MTL Detours is an award-winning, locally owned Montreal tour company specializing in small-group walking tours led by certified, licensed local guides. Our experiences are designed for travelers who want depth, context, and meaningful storytelling, not scripted surface-level tours.
Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, discover Downtown’s landmarks and skyline, and step inside the Montreal Underground City (RÉSO), the largest indoor pedestrian network in the world. Our tours also venture into vibrant neighbourhoods like Le Plateau, Mile End, and Little Italy, where Montreal’s multicultural roots, architecture, and creative energy come to life.
In addition to our bestselling small-group tours, we offer private Montreal walking tours tailored to your interests, including the city’s Old Red Light District and Sin City era, street art and murals, and custom itineraries for couples, families, and corporate groups.
With intimate group sizes and passionate expert guides, MTL Detours consistently receives top reviews from visitors seeking an engaging, authentic, and memorable experience in Montreal.
Browse our guided Montreal walking tours below to find the experience that fits your visit.
• Intimate small-group Montreal walking tours for a personal, interactive experience
• Certified, licensed professional guides who are passionate local experts
• Immersive Old Montreal history tours covering hundreds of years of heritage
• Expertly guided Montreal Underground City (RÉSO) and Downtown architecture tours
• Cultural explorations of the Plateau, Mile End, and Little Italy neighbourhoods
• Bespoke private Montreal walking tours fully tailored to your specific interests and pace
“Five stars is not enough. We had an amazing Old Montreal tour with Louise today. We have been fortunate to experience tours around the world, and without hesitation, this was the best! Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and sense of humor are unforgettable.”
— C. Richards
Google Review, 2025
“Wonderful tour to learn about the evolution of the downtown area, the major buildings and the fascinating underground city. We spent quality time both inside and outdoors. Gabriela was a fabulous, interesting guide.”
— H. Kavaliauskas
Google Review, 2025
“I recommend this tour to anyone wanting to know more about the fabric of Montreal and its history. So many interesting bits of history that make up the vibe in Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods. Marie-Hellene was an excellent source of knowledge and her love for the area shows. It was a wonderful experience and my husband and I loved every minute of it.”
— Ingrid R.
Tripadvisor Review, 2024
Skip the booking platforms and save CA$5 per person on any small-group tour when you book directly on our site. Use code DIRECT5 at checkout. Same award-winning tours, same certified guides, just better value for you and more support for a 100% local Montreal business. Applies to small-group tours only.
Depending on the tour you choose, highlights may include:
• Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal: A masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture and the spiritual heart of Old Montreal.
• Old Port of Montreal (Vieux-Port): Historic waterfront views along the St. Lawrence River, featuring the neoclassical Bonsecours Market.
• The Montreal Underground City (RÉSO): A fascinating look inside the world’s largest underground pedestrian network.
• Mount Royal (Parc du Mont-Royal): Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering the city’s best panoramic views from the Kondiaronk Belvedere.
• Montreal City Hall: A majestic example of Second Empire architecture, located on historic Champ de Mars.
• Place d’Armes & Place Jacques-Cartier: The historic public squares where Montreal’s French and British eras converge.
• Sainte-Catherine Street: The pulse of Downtown Montreal, famous for its historic department stores and modern urban energy.
• Saint Paul Street (Rue Saint-Paul): The city’s oldest cobblestone street, lined with 19th-century warehouses now housing boutiques and galleries.
• Plateau Mont-Royal & Mile End Street Art: A journey through Montreal’s world-famous murals and the creative culture of its most colourful residential neighbourhoods.
• The Golden Square Mile: Elegant Victorian mansions and the prestigious campus of McGill University, reflecting Montreal’s 19th-century prosperity.
