Montréal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour

Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Montreal, solving riddles, and uncovering secret stories while soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The Montreal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour, offered by Explorial, is an affordable way to explore the city’s most famous landmarks and hidden corners, all in about two hours. For just $7.72 per person, you get an engaging, smartphone-based adventure that’s perfect for curious travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and a bit of local storytelling.

What we love most about this experience is its flexibility and interactive nature. You can go at your own pace, pause for breaks, and focus on what interests you most. Plus, the app uses hints that make discovering sights like Vauquelin Place, Bonsecours Market, and La Grande Roue de Montréal both fun and educational. Another highlight? The tour is accessible in English or French, making it accessible whether you’re a local or a visitor eager to learn more about one of Canada’s most dynamic cities.

A possible consideration is that the experience may feel less engaging for those expecting a traditional guided tour with a live guide. If you prefer a more structured or narrated experience, this self-guided hunt might seem a bit lightweight. However, for independent explorers who love a challenge and want to explore Montreal’s highlights on their own terms, this scavenger hunt offers excellent value.

This tour is ideal for families, solo travelers, or groups of friends who want to turn sightseeing into a playful adventure. If you’re the type who enjoys learning through fun puzzles and discovering local stories at your own pace, this activity is a fantastic pick.

Key Points

• Affordable: At just over $7, this offers a budget-friendly way to see Montreal.
• Flexible: You explore at your own pace, with no fixed schedule or time limit.
• Interactive: Combines sightseeing with solving riddles and completing fun photo tasks.
• Educational: Provides insights into Montreal’s sights and hidden gems through questions and hints.
• Accessible: Available in both English and French.
• User-friendly: Easy to start with an access code via the Explorial app.

An In-Depth Look at the Montreal Scavenger Hunt Experience

The Montreal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour is not your average sightseeing tour. It transforms city exploration into an engaging game you control. So, whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, this experience invites you into the city’s stories in a playful and relaxed way.

Itinerary and Stops

The tour begins at Place d’Armes — the historic heart of Old Montreal. From there, your smartphone acts as your guide, directing you to a series of sights using hints and an interactive map. Along the route, you’ll encounter iconic locations such as Bonsecours Market, a grand structure that once served as a marketplace and now hosts boutique shops and galleries. You’ll also visit Vauquelin Place, a lively square filled with local life and history, and the Grande Roue de Montréal, offering an opportunity to enjoy some of the best views of the city.

Each stop is designed to be more than just a photo opportunity. You’ll answer questions based on signs, images, or historic markers, which makes the experience both fun and informative. For example, one reviewer noted, “We really enjoyed learning the history of the buildings and monuments,” which shows that the quiz elements add educational value.

The Fun of Solving Clues and Completing Tasks

The app’s hints guide you to sights, but the real twist is in the photo and task challenges. These are designed to spark creativity, whether it’s capturing a quirky shot or completing a puzzle. Some reviewers mentioned the importance of mastering the snapshots to earn points, making the activity a playful competition for groups or families.

The Experience’s Pacing and Flexibility

One of the best features of this tour is its flexibility. It isn’t limited to a strict 2-hour window and can be paused or resumed as you wish. That means you can take your time exploring, soaking in the scenery, or grabbing a snack without feeling rushed. The tour is available any time between noon and late evening, so you can fit it into your schedule easily.

Accessibility and Ease of Use

Getting started is straightforward. Once you purchase your ticket, you receive an access code that unlocks the experience in the Explorial app. The meeting point is Place d’Armes, a central and easily accessible location in Old Montreal. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is designed to be enjoyed at your own pace.

What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a generally positive picture. Many mention how the activity is a great way to explore Old Montreal and learn new facts about the city. For instance, Leslie L. shared, “It was a very fun way to see the sights of Old Montreal! We really enjoyed learning the history of the buildings and monuments.” Another reviewer, Beatriz P., appreciated that it was fun, interactive, and educational, especially considering the affordable price.

However, not all feedback was glowing. Susan C. found it a bit boring for older teens, especially on a hot day when seeking shade took priority. This highlights that personal preferences and weather conditions can influence how enjoyable the activity is.

The Value of the Tour

At just $7.72, the price is hard to beat for an experience that combines sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and a bit of local storytelling. Compared to traditional guided tours that can cost significantly more, this self-guided adventure offers excellent value — especially for those comfortable exploring independently and interested in a more interactive approach.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This scavenger hunt suits adventurous travelers who enjoy discovering cities through games rather than passive sightseeing. It’s ideal for families with kids or teens, as it keeps everyone engaged with questions and photo challenges. Budget-conscious travelers will also appreciate the great value, especially since it offers a rich experience without breaking the bank.

If you’re seeking a flexible, fun way to see Montreal’s highlights and learn some of its secrets, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for those who like to explore at their own pace and enjoy a bit of friendly competition or creative fun along the way.

FAQ: What You Need to Know

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it’s especially good for families or groups who enjoy a playful approach to sightseeing.

How long does the tour last?
On average, it takes about 1-2 hours, but it can be paused or extended as you wish.

Do I need to have a smartphone to participate?
Yes, the experience is app-based, so you’ll need your smartphone with the Explorial app installed and your access code.

Can I choose the language?
Yes, the tour offers options in English or French.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Place d’Armes and ends back at the same point, making it easy to plan your day.

Is there a maximum group size?
Since it’s a private activity, only your group participates, which means a personalized experience.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What kind of sights will I see?
You’ll visit highlights like Bonsecours Market, Vauquelin Place, and enjoy views from La Grande Roue.

Is there an age limit?
It’s suitable for most, but very young children might need supervision or assistance with the app.

What makes this tour different from other sightseeing options in Montreal?
The interactive puzzle element and flexibility make it stand out — it’s less about a guided commentary and more about personal discovery.

Final Thoughts

The Montreal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour offers a playful, budget-friendly way to experience Old Montreal’s charm and secrets. Its mix of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and photo challenges will appeal to those who want to explore independently but with a guided game to keep things lively. For travelers who love to uncover stories at their own pace, this activity is both entertaining and educational, offering excellent value for a memorable afternoon.

While it might not satisfy those craving a more structured guided tour or detailed narration, it excels as an engaging, light-hearted adventure. It’s particularly suited for families, solo explorers, or groups of friends eager for a fun, flexible way to see Montreal from a different angle.

If you’re looking to turn sightseeing into an interactive experience that combines the city’s highlights with a little friendly challenge, this scavenger hunt might just be the perfect choice.