Step into francophone Canada with a trip to festive, tasty and artistic Montreal. This laid-back city sports old European-style architecture, elegant cafes, bustling food markets, top-notch comedy and jazz festivals, impressive churches and contemporary landmarks, such as the Olympic stadium. It's easy to see the major sights in Montreal with a bus tour. Those pressed for time will enjoy the convenience, while others can use a bus to get a lay of the land. Some tours let you get on and off while others plunge into the water for an amphibious experience.
Customize your Montreal tour with the Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off tour. The route has 10 stops where you can get off and explore, then grab the next bus. The tour takes visitors from downtown to the Plateau, Mount-Royal, Old Port, Saint Joseph's Oratory and Habitat 67. The entire trip is narrated by a guide who details the history and culture of each area. Tickets are available at the Tourist Information Center at 1001 Dorchester Street. Tours run from May to October.
Gray Line's tours depart from 1255 rue Peel in downtown Montreal and take approximately three hours. Vehicles are air conditioned, and a guide narrates the experience. Gray Line is Montreal's biggest tour operator, and offers a variety of circuits on comfortable trolleys. Sights include Notre-Dame Basilica, Oratoire St-Joseph and various residential areas. Those looking for longer jaunts or to get outside the city might select trips to Parc des Îles and the Laurentian Mountains. Montreal tours are available year-round, with extra departures scheduled between May and October.
Try something a bit different from the standard city tour with Amphi-Bus's amphibious rides. The journey starts with a tour of historical buildings in Old Montreal and finishes with a tour of the harbor. The bus leaves from the intersection of Rue de la Commune and Boulevard St-Laurent every hour between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and tours run from June to September. May and October have reduced hours. Family rates are available, and be sure to buy tickets in advance and show up at least 15 minutes before boarding time. It can get chilly, so don't forget to bring a jacket.
Another unique option is the three-and-a-half-hour Viator sightseeing tour via tram. The tour includes hotel pickup, or scoops up sightseers at Peel Street or the pier. The tram scoots by more than 200 attractions and landmarks, including Olympia Park, Notre-Dame Basilica, Mt. Royal Park, St Joseph's Orator and Old Montreal. A professional guide provides information on the sights, and select departures let you choose from French or English commentary. You can also get outside the city with an eight-hour day trip to the Laurentian mountains, which starts and finishes in downtown Montreal.
