Full-Day Montreal City Tour from Ottawa and optional city cruise

This experience made our article of 12 Fantastic City Tours In Ottawa.

Discover Montreal in a Day: A Complete Guided Tour from Ottawa

If you’re looking for a way to see Montreal without the hassle of planning every detail yourself, this full-day guided tour from Ottawa offers an excellent solution. For about $73.49 per person, you get to explore some of Montreal’s most iconic sights—starting from the scenic Mount Royal Lookout, visiting the stunning Saint Joseph’s Oratory, and walking through the historic Old Montreal neighborhood. In the warmer months, the tour includes a cruise on the St. Lawrence River, which provides a fresh perspective on this vibrant city.

What we love about this experience is how it combines convenience and depth—from transportation to expert guides—making it perfect for those short on time but eager to soak in Montreal’s essence. The comfortable air-conditioned bus and hotel pickup mean you can relax and focus on the views and stories. Plus, the guided walking tour of Old Montreal brings history alive with detailed explanations.

A potential consideration is the packed schedule, especially when the cruise is included. As some reviews note, this can leave little time to wander independently and truly explore each stop at your own pace. If you prefer a more leisurely or unhurried experience, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a rundown of Montreal’s top sights in a single day, especially if you’re based in Ottawa. It’s perfect for first-timers, history buffs, or anyone with limited time but a strong desire to see as much as possible with expert guidance.

Key Points

• Concise yet comprehensive: Covers major Montreal sights efficiently in one day.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable and friendly guides enhance the experience.
• Convenient transportation: Roundtrip bus from Ottawa with hotel pickup.
• Diverse experiences: Scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and a river cruise.
• Value for money: Includes cruise, entry fees for the cruise, and taxes.
• Limited free time: Some reviews mention a packed schedule, especially during the cruise.

A Close Look at the Full-Day Montreal Tour

When we think about a quick trip to Montreal from Ottawa, timing and balance are everything. This tour is designed for those who want a well-rounded taste of Montreal without dedicating multiple days. Let’s unpack each component to see what you’ll encounter.

Starting at Mount Royal: The City’s Heart and Viewpoint

The day begins early, with a meeting point at 670 Bronson Ave in Ottawa. From there, you’ll hop on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, with pickup offered from your Ottawa hotel within 5 km of the meeting spot. The 7:30 am departure ensures you maximize your day.

The first stop is Mount Royal Lookout, the highest point in the city. Here, your guide will point out why Montreal was named after this hilly promontory. The views of downtown Montreal from this vantage point are truly worth the early start, providing an instant sense of the city’s layout and the surrounding landscape. We loved how the short one-hour stop allowed us to stretch our legs, snap photos, and get a sense of the city’s scale without feeling rushed.

Saint Joseph’s Oratory: A Place of Peace and Grandeur

Next, you’ll visit Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal, a National Historic Site of Canada and the largest church in the country. Its massive dome and beautiful architecture make it a must-see. While the admission itself is not included, many travelers find the exterior and the views from the grounds just as impressive.

We appreciated the brevity—just 30 minutes—which is enough to admire the church’s impressive façade and perhaps light a candle if you wish. The reviews highlight guides like Yin, noting her ability to provide detailed and understandable explanations, making the visit both meaningful and memorable.

Exploring the 1976 Olympics and Montreal Tower

The tour also takes you to the site built for the 1976 Summer Olympics. Known as “The Big O,” this area includes the Olympic Stadium and the Montreal Tower, the tallest inclined tower in the world. This stop offers insight into Montreal’s sporting history and the city’s architectural feats.

While some might find this stop a bit more modern and less picturesque than other sites, it’s a great way to understand Montreal’s Olympic legacy. The Olympic Stadium has a distinctive design and has become a symbol of the city’s ability to host major international events.

Old Montreal: Walking Through History

The crown jewel of this tour is the guided walk through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)—a neighborhood founded in 1642, with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively cafes. Your guide will share stories about the city’s French roots and how it has evolved over centuries.

In four hours, you’ll visit landmarks like the Notre-Dame Basilica, renowned for its gold leaf motifs and stained glass, inspired by Parisian churches. Entry isn’t included, but many describe the basilica as breathtaking—both in design and atmosphere. As one review notes, the guide Yin made the visit very interesting with her explanations, adding depth to the sightseeing.

Strolling through Old Montreal, you’ll see lively markets, boutique shops, and perhaps grab a quick snack or coffee. We loved the chance to soak in the historic ambiance, but keep in mind that with four hours, you’ll need to be comfortable with a brisk pace.

The St. Lawrence River Cruise: A Different Perspective

In the warmer months, the tour includes a 1.5-hour cruise on the St. Lawrence River from the Old Port. This part of the tour is highly praised, offering spectacular views of Montreal’s skyline, bridges, and islands. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from the water and get a fresh perspective on its geography and architecture.

Several travelers mention how the cruise adds to the value, noting the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to unwind after a busy morning of sightseeing. The cruise is included in the price, which is especially good value considering the typical cost of such excursions.

Wrap-up and Return to Ottawa

The tour concludes back at your pickup point in Ottawa, typically by early evening, around 6:30 or 7 pm. We found this schedule convenient, especially for a day trip, although some reviews mention feeling a little rushed, particularly during the busy cruise and walking segments.

What We Think the Tour Excels At

The guides play a significant role, with several travelers praising their knowledge and friendly demeanor. The commentary makes history and architecture come alive, adding depth to the sightseeing. The transportation is comfortable, and the hotel pickup makes it stress-free to start your day.

Including the St. Lawrence River cruise in the warmer months is a fantastic touch, providing a unique vantage point and a relaxing break in the itinerary. The cost is reasonable considering the multiple stops, guided walks, and cruise.

Potential Drawbacks

The main concern is the tight schedule, especially if you’re someone who prefers to explore at your own pace. Since the tour packs in numerous sights and the cruise, there’s little free time to linger or explore independently. As some reviews mention, this can mean feeling hurried, particularly during the Old Montreal walk and the cruise.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a rundown in a single day. It suits those who appreciate guided tours, appreciate history and architecture, and don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re seeking a relaxed, unhurried exploration, you might prefer to spend more days in Montreal or opt for a less packed itinerary.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This full-day Montreal tour offers exceptional value, blending scenic viewpoints, historic neighborhoods, and a river cruise into one well-organized package. It’s perfect for short-term visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimum fuss. The knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation make it a reliable choice, especially for first-timers.

If you’re interested in learning about Montreal’s history, architecture, and Olympic legacy while enjoying the scenic river views, this tour ticks all those boxes. Just be prepared for a full schedule—it’s a whirlwind adventure, but one that can leave you with a memorable impression of Montreal’s diverse charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers complimentary pickup and return from hotels within 5 km of the Ottawa meeting point, making it very convenient.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs approximately 10 to 11 hours, starting at 7:30 am and returning in the early evening.

Are all attractions included in the price?
Entry to the AML cruise is included, but admission to Saint Joseph’s Oratory and Notre-Dame Basilica is not. You can still enjoy the exteriors and the surrounding views without extra cost.

What is the group size?
The tour can have up to 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience lively yet manageable.

Is the cruise available year-round?
The cruise is included in the warmer months; during colder weather, it may be unavailable, and the tour will proceed without it.

Can I customize or skip parts of the tour?
Since it’s a guided group experience, skipping parts isn’t really an option. It’s best suited for those eager to see everything included.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for the views, and perhaps a jacket depending on the weather. Food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something during the stops.

In summary, this tour offers a practical, engaging way to experience Montreal’s highlights from Ottawa — especially if you value expert guidance, scenic water views, and a well-structured day. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager to see as much as possible while enjoying a comfortable, guided experience.