Meet MTL Detours Founder, Lesley Thompson

MTL Detours is the result of Lesley’s lifelong love affair with her hometown – the unique and absolutely fabulous city of Montreal.

A woman wearing a hat and jacket standing in a field during a Walking Tour.

Lesley Thompson

Founder + Tour Guide

MTL Detours is the result of Lesley’s lifelong love affair with her hometown – the unique and absolutely fabulous city of Montreal.

Born and raised in Montreal, Lesley’s friends have nicknamed her “Miss Montreal”. As an avid walker and photography enthusiast, Lesley has always spent her free time exploring Montreal on foot and capturing the city through her lens.

​Her studies in Tourism led her to a rich and varied career spanning almost 3 decades in the local Montreal tourism industry. An insatiable curiosity for history, architecture, urban planning, art, politics, culture, and all things Montreal led her to pursue studies at the Hotel & Tourism Institute of Quebec (ITHQ) to obtain her diploma, certification, and license as a professional Montreal Tourist Guide.

Combining her experiences, interests, and passion for Montreal, she made the big jump and created her own walking tour company specializing in small groups – MTL Detours – in 2019.

She loves showing visitors around town and sharing not only her knowledge, fave spots, and insights but also her contagious enthusiasm and passion for Montreal. Nothing beats being shown around by a true local expert who loves their city!

Lesley is featured in the book “How Canada Works: The People Who Make Our Nation Thrive” by #1 bestselling authors Peter Mansbridge and Mark Bulgutch.

Read more about it here!