Audio Guide: Old Montreal Walking Tour (Self Guided), Montreal

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) is a historic neighborhood southeast of the downtown area, home to many architectural monuments of the New France era. Founded by French settlers in 1642 as Fort Ville-Marie, the settlement gave its name to the city borough of which it is now part.

Most of Montreal's earliest architecture, characterized by uniquely French influence, including grey stone masonry dating back 300 years, is clustered in the old part of the city. Preserved in their original form, these buildings make up one of the oldest urban areas in North America, boasting a variety of architectural styles. Even the local streets, well-maintained and restored in their original cobblestone setting, often carry the names given to them centuries ago. Furthermore, the horse-drawn carriages (calèches), still in use, help preserve the look of the city as it was in the early days.

Churches abound here, but landmarks such as the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help (Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours) are definitely not to be missed. In the eastern part of the Old Town, near Jacques Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier), several notable buildings catch the eye, including the Montreal City Hall, the Bonsecours Market, as well as a fine piece of the early colonial architecture – the Ramezay Castle (Château Ramezay) – built in 1705. Further west, Arms Square (Place d'Armes) is dominated by the Notre Dame Basilica, sitting on its southern side, which is arguably one of the world's most beautiful sanctuaries.

The Old Town's riverbank is taken up by the Old Port (Vieux-Port) recreational space and several museums and attractions. Southwest of the Old Town is the Pointe-à-Callière museum, featuring archaeological remains of Montreal's first settlement. To explore these and other unique landmarks and soak up the charming colonial flair of Montreal's historic core, at your own pace and in your good time, take this self-guided walking tour.