Private tour in Montreal Françoise B

Surprises and Hidden Gems in Old Montreal

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Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 2 hours
Walking
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

Françoise B.

5.0

Guide rating

88

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

Bonjour / Hi / ¡Hola! The two most frequently asked questions on my tours are whether I am a native Montrealer and what my favourite "thing" about our city is. The answer to the first question is "yes", and the answer to the second is "multiculturalism", which in my view, best defines Montreal. My boundless energy and limitless curiosity have taken me to far-flung places around the globe, but like a boomerang, I always return to my hometown, because nothing quite compares. In addition, having grown up in a bilingual household, I embody the duality which exists here between the French and English cultures. Sharing my enthusiasm and bragging about Montreal with visitors are what it's all about. Although I have a penchant for great food (my mother is from France after all!), history, art and architecture, what I enjoy most about guiding is the interaction with participants on my tours through storytelling. My wish is that they come away not so much with a tour or a lecture, but with an experience, which is precisely what I offer. First-timers will enjoy my classic tours while those wanting to venture further afield can opt for a visit of one of several neighbourhoods. And if art is your thing, why not choose from my series of signature tours, "If our sculptures could talk", available in three locations downtown and in Old Montreal. Choose from several private tours offered by a licensed trilingual tourist guide and native Montrealer. We'll go at your pace and talk about the subjects that interest you. As for the younger set, my goal is, through storytelling, to breathe life into the historical figures and events they've heard about in school. To cover even more ground, I also offer bicycle tours. Let me show you around to give you a deeper understanding of Montreal--and maybe even make you feel like a local. À bientôt! Bienvenue à nos amis francophones. Ma langue maternelle est le français, donc toutes les visites de mon répertoire sont offertes dans la langue de Molière. Au plaisir de vous guider. Bienvenidos a nuestros amigos hispanohablantes. Montreal es la ciudad más vibrante que cuenta nuestro país, y me gustaría guiarles para descubrir sus tesoros. Sólo los recorridos clásicos (el Viejo Montreal, el centro), "el Montreal antiguo mediante la narración" y la Red subterránea se ofrecen en español. ¡Hasta luego! * Certified by the ITHQ (Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management) * Licensed by the city of Montreal * Tour leader * Member, APGT (Professional Tourist Guide Association, Montreal Chapter) * Covered by liability insurance by APGT * Canadian Red Cross First Aid Course * Certificate in Tourism, Concordia University * B.A. Modern Languages, Concordia University * Become a volunteer guide at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts course, Concordia University * Travel writing course, Concordia University Cannot guide inside museums or in Quebec City. No airport pick-up. Sólo los recorridos clásicos (Viejo Montreal, centro, islas, y la Red subterránea) se ofrecen en español (20% extra).

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Françoise B.

Overview of your Montreal tour

The Old Montreal sector is where our city was founded and began its development. It’s chock-full of history, great architecture, fun activities, and innumerable restaurants. However, this tour focuses on the lesser-known aspects of Old Montreal. Not only will you take in 350 years of history and architecture on one square, you’ll also see hidden gems and hear fascinating stories not readily found in guidebooks. Some of the unexpected topics that might come up: slavery in Montreal, fortifications, Prohibition, crocodiles, our common history with Detroit, Duluth and New York, the Syrian community, and many more surprising sights. All right in front of your eyes or under your feet—but that you might miss if exploring on your own.

Your Montreal tour itinerary

The tour will start at Place d'Armes chock-full of great architecture. Then we'll meander around the streets of the Old Town discovering hidden gems along the way.

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: Walking

On foot

What's included
Private Guide
Other: Map and guidebook
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

500 Place d'Armes, Montreal, QC, Canada

500 Place d'Armes

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
1784898
Languages
French
English
Spanish
Activity level
Light

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Montreal best suited for?

This private tour in Montreal is perfect for travellers who are interested in exploring the hidden gems and lesser-known aspects of Old Montreal. It's ideal for those who want to delve into the city's rich history and architecture, and hear fascinating stories that aren't readily found in guidebooks. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the city's past, this tour offers a unique perspective on Montreal's heritage.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Montreal 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?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

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 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
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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