French Capital of the Americas: Audio Tour of Old Montréal

Duration1h 15m - 1h 45m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Welcome to Montréal, the French Capital of the Americas in the middle of the grandiose St.Lawrence River. It’s a unique and multicultural city that’s proud of its French and English heritage, and also open to the world. On this self-guided audio tour with Context Travel expert and tour guide, Bruno-Serge Boucher, you’ll find out how the city got its start. You’ll also see where the French dropped anchor, where the Catholic Church established its churches, and where English entrepreneurs founded their banks and businesses. The tour starts on the corner of Place d’Youville and Place Royale, at the very place where Montréal was founded in 1647. After being struck by the splendour of the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, you’ll continue to Place Jacques-Cartier, a square regularly filled with markets and festivities. You’ll end the tour at the Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours Chapel – the very same chapel that’s featured in the song “Suzanne”, by Leonard Cohen, who was a Montreal-native.

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones
Food and drink
Transportation
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

What to expect

Place d'Youville
Pass by

Walk through this historic square where Montréal was founded in 1647, marking the birthplace of the city. Experience the convergence of old and new as modern buildings stand alongside centuries-old architecture.
Habitat 67
Pass by

Marvel at this iconic brutalist housing complex across the Saint Lawrence River, featuring stacked concrete cubes that create a striking geometric pattern. Explore a revolutionary architectural vision that transformed urban living when it was built for Expo 67.
Royal Bank Tower
Pass by

Pass by this imposing financial building where major Canadian banks established their head offices. Discover the heart of Canada's answer to Wall Street on historic St. James Street.
Pass by

Admire this prestigious multi-purpose venue that once served as home to the Canadian Bank of Commerce. Experience a beautifully preserved example of Montréal's transformation from commercial hub to cultural destination.
Place d'Armes
Pass by

Stroll through this central square surrounded by some of the city's most significant buildings. Enjoy the energy of this historic gathering place where Montréal's French and English heritage meet.
Pass by

View one of the oldest seminaries of its kind in North America, dating back to the city's earliest days. Marvel at the simple yet dignified stone architecture that has survived centuries of urban change.
Pass by

Step inside this breathtaking Gothic Revival masterpiece with its stunning blue vaulted ceiling and intricate woodwork. Experience the splendour of one of North America's most dramatic religious spaces.
Place Jacques-Cartier
Pass by

Walk through this lively square regularly filled with markets, street performers, and festivities. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this beloved public space that has been the heart of Old Montréal for generations.
Pass by

Pass by this grand Second Empire-style building that has served as the seat of municipal government since 1878. Admire the ornate French architecture that reflects the city's European roots.
Bonsecours Market (Marche Bonsecours)
Pass by

Explore this stunning neoclassical building that served as the city's main public market for 100 years. Grab a tasty treat from this beautifully restored landmark now filled with local food vendors and artisans.
Pass by

Visit this historic chapel immortalised in Leonard Cohen's song "Suzanne," featuring the tomb of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys. Experience a spiritual landmark that has welcomed sailors and pilgrims since the 17th century.
Pass by

Stroll along the waterfront where 19th-century warehouses once bustled with industrial activity. Enjoy sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River from this transformed space that connects Montréal's past to its present.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Place royale/Pointe-à-Callière Archeology Museum. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

Tour ends at Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

From

$19.99 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Instant confirmation
You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

More activities in Montreal