Private tour in Montreal Ruby R

An Authentic ‘Live Like a Local’ Experience of Montreal with Ruby

5.0

(20) reviews

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Ruby R.

5.0

Guide rating

213

Reviews

Tours delivered

10 hrs

Avg. response time

Warm Welcome . Thank you for visiting my profile . You will find one-minute introduction videos for each of the bespoke experiences and tours I offer. The Original Montreal Expert I am licensed and certified to guide in Montreal, I also offer tours in the surrounding areas as well as the nation's capital, Ottawa. Travel is all about creating unforgettable moments. I meticulously craft each experience to ensure it's unique for every guest. With over 3 decades expertise, knowledge and connection which I will have the pleasure of sharing with you . A native English-speaking local guide in Montreal I am also fluent in several other languages, I can effortlessly navigate nearly any conversation. As Montreal's most experienced career local expert guide, earning my income from the profession, I am most passionate for. I am a proud graduate of the prestigious McGill University and continue to be involved with the university. I have the honour of being one of the recipients of the Kings Charles II Coronation Medal, presented to me by the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada. My tours of Montreal are immersive journeys filled with local insights, anecdotes, and humour. Specialising in food, neighbourhood exploration, photography, film, fashion, design, art, street art, cultural heritage, music, and more, I offer a diverse range of experiences tailored to your interests. The stories behind architecture fascinate me. I am an expert in the period between 1920 to 1950s. Montreal has an abundance in Art Deco and I am involved the with Art Deco organisations globally. Whether you prefer helicopter rides, walking tours, driving excursions, or exploring via public transportation, I have options to suit every preference. My clientele includes luxury travellers seeking bespoke experiences, public figures, diplomats, corporate travellers, and even political leaders. I've collaborated with media professionals, film crews, and event planners, ensuring each encounter is unforgettable. Many of my guests are solo , BIOPOC, couples, friends, families. With a background spanning concierge services, airlines, destination management, event planning, media, tourism consulting, training, and public speaking, I bring a wealth of industry experience to every interaction. As a former media relations manager for Tourism offices , I've played a pivotal role in promoting the city internationally and creating a vast majority of the tours offered by local guides today. I am Canada's first culinary food guide and the only guide certified for food safety (though not required). Beyond guiding, I'm also a photographer, video content creator, singer, dance teacher, and amateur stand-up comic. My passion for adventure has led me to explore 151 countries, immersing myself in diverse cultures and cuisines along the way, including living in over 30 countries. As President Emeritus of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, as well as our local professional guides guild, I'm deeply committed to elevating the standards of guiding worldwide. I volunteered for both organisations for 25+ years. My expertise has been featured in various media outlets, including National Geographic Traveller and the BBC. Recognised for my contributions to empowering young women in politics and pioneering various initiatives, I'm dedicated to making a positive impact in my community both locally and globally. I continue to volunteer locally, nationally, and on the world stage to help make our world better. My motto, tag line part of my personal branding is Excellence in Motion. It reminds me to keep myself challenged, moving forward. The travel, tourism, event planning , media relations industries which is constantly evolving as I evolve with the changes. I believe in diversity, inclusiveness for all, encouraging all questions and discussion ensuring my guests receive the most authentic enjoyable experience. I'm looking forward to welcome you and share my vibrant and unique city of Montreal with you. Let's create unforgettable memories together with me in Montreal. Warm wishes Ruby President Emeritus World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations & Certificates 1992- 2022 1. City of Montreal Professional Guide license ( municipal bylaw G-2) 2. Certified Business Etiquette Protocol Training for work ( NKC) 3. Training, Certification from ITHQ- Montreal 1992 . Qualifications for guide city of Montreal guide license 5.Bike Safety Certification by Velo Quebec 6. St John's Ambulance. First Aid Training 7.BA, McGill University, Montreal Modern Languages, History, Political Science and Art History Certificate in Marketing & IATA Training 8. DEC, Vanier, College Montreal Russian, Italian, Spanish& photo Social Media/Photography/ Film/ Media 9. International Language Institute 10. Professional Vocal coaching . Singer and speaker 11. International recognised food safety certification 12. Training for mobility reduced travellers 13. Motor coach safety training 14. Trained and trainer Cultural Awareness & Diversity 15. Photography, Film & Editing studies 16. Culinary Arts Training * I am not licensed to guide in Québec City. * Montreal Guides are not permitted to guide in museums * I do not have tour operator, travel agent permits or insurances to book transportation with a driver

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ruby R.

Overview of your Montreal tour

Please watch video description If you want to feel like you live in Montreal rather than just visit, this tour is for you. I created it for curious travellers who want to go beyond the usual sights. Walk with me through the neighbourhoods where real Montrealers live, eat, shop and relax. From hidden cafés to lively markets and everyday charm, you will feel like you belong here. Whether you are here for business or pleasure, this private experience is relaxed, fun and tailored to you. No rushing, no set script — just the Montreal I know and love. Let’s explore what makes this city tick, like a true local.

Recent Reviews

Bradley H.United States
September 2025

Ruby is an absolute great tour guide helping not only on our tour date but helping us navigate the next few days in Montreal, great job Ruby the seven of us had a blast hanging out with you. Thanks again

Tim T.Canada
September 2024

Only 3 words to rate Ruby. JUST BOOK HER!! We used guides in many locations & if one were to rate the best other guides at the top level, Ruby is in a category by herself. During our 6-hour tour in Montreal, there literally wasn’t one moment when we were not in dialogue with Ruby as she explained the importance of what we were seeing & experiencing. Ruby adds anecdotes relative to the site from her heart & astonishing knowledge of the city. While we visited the mainstream tourist sites, Ruby went out of her way to turn left when others went right to show us the intricacies behind the scenes. Ruby’s familiarity of each unique neighbourhood in Montreal & acquaintance with every gatekeeper of the locations we visited got us unrivalled access to ensure that not a moment of our excursion time was wasted. A professional with a personality & sense of humor like no other in the business.

Daniel C.United States
August 2023

Ruby was a terrific guide. Very knowledgeable and fun to spend time with. We took a 6 hour custom tour and saw the highlights of the Old City, explored some neighborhoods and Talon Market. She made excellent suggestions for our solo adventures and restaurants as well and we loved them all.

Helene B.United States
September 2022

WOW is the main word that comes to mind. We loved our time with Ruby. We fell in love with Montreal because we saw it with Ruby. She customizes the experience for you and she showed us markets, food and neighborhoods you don't experience as a tourist on your own. She taught us the bus and metro and we used it on our own, which really enhanced out experience. We learned so much and had so much fun. Our group rates her knowledge and communication style a 10! I wish she gave tours in every city!

Leslie M.United States
June 2022

Ruby's 7-hr walking tour is the ideal intro to Montreal, showing you so much more than the typical tourist sites. We had a delightful day walking, riding bus and metro, exploring neighborhoods, learning about history and architecture as we went. We explored the underground city, admired the wide variety of public art, had a picnic at the Jean Talon Market. Ruby cheerfully customized our tour for us, and she left us with practical tips to further explore Montreal on our own. So much fun! Ruby's the best!

Kira S.United States
April 2022

Ruby provided an OUTSTANDING private family tour of Montreal's Jean Talon Market, Little Italy, Plateau, to McGill, focusing on the cultural beauty (musical, gastronomic, murals, etc) and historical depth of Montreal. Ruby's wonderful charm and impressive story-telling skills engaged my 17-year-old son RE the evolution of Montreal's French-English communities and history, the multicultural and wonderfully integrated aspects of the City, as well as McGill U life (this trip was also a college tour).

Your Montreal tour itinerary

The itinerary is completely customisable and these are suggestions Mile End Plateau Mont Royal Villeray Jean Talon Market Mile X St Laurent Boulevard St Urbain Outremount and more

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Subway

This experience is walking, using the metro, city buses and REM( train) This same tour with a private car and driver are also possible for guests with reduced mobility

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Please contact me for cost for more in your people in your group Entrances fees drinks food lunch Items of a personal nature
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Accommodation
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Public Transportation
Tastings
Meeting location

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Hotel downtown or Old Montreal, Train station or Main cruise ship terminal 1 or 2

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
243516
Languages
French
English
Italian
Arabic
British Sign Language
Activity level
High

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Montréal best suited for?

This private tour in Montréal is perfect for curious travellers who want to experience the city like a local. It's ideal for those who wish to go beyond the usual tourist sights and explore the neighbourhoods where real Montrealers live, eat, shop, and relax. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, this tour offers a relaxed and fun experience tailored to your interests.

Can this private tour in Montréal be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 6 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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