good alternative during colder months or when the cruise is unavailable.

Final Thoughts on the Best of Montreal Small Group Tour

With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 140 reviews, this tour proves to be a reliable choice for exploring Montreal in half a day. The knowledgeable guides, personalized experience, and variety of highlights—like Notre Dame Basilica, Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and scenic views—make it stand out.

While some feedback suggests that the river cruise might feel rushed or less engaging for some, the overall experience remains highly positive. This tour suits visitors seeking an efficient, well-rounded introduction to Montreal’s most iconic sights, with the flexibility of seasonal activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels located in downtown Montreal, making the experience hassle-free.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers all fees and taxes, admission to Notre Dame Basilica (not on Sundays), and the seasonal boat cruise or La Grande Roue.

Can I join this tour if I have mobility restrictions?
Yes, the tour involves some walking, but it can be adjusted for health restrictions. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

What should I bring?
Bringing comfortable shoes and a bottle of water is advisable, as snacks and bottled water are not included.

Does the tour operate year-round?
The boat cruise runs from May to October, and outside of that, the La Grande Roue replaces it from November to April.

Are children or pets allowed?
Service animals are permitted, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families with children.

This tour offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, scenic views, and cultural insight, making it a practical choice for visitors eager to see Montreal’s highlights efficiently and comfortably.