If you’re visiting Montreal for the first time or simply want a convenient way to see the city’s highlights, the Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers an accessible, flexible experience. With a two-day pass, you can hop on and off at 10 strategically located stops, soaking in the sights at your own pace while enjoying live commentary from friendly, bilingual guides.
What makes this tour stand out? We love the ease of access to major attractions, the knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to customize your day. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers have found navigating the stop locations and schedules a bit tricky — so a little pre-planning helps. This tour suits first-time visitors eager to orient themselves and those wanting a relaxed, overview-style introduction to Montreal.
Good To Know
- Flexible two-day pass allows you to hop on and off at 10 stops
- Live bilingual guides provide engaging and informative commentary
- Strategic stops near major sights like Notre-Dame Basilica and Mount Royal Park
- Seasonal operation (May–October) makes it a summer and fall activity
- Not including hotel pickup, so plan your transportation accordingly
- Mixed reviews highlight excellent guides but some logistical challenges with signage and scheduling
An Overview of the Montreal Hop-on Hop-off Experience
.jpg)
This tour is designed to give you a broad overview of Montreal, a city packed with history, vibrant neighborhoods, and scenic views. The service runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and you’re free to board or disembark at any of the 10 stops along the route. The buses are double-decker, London-style, offering fantastic vantage points for photos and sightseeing.
The live commentary, delivered in both French and English, is a significant advantage. Many reviewers appreciated the guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor—one praised François for being “terrific and articulate.” The guides aren’t just narrators; many are locals who share stories that bring Montreal’s streets to life, whether pointing out architectural gems or recounting historical tidbits.
The Itinerary and Highlights
.jpg)
Stop 1: Downtown and InfoCenter
Starting at 1001 Rue du Square Dorchester, the tour begins at Montreal’s central hub. This stop is close to the Centre Infotouriste de Montréal, making it easy to gather information or pick up a map before heading out.
Stop 2: Parc de La Presse
Located on Rue Saint-Antoine Ouest, this spot is near various cafes and the historic press buildings. It’s a good launching point for exploring local culture and architecture.
Stop 3: Marché Bonsecours & Hangar 16
One of the most picturesque stops, near the Marché Bonsecours—a beautifully restored market building. Reviewers have commented on the nearby Hangar 16, a trendy space to explore local crafts and food.
Stop 4: Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
Situated at 350 Place Royale, this stop offers a chance to learn about Montreal’s early days. Many visitors appreciate the proximity to Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets.
Stop 5: Le Village & Chinatown
On Sainte-Catherine, this lively neighborhood is packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The stop right here is perfect for exploring Montreal’s diverse cultural scene.
Stop 6: Quartier des Spectacles
On Avenue du Président-Kennedy, this area is the city’s entertainment district. You’ll find theaters, galleries, and lively nightlife—great for an evening stroll or catching a show.
Stop 7: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
On Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, this stop is ideal for art lovers, offering quick access to one of Canada’s most renowned art museums.
Stop 8: Mount Royal & Saint-Joseph’s Oratory
Close to Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges, this stop offers stunning views over the city. Several reviews highlight the beauty of Mount Royal, especially the vista from the Belvédère Camillien-Houde.
Stop 9: Parc Mont-Royal
Right at Mont Royal Parking, it’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy a walk or visit Saint-Joseph’s Oratory, a notable religious site.
Stop 10: Belvédère Camillien-Houde
This scenic spot provides panoramic views of Montreal, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike.
What We Love About the Tour
.jpg)
Flexibility and Convenience: The two-day pass means you can spread your sightseeing over two days, hopping on and off at your leisure. Many reviewers, like “Yvetteclaro,” found the ability to revisit favorite spots very helpful, especially since stops are at walkable distances to key attractions.
Engaging Guides: Multiple comments praise the guides’ knowledge and friendly approach. A reviewer named Stephanie described François as “terrific and articulate,” highlighting how a good guide can turn a simple bus ride into a memorable experience.
Great Views and Photo Opportunities: The open-top buses give you an unobstructed view of the city, particularly from Mount Royal and Belvédère Camillien-Houde, which offer postcard-worthy scenery.
Good Value for Money: At around $50, this ticket is often considered reasonable, especially considering the number of stops and the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Some reviews confirmed that the two-day ticket is a fair price for an overview of the city, making it ideal for first-time visitors or those on a time-limited trip.
What Could Be Improved
.jpg)
Signage and Stop Identification: Several reviewers found it challenging to locate stops or get clear directions. One mentioned, “signage for stops is very poor,” which can cause some frustration—so downloading a map beforehand is wise.
Scheduling and Traffic: Because Montreal is busy, construction and traffic can cause delays. A reviewer noted that “there is always construction in the city,” which can impact timing and route flow. Flexibility and patience are recommended.
Timing and Frequency: While buses are supposed to arrive roughly every 30 minutes, some users reported waiting longer or experiencing overbooking issues. This can lead to missed buses or crowded conditions, especially during peak hours.
Limited Operating Season: The tour only runs from May to October, so winter visitors will need different plans to explore Montreal.
Authentic Insights from Reviewers
.jpg)
Many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable, bilingual guides who added personality and local flavor to the tour. One mention that “guides point out/explain the key landmarks you pass,” making the experience more enriching.
However, some lamented the lack of clear signage at stops and confusion about schedules, especially if booking online. A reviewer shared that they had to visit the tourist info office to get a proper map, which underscores the importance of doing some prep before your day.
The scenic views from Mount Royal and Belvédère are frequently praised, with visitors describing them as “spectacular” and “perfect for photos.” The proximity of stops to major attractions like Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Montreal makes this tour particularly convenient for exploring on foot afterward.
Who This Tour Is Best For
.jpg)
This hop-on hop-off tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Montreal who want an overview of the city’s main sights without the hassle of navigating public transportation or trying to organize a guided tour on their own. It’s also great for travelers with limited time, allowing them to prioritize attractions they want to revisit.
Budget-conscious travelers find the price reasonable, especially since it covers two days of sightseeing. However, those who prefer a more structured or private experience might find the mixed reviews about logistics and signage a bit frustrating.
The tour works well for families, older travelers, or anyone who appreciates a relaxed, scenic introduction to Montreal’s neighborhoods and landmarks. Active explorers can hop off to walk around, while those with mobility concerns will appreciate the simple, accessible route.
Final Thoughts
.jpg)
The Montreal City Hop-on Hop-off Tour offers a practical way to get acquainted with a city bursting with character. The live guides make a difference, providing insights that turn a simple bus ride into an engaging experience. The scenic stops, especially Mount Royal and Belvédère, are worth the price alone.
While navigating stops and schedules can be a small challenge, proper planning and a good map can mitigate these issues. The two-day ticket strikes a fair balance between affordability and flexibility, making it suitable for casual travelers and first-timers eager to see Montreal without feeling rushed.
In essence, if you’re looking for a comfortable, informative, and flexible city overview, this tour hits most marks. It’s especially suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with laid-back exploration, leaving them with a taste of Montreal’s charm and a few memorable photos to take home.
FAQ
.jpg)
What is included in the Montreal hop-on hop-off tour?
The ticket covers a two-day hop-on hop-off experience with live bilingual guides, allowing you to explore at your own pace. It includes local taxes but does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.
How many stops are there, and where are they located?
There are 10 stops, strategically placed near major attractions such as Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montreal, Mount Royal, and Chinatown. Stops are at central locations, many within walking distance of key sites.
What are the tour hours and seasonal operation?
The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., only from May through October, due to seasonal weather. During these months, you can hop on any bus at your convenience.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, including families and older visitors. The buses are accessible, and the open-top design is ideal for sightseeing.
Are the buses comfortable and clean?
Yes, reviews mention that buses are clean and on time. The open-air style offers great views, though be prepared for weather considerations.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
While confirmation is immediate at booking, it’s recommended to plan ahead, especially for peak months, to ensure availability. The tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.
Can I get off at one stop and rejoin later?
Absolutely. The ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off access within the operating hours over two consecutive days, giving you the flexibility to explore parts of Montreal at your leisure.
To sum it up, this hop-on hop-off tour serves as an excellent introduction to Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic sights. With lively guides, scenic views, and flexible scheduling, it suits travelers who want to balance sightseeing with relaxation. Just a heads-up to do a bit of planning for stop locations and schedules—and you’re all set for a memorable Montreal adventure.