The RMS Titanic Walking Tour (Self Guided), Montreal

Built as the ship of dreams, the RMS Titanic went down in history as the one that carried “both the hopes and the tragedies of a generation.” The luxury cruiser sank on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic in the early hours of April 15, 1912, and today is largely remembered throughout the world, in part, due to the blockbuster movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Although Montreal's association with the Titanic is not as prominent as that of other locations like Belfast or Halifax, there are still several sites in the city that are connected, albeit indirectly, to the ill-fated boat.

One such is the local Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts), believe it not – for its exterior carries the frieze made by one of the Titanic passengers who did not survive the disaster. The Baxter Mansion is the former residence of yet another victim, the one who did make it through and died several years later.

The Christ Church Cathedral holds a memorial plaque dedicated to some of the unfortunate ones who perished along with the Titanic and had previously worshiped at this church. The Grand Trunk Railway Building was constructed by a Titanic passenger who inadvertently prophetised the disaster just a few hours before it actually happened. The Allan Building is where the message of the Titanic hitting an iceberg and sinking was first received in Montreal.

A reminder of the consequences of overconfidence, the RMS Titanic represents the fragility of human ambition in the face of the uncontrollable power of nature, yet at the same time remains forever a symbol of the indomitable human spirit. If you're interested in maritime history and wish to pay tribute to the victims and survivors of the Titanic in Montreal, this self-guided tour is just what you need.