Montreal and Old Montreal Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour 2025
Sightseeing Tours / by bkearns / 8 views / New
Montreal and Old Montreal Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour 2025
Check out this Fun Montreal and Old Montreal Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour 2025. Ever been stuck in Montreal, overwhelmed by all there is to see but limited by time? I used to meticulously plan walking routes until my feet screamed in protest. That’s before I discovered the Montreal and Old Montreal Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour.
I’m telling you – this is the ultimate hack for exploring this gorgeous city. You get to see all the iconic spots like Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal Park without the blisters and exhaustion.
What surprised me most was how the guides brought Montreal’s rich history to life. They shared stories I’d never find in guidebooks – the kind that make you see a place with fresh eyes.
But here’s what nobody tells you about these bus tours that completely changed my Montreal experience…
Discover Montreal in a unique way on a London-Style double-decker bus!
I’ve never felt so alive as when I spotted that bright red double-decker bus rolling through Montreal’s streets! There’s something magical about climbing to the top deck of these iconic London-style buses and feeling the breeze while the city unfolds beneath you.
The Ultimate Sightseeing Experience
When I first visited Montreal, I was overwhelmed by how much there was to see. Then I discovered the hop-on hop-off bus tour, and it changed everything. Sitting on the open-air upper deck gave me panoramic views I just couldn’t get any other way. I snapped incredible photos of Mount Royal, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Old Port without fighting through crowds or straining my neck.
Convenience Meets Adventure
What I love most about this tour is the freedom. Feeling tired? Stay on the bus and enjoy the commentary. Spot something interesting? Jump off and explore! When I was ready to continue, I simply caught the next bus. No stressing about navigation or missing hidden gems—the route is designed to showcase the best of Montreal and Old Montreal.
Perfect for All Weather
Rainy day? No problem! I stayed dry on the covered lower deck while still enjoying the narrated tour. On sunny days, the upper deck became my mobile sunbathing spot with the bonus of cultural insights. I’ve done this tour in different seasons, and each offered a unique perspective on this beautiful city.
A unique way to discover Montreal.
I’ve always believed that exploring a new city should be fun, not exhausting. That’s exactly why I fell in love with Montreal’s hop-on hop-off bus tour. Unlike walking tours where my feet end up blistered, or private tours that cost a fortune, this double-decker experience gives me the perfect balance of freedom and guidance.
The first time I hopped aboard that distinctive red bus in Montreal, I was blown away by how easy it made sightseeing. I could sit on the open-top deck, feel the breeze in my hair, and snap photos without awkwardly bumping into people. When something caught my eye? I simply hopped off, explored at my own pace, then caught the next bus when I was ready.
What really makes this tour special is how it connects all of Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods. One moment I’m admiring the historic architecture in Old Montreal, and thirty minutes later, I’m surrounded by the vibrant energy of downtown or the lush greenery of Mount Royal Park.
For a first-timer in Montreal, I can’t imagine a better introduction to the city. The audio commentary taught me things about Montreal’s history and culture that I would have completely missed on my own. Plus, I didn’t waste time figuring out public transportation or paying for multiple taxi rides between attractions.
The tour became my personal transportation network, letting me customize my Montreal experience exactly how I wanted it.
Highlights
Must-See Stops
I still remember my first time in Montreal – the excitement of boarding that bright red double-decker bus with my map in hand. What makes this hop-on-hop-off tour so special is how it perfectly balances the city’s historic charm with its modern energy.
Notre-Dame Basilica took my breath away with its stunning blue-starred ceiling and intricate wooden carvings. I spent nearly an hour inside, completely losing track of time as I admired the craftsmanship.
Mount Royal Park offered me the most spectacular panoramic views of the city. I’d recommend getting off here and taking the short hike to the summit – trust me, those Instagram photos are worth every step!
The Old Port area became my favorite spot to hop off and wander. The cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and abundance of cute cafés made me feel like I’d stepped into a European city.
In the downtown core, I loved exploring the Underground City – perfect when I needed a break from the weather. And I couldn’t miss the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where I discovered amazing contemporary and classical works.
What I appreciate most about this tour is the flexibility. Some attractions I wanted to spend hours exploring, while others I was happy to simply view from the bus. The informative commentary helped me decide which spots deserved more of my time.
Includes
What’s Included in Your Ticket
When I purchased my Montreal and Old Montreal Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour ticket, I was thrilled with all the perks that came with it. First off, I got unlimited rides for the entire day, which meant I could explore at my own pace without feeling rushed.
The tour includes access to all 13 stops across Montreal, covering both the modern downtown area and the historic charm of Old Montreal. I loved being able to hop off whenever something caught my eye, explore that area, and then simply catch the next bus to continue my journey.
Each bus comes equipped with live commentary from knowledgeable local guides who speak both English and French. I learned so much about Montreal’s history, architecture, and culture that I wouldn’t have discovered on my own. Some buses also offer recorded commentary through headphones in multiple languages if you prefer that option.
My ticket also included a detailed map of the route with descriptions of each stop and nearby attractions. This was super helpful for planning which spots I wanted to explore more thoroughly.
The open-top double-decker buses give amazing panoramic views of the city. I snagged a seat on the upper deck and got perfect photos of landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal that would have been impossible from ground level.
The best part? The buses run approximately every 15-20 minutes during peak season, so I never had to wait long at any stop.
What’s Not Included
I should clarify what’s not covered in your Montreal Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour ticket price. When I took this tour, I discovered a few things I needed to pay extra for.
First off, meals and drinks aren’t included. I recommend bringing a water bottle and planning where you might want to grab lunch during your exploration stops. Montreal has amazing food options at various price points near most stops.
Entry fees to attractions aren’t covered either. While the bus takes you to all the major sites like the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Notre-Dame Basilica, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets if you want to go inside. I suggest checking which attractions you definitely want to visit and budgeting accordingly.
Gratuities for your guide aren’t included in the ticket price. If your guide provides exceptional service or information, a tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Hotel pickup and drop-off services aren’t part of the standard package. You’ll need to make your way to one of the designated stops to begin your tour. I found this pretty easy since the main departure point is centrally located in downtown Montreal.
One thing that caught me off guard – audio guides in some languages might have limited availability, so it’s worth checking in advance if you need a specific language option.
Essential Information
Pricing and Tickets
I’ve found that booking my tickets in advance saved me a lot of hassle when exploring Montreal. The standard 2-day pass runs about $50 CAD for adults and $25 CAD for kids (prices may vary by season). This pass gives me complete freedom to use the bus as much as I want during those two days.
If you’re short on time like I was on my first visit, the 1-day option works too, typically around $35 CAD. I recommend the 2-day pass though – there’s just too much to see in a single day!
Operating Hours and Seasons
The Montreal hop-on hop-off buses typically run from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with buses arriving every 15-20 minutes at each stop. I’ve learned the hard way that service is seasonal – they operate mainly from May through October, with peak service during summer months.
During my July visit, buses were running like clockwork, but when my sister visited in November, she had to find alternative transportation options.
Accessibility Features
What I really appreciate about these tours is how accessible they are. The buses have wheelchair ramps and designated spaces for wheelchair users. I traveled with my mom who has mobility issues, and the staff was incredibly helpful getting her on and off at each stop.
The audio guide is available for those with visual impairments, and hearing loop systems are installed for passengers with hearing aids. Just ask the driver or tour guide for any assistance you might need.
Itinerary
Cities in Canada
I’ve been exploring Montreal through the hop on hop off bus tour, and it’s made me realize how unique this city is among Canada’s urban gems. Montreal stands out with its blend of European charm and North American energy that you just don’t find elsewhere.
When comparing it to other Canadian cities, I’ve noticed Toronto has its skyscrapers and cosmopolitan vibe, Vancouver boasts those stunning mountain-meets-ocean views, but Montreal? It’s got this irresistible cultural soul.
Quebec City is the only place that comes close with its historic ambiance, but Montreal balances the old and new perfectly. I love how the bus tour highlights this contrast – one moment I’m cruising past modern downtown buildings, the next I’m immersed in Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets.
Ottawa might be the capital, but it doesn’t have Montreal’s joie de vivre. And Calgary or Edmonton? Great cities, but they lack that French influence that makes Montreal so distinctive.
What really struck me during my tour was how Montreal’s bilingual nature creates an atmosphere you can’t experience in other Canadian cities. The signage, the conversations floating through open bus windows, the street performers – everything exists in this beautiful cultural duality.
If you’re planning to explore other Canadian cities, I definitely recommend starting with Montreal. It’s given me the perfect introduction to Canada’s diverse urban landscape.
Conclusion
Exploring Montreal and Old Montreal on a hop-on hop-off bus tour has been one of my favorite ways to discover this beautiful city. The London-style double-decker bus offers an unparalleled vantage point to take in the historic architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks at your own pace. With the flexibility to hop off at any stop that catches your interest and hop back on when you’re ready to continue, I found this tour to be both convenient and comprehensive.
I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Montreal, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover the city. The informative commentary provides valuable insights into Montreal’s rich history and culture, while the carefully planned route ensures you don’t miss any of the must-see attractions. So grab your camera, pick up your ticket, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of Canada’s most charming cities!
Location: Montreal Fun Things To Do
Category: Sightseeing Tours
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