Cited city facts
Key facts for visiting Montreal
33 km of underground tunnels (the R\u00C9SO)
Montreal's underground city is the largest subterranean complex in the world, connecting 10 metro stations, 2,000 shops, and 7 major hotels beneath the downtown core
Over 100 festivals per year
Montreal hosts more annual festivals than any other city in North America, including the world's largest jazz festival, the Just for Laughs comedy festival, and Osheaga music festival
Founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie
Originally established as a Catholic missionary settlement by Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve, Montreal is nearly four centuries old and predates most major North American cities
30+ murals per block in the Plateau
Montreal's MURAL festival has transformed the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough into one of the world's densest outdoor street-art galleries since launching in 2013
Source: tour-guide.com — Free to cite with attribution
Things to see
What are the top attractions in Montreal?
- Old Montreal by twilight — Gas lamps illuminate centuries-old stone walls along Rue Saint-Paul
- Notre-Dame AURA show — Immersive light-and-sound spectacle inside the basilica
- Bagel rivalry — Taste both St-Viateur and Fairmount to pick your side in Montreal's greatest debate
- Jazz Festival (June-July) — Hundreds of free outdoor concerts across downtown
- Mount Royal sunset — Golden hour over the skyline from the Kondiaronk Belvedere
- Jean-Talon Market — Quebec artisan cheeses, cider, and fresh-baked croissants
🛒 Jean-Talon Market
Quebec's largest open-air market overflowing with local flavour
🖼️ Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Five pavilions spanning forty thousand years of human creativity
🌳 Mount Royal
The mountain that gave Montreal its name
⛪ Notre-Dame Basilica
Gothic Revival splendour in the heart of Old Montreal
🏘️ Old Montreal
Four centuries of history along the St. Lawrence waterfront
Guide planning
How much does a tour guide cost in Montreal?
| Tour Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Group Walking Tours | CA$25-45 | ~US$19-33 per person |
| Food & Drink Tours | CA$85-140 | ~US$63-104 with tastings |
| Private Half-Day | CA$200-350 | ~US$148-259 |
| Private Full-Day | CA$400-650 | ~US$296-481 |
Season planner
When is the best time to visit Montreal?
Underground city: In winter, the RÉSO connects malls, métro stations, and hotels underground for 33 kilometres. Festival season: June through August packs in jazz, comedy, fireworks, and Francofolies—book guides and hotels early.
Spring
Mar-May
Summer
Jun-Aug
Autumn
Sep-Nov
Winter
Dec-Feb
On the ground
How do you get around Montreal?
- Speak a little French — Even a "bonjour" goes a long way—locals appreciate the effort
- BIXI bikes — The city's bike-share system is an affordable way to explore the Plateau and Mile End
- Tipping — Standard 15-20% on meals and guided tours throughout Quebec
Travel Guides for Montreal
Planning the Perfect Trip to Montreal picks up where this Montreal overview leaves off, with room for the practical detail an overview has to skip.
Browse all travel guides →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Montreal?
June through September offers warm weather and peak festival season, including the Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs. May and October provide mild temperatures with fewer crowds. Winter (December-March) is bitterly cold but brings holiday markets, ice skating, and the chance to explore the underground RÉSO network.
How much does a tour guide cost in Montreal?
Group Walking Tours: CA$25-45 (US$19-33 per person). Food & Drink Tours: CA$85-140 (US$63-104 with tastings). Private Half-Day: CA$200-350 (US$148-259). Private Full-Day: CA$400-650 (US$296-481)
How do you get around Montreal?
The STM métro has four lines covering downtown and major neighborhoods, and buses extend service across the island. BIXI bike-share stations are everywhere and ideal for exploring the Plateau and Mile End in warmer months. Walking is easy in Old Montreal and the downtown core, and taxis or ride-shares are readily available.