This can also be a Private Tour. Get in touch.
“10,000 steps of AWESOME!
We were so fortunate that this tour was the first one we planned on our vacation. Catherine was a tremendous docent. We now know where to find restaurants and shopping, as well as the rich history of RESO. There were so many things to see, places to go, and history to learn, it didn’t seem that we were walking that far.
This experience cannot be missed!!”
— Optix · Tripadvisor Review · July, 2025
Most visitors barely scratch the surface of Montréal’s “Underground City” (RÉSO) in Downtown Montréal. To the untrained eye, it’s a shopping mall; to a local, it’s a 33-kilometre lifeline woven beneath the heart of the city. This vast pedestrian network links metro stations, office towers, universities, hotels, cultural venues, and public squares, quietly shaping how Montréalers live, commute, and survive weather (especially winter).
On this 2-hour small-group walking tour of Downtown Montréal, you’ll experience the most fascinating and architecturally striking sections of both the Underground City and the vibrant streets above it. We reveal how these subterranean corridors and grand boulevards breathe together to create one of the most unique urban environments in North America. You’ll uncover the history behind its creation, the clever urban planning that keeps the city moving year-round, and the striking contrasts between sleek modern complexes and heritage façades.
We bridge the gap between the “tunnels” and the “towers,” helping you understand not just where to walk, but how the system truly works. Along the way, we share insider navigation tips, hidden passageways, practical shortcuts, and local context so you can explore Downtown Montréal with confidence for the rest of your stay. By the end, you won’t just have walked the network, you’ll know how to use it like a Montréaler.
Starting at Café Humble Lion on McGill College Avenue and ending at the World Trade Centre Montréal (Centre de commerce mondial), your certified local guide will reveal how the two layers of the city are deeply connected and how locals actually navigate them. Tour size limited to a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
“A fantastic and authentic tour of underground montreal! We had a fantastic tour with Elise, who shared fascinating facts and quirky stories about underground Montreal. Her passion and warm welcome made the experience special. I also loved that the tour is run by a local agency and that Elise, a certified guide, proudly explained the rigorous training behind her badge. Overall, a wonderful and highly recommended experience!”
— Cristina C.
Tripadvisor Review, November 2025
“Thank you to Silvia for showing us the RESO + downtown tour. She was very informative and passionate about her city of Montreal. Our family learned a lot about the history and how to navigate downtown through the underground. Well done!”
— Angelo M.
Google Review, July 2025
“My brother and I did the 2 hour Montreal underground Reso tour with Darren, who met and exceeded our expectations. He was knowledgeable about the history of Montreal, urban politics, galleries, and great spots not to miss as a tourist, and he shared an obvious passion and knowledge of Montreal. I would definitely recommend this tour!”
— D. Busby
Google Review, November 2025
A Tale of Two Cities We begin at Café Humble Lion on McGill College Avenue, framed by one of downtown’s most iconic sightlines. You will see the monumental The Ring framing a perfect view of Mount Royal and its historic cross. Your certified local guide sets the stage with the story behind Montréal’s underground city (RÉSO) and the evolution of a downtown shaped by bold planning, winter realities, and decades of growth.
The Subterranean Lifeline From there, the tour weaves seamlessly between underground corridors and lively city streets. You will discover how Place Ville-Marie, metro stations, shopping centres, and cultural venues are connected, revealing that the RÉSO is a vital part of daily life. Along the way, your guide demystifies the system by sharing practical tips so you can navigate the RÉSO and the metro with confidence for the rest of your stay.
Architectural Icons and Engineering Marvels Above ground, the tour brings you to Sainte-Catherine Street, the city’s most famous and important commercial artery. This legendary street is the primary pulse of Montréal’s downtown, and you will walk past the majestic buildings that defined the city’s golden age of retail. Along the way, you will encounter striking contrasts between storied landmarks and contemporary icons:
The “Floating” Cathedral: See Christ Church Cathedral, a neo-Gothic masterpiece famously suspended over a shopping mall during its construction.
Hidden History: Discover St. James United Church and the classic architecture surrounding Phillips Square.
Vibrant Landmarks: Marvel at the colorful glass of the Palais des congrès (Convention Centre), one of the city’s most photographed buildings.
Art and Culture The route takes you through the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles, the city’s vibrant festival district. You will see Place des Arts, which is the largest performing arts centre in Canada and home to the symphony, opera, and ballet. Depending on the season, you will experience the energy of the Place des Festivals and catch a glimpse of colourful Chinatown as the tour transitions toward the historic district.
The Grand Finale at the Gateway to Old Montréal The tour concludes inside the spectacular atrium of the World Trade Centre Montreal. This soaring glass-roofed space features a piece of the Berlin Wall and a beautiful reflection pool, making it a fitting finale for our exploration. We finish right on the edge of Old Montréal, perfectly positioned for you to continue exploring the cobblestone streets of the historic district just steps away.
Meeting Point
Café Humble Lion (McGill College) 1204 McGill College Ave, Montréal, QC H3B 4J8
Meet your MTL Detours guide on the sidewalk outside the Humble Lion café. It is located at address 1204 McGill College Avenue, between Sainte-Catherine Street and Cathcart Street. Please note that we do not meet inside the café.
Arrival Instructions
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled tour start time. To respect the experience of all guests, our tours begin promptly and latecomers will not be able to join.
How to Get There
The meeting location is in the heart of downtown Montréal. It is less than a 10 minute walk from the McGill metro station (Green Line).
Ending Location
The tour concludes at the World Trade Centre Montreal (Centre de commerce mondial de Montréal – 747 Square-Victoria Street). This location is on the edge of Old Montréal and is just steps away from the Square-Victoria–OACI metro station (Orange Line).
This tour has an age minimum of 12 years old. Please check out our private tour option to include guests under 12.
Not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for guests with mobility restrictions, impairments or serious health issues. Please inquire about the possibility of booking a private tour.
Most of the 2-hour tour is walking or standing and places to sit are limited.
We cover approx. 2.5 mi/4km and guests can expect several staircases (mostly going down) and escalators.
All MTL Detours guides are trained, certified, and licensed with the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec and the Association professionnelle des guides touristiques, as required by the City of Montreal.
Check out our About Us for more info on each of our amazing guides!
Our walking tours are offered in English by default. If you’re looking for a tour in French, please contact us or check our private tours option to make arrangements. Merci beaucoup!
The minimum age to attend is 12 years old. Please contact us or check our private tours option to schedule a tour with younger kids.
This tour runs in all weather – rain, shine, or snow! However, we occasionally have to cancel a tour in the event of extreme or violent weather (severe thunderstorms, freezing rain, high winds, or major snowstorm, for example). Should this occur, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Please monitor your messages/email if inclement weather is expected.
Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions!
Our tours are 100% refundable up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Please be mindful that the later you wait to cancel, the harder it is for us to fill your spots. If you cancel less than 24 hours ahead of time or do not show up for the date and time that you booked, unfortunately, any sums paid will be 100% non-refundable. No-shows, bookings for incorrect dates/times and late arrivals are not eligible for refunds. We can try to fit you onto another tour, pending availability, but cannot guarantee this option. If you can’t make it, please contact us in advance to notify of your absence. For PRIVATE tours, the cancellation policy is 72 hours.
