Québec
Independent City Discoveries: A Taste of Montréal
Program No. 18521RJ
Discover Montréal with experts, learning the story of this cosmopolitan city through its renowned cuisine, must-see cultural sites, grand architecture and famed Notre-Dame Basilica.
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5 days
4 nights
6 meals
4B 0L 2D
2
Vieux Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica
Montreal, QC
5
Wrap Up Discussion, Program Concludes
Montreal, QC
At a Glance
Let local experts lead you on an intimate journey of Montréal, with its 16th-century cobblestone streets, Victorian elegance and laid-back francophone culture. Dive into the city's rich history, culinary traditions and its artistic passion. Experience the historic European charm and Montréal’s quintessential joie de vivre.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Urban walking of two miles or more over varied terrain; some stairs.
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Participate in a tasting exploration of Montréal’s fine delicacies from the cultural communities that enrich the city.
- Gain insight into the city’s rich history, from settlement to current economic and cultural powerhouse.
- Join local instructors who will lead you to out-of-the-way, favorite neighborhoods with great tips of areas to explore on your own, such as the grounds of McGill University and the Golden Square Mile.
General Notes
This program includes substantial free time, outlines for self-directed field trips, a pass for entry to five major museums and a three-day metro pass.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Andrée Girard
Andrée Girard has been an active figure on the arts scene in Québec and in Canada for over 25 years. She worked as a broadcaster for CBC radio and television before becoming programming director for CBC French radio’s Chaîne culturelle for several years. She was also a founding member and director of the Conseil québécois de la musique. Over the course of her career, she has been associated with the creation of the Opus Prize, as well as the development of the Canadian Conference of the Arts.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Andrée Girard
View biography
Andrée Girard has been an active figure on the arts scene in Québec and in Canada for over 25 years. She worked as a broadcaster for CBC radio and television before becoming programming director for CBC French radio’s Chaîne culturelle for several years. She was also a founding member and director of the Conseil québécois de la musique. Over the course of her career, she has been associated with the creation of the Opus Prize, as well as the development of the Canadian Conference of the Arts.
Michel Jutras
View biography
Originally from Montreal, Michel Jutras holds a master's degree in the management of cultural organizations and has extensive experience in leading educational excusions. Passionate about researching history, especially the history of the dietary and culinary traditions of Quebec, he is working on a large collection of ethnological texts, the first volume of which has already been published, while the second is currently being printed.
Françoise Baby
View biography
Françoise Baby loves to share her enthusiasm about Montreal with visitors. She has a penchant for great food — her mother is French! — history, and architecture. What she enjoys most about being a local expert is interaction with Road Scholars. Her wish is that they come away with a cultural experience. The two most frequently asked questions Françoise gets are whether she is a native Montrealer and what is her favourite “thing” about the city. The answers are “yes”, and the multiculturalism that best defines Montreal.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Independent City Discoveries: A Taste of Montréal
Program Number: 18521
Champlain's Dream
In this enthralling biography, acclaimed historian David Hackett Fischer brings to life the remarkable Samuel de Champlain—soldier, spy, master mariner, explorer, cartographer, artist, and Father of New France.
The Two Solitudes
First published in 1945, and set mostly in the time of the First World War, this story revolves around the life and times of the fictional character Paul Tallard and his struggles in reconciling the differences between his English and French Canadian identities.
Where the River Narrows
This novel sweeps across the centuries, from the French royal court to the founding of Québec City in 1608, from the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 to the FLQ Crisis. Against this rich panorama, the daily lives of the Tremblay family unfolds over generations.
Montreal & Quebec City Guide – Lonely Planet
Montréal and Québec City really serve it up. You've got old-world grandeur, new-world sensibilities and big-city charms - there's enough neighbourhoods, restaurants and festivals to keep you mon-dieu'ing for months. This guide, penned by Montréal-based authors, gets you straight to the action. The Lonely Planet website has options to buy and download individual digital chapters from this book in addition to the full guide.
A People’s History of Quebec
A People’s History of Quebec is a lively guide to a little-known part of North American history. It tells of the settlement of the St. Lawrence Valley, as well as the Montreal and Quebec-based explorers and traders who travelled, mapped, and inhabited most of North America.
Shadows on the Rock
Set in seventeenth-century Canada, an evocation of North American origins highlights the men and women who struggled to adapt to the new world even as they clung to the one they left behind. The novel covers one year of the lives of Cecile Auclair and her father Euclide, French colonists in Quebec.
A Short History of Quebec
A Canadian classic, A Short History of Quebec offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the province from the pre-contact native period to present-day constitutional struggles. The authors bring a refreshing perspective to the history of Quebec, focusing on the social and economic development of the region and its diverse peoples.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Montreal, QC
Program Concludes
Montreal, QC
Meals
6
| 4B |
2D |
Activity Level
Let local experts lead you on an intimate journey of Montréal, with its 16th-century cobblestone streets, Victorian elegance and laid-back francophone culture. Dive into the city's rich history, culinary traditions and its artistic passion. Experience the historic European charm and Montréal’s quintessential joie de vivre.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Participate in a tasting exploration of Montréal’s fine delicacies from the cultural communities that enrich the city.
- Gain insight into the city’s rich history, from settlement to current economic and cultural powerhouse.
- Join local instructors who will lead you to out-of-the-way, favorite neighborhoods with great tips of areas to explore on your own, such as the grounds of McGill University and the Golden Square Mile.
General Notes
This program includes substantial free time, outlines for self-directed field trips, a pass for entry to five major museums and a three-day metro pass.
Featured Expert
Andrée Girard
Andrée Girard has been an active figure on the arts scene in Québec and in Canada for over 25 years. She worked as a broadcaster for CBC radio and television before becoming programming director for CBC French radio’s Chaîne culturelle for several years. She was also a founding member and director of the Conseil québécois de la musique. Over the course of her career, she has been associated with the creation of the Opus Prize, as well as the development of the Canadian Conference of the Arts.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Michel Jutras
Originally from Montreal, Michel Jutras holds a master's degree in the management of cultural organizations and has extensive experience in leading educational excusions. Passionate about researching history, especially the history of the dietary and culinary traditions of Quebec, he is working on a large collection of ethnological texts, the first volume of which has already been published, while the second is currently being printed.
Françoise Baby
Françoise Baby loves to share her enthusiasm about Montreal with visitors. She has a penchant for great food — her mother is French! — history, and architecture. What she enjoys most about being a local expert is interaction with Road Scholars. Her wish is that they come away with a cultural experience. The two most frequently asked questions Françoise gets are whether she is a native Montrealer and what is her favourite “thing” about the city. The answers are “yes”, and the multiculturalism that best defines Montreal.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Urban walking of two miles or more over varied terrain; some stairs.
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
6 meals | 4B | 2D |
4 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
D
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:15 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table on the Mezzanine Level to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.
Dinner:
We will walk from the hotel to a nearby restaurant.
Evening:
Orientation: 8:15 p.m. The program is staffed with a Study Leader who will also serve as Group Leader. As Study Leader, she will be our primary resource in making the most of independent study time, offering local knowledge and insider tips for getting to know the city beyond tourist highlights. As Group Leader, she will attend to logistical details. She will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar INDEPENDENT PROGRAM. It is designed for participants who want high-level Road Scholar instruction, a few group activities, and who are capable and comfortable setting out on their own independently for a significant part of the day/night. We will also have an introduction to Montréal's Museums Pass that is included in the program cost and provides access to public transportation and the city's most important museums. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the full day ahead.
Day
2
Vieux Montreal, Notre-Dame Basilica
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel, the breakfast buffet offers a variety of choices such as an egg dish, breakfast meats, hot and cold cereals, breakfast breads, fruit, milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We will set out with a local expert on a walking field trip in Vieux-Montréal — the old city — focusing on history and architecture. We’ll end our field trip at the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal — Notre-Dame Basilica — for a memorable visit featuring an exclusive presentation of the fabulous organ by the Basilica's titular organist.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. In Old Montréal, you might like to see the port, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology (built on the very foundations of the city), the Bonsecours Market (Québec Arts & Crafts, featuring top-quality “made in Québec” creations), or a popular street known for its art galleries. 5:30 - 6:30 Cocktail Hour. We are invited to join the Study Leader for drinks (Dutch Treat), to share the highlights of the day and plan the evening.
Dinner:
On your own to explore the multitude of Montréal eateries. The Study Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Our Study Leader will have suggestions for where you can go and what you can do independently, from performances, festivals, and other events to favorite Montréalais hangouts. If you want to attend an event at Montreal Jazz Festival such as a performance in Concert Halls with reserved seats, you may want to order tickets in advance (suggested-concerts are usually sold out). See www.montrealjazzfest.com for details. Also free concert every evening.
Day
3
Underground City, Golden Square Mile, Theater District
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Use of public transportation, Métro, bus. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Today’s exploration will focus on three of the city's star attractions: the surprising Underground City, the Theater District, and the so-called Golden Square Mile including renowned McGill University and the magnificent Museum of Fine Arts. The Underground City — La ville soutteraine — is actually a collection of passageways and interconnected complexes above and below ground covering more than 20 miles (33 km), the largest such pedestrian network in the world. Befitting a city that is multicultural and bilingual, Montréal’s vibrant Theater District is also bilingual and multicultural. The Golden Square Mile was once Canada’s wealthiest neighborhood. Some of its outstanding residents were of Scottish origin, hence names such as McGill. What were once elegant single family homes — in architectural styles from Greek and Roman to medieval, Renaissance, Victorian Gothic, and more — now exist as embassies, hotels, museums, and university buildings.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity to further acquaint yourself with the Golden Square Mile, exploring its impressive art galleries, imposing 19th century houses, and grand museums, including the stately McCord Museum.
Dinner:
On your own. The hotel is ideally located to explore the city’s restaurant scene.
Evening:
At leisure. More time for independent exploration.
Day
4
Food Lovers' Guide to Neighborhoods, Immigration History
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
SpringHill Suites Old Montreal
Activity Note
Use of public transportation. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
This is a day for food lovers. A local expert will lead us on a culinary adventure through the many flavors of Montréal by strolling along beloved Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Here we'll discover many colorful restaurants, brought to the city by the different ethnic communities that have settled along the length of the street over time. We will finish our food lovers' exploration at the Jean-Talon public market in Little Italy, a favorite meeting place of Montréalers. We’ll be able to savor Schwartz’s famous Montréal smoked meat, Jewish bagels, Portugal's renowned egg tarts (Pasteis de nata), true Italian coffee, and an array of Québec products at the public market.
Afternoon:
Free time. As you continue exploring Montréal independently, you might like to visit the impressive Botanical Garden. A popular oasis in the heart of the city, the Montréal Botanical Garden is recognized as one of the world’s largest. You can explore the beauty of the garden through its 10 greenhouses and some 30 thematic gardens.
Dinner:
At a landmark French restaurant in Old Montréal. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to explore more on your own, attend a performance or other event, or revisit a favorite Montréal café with new friends. The Group Leader will have suggestions. Prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.
Day
5
Wrap Up Discussion, Program Concludes
Location:
Montreal, QC
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll gather with Montréalers at a favorite local café for coffee and a farewell discussion of city life and local issues. We expect to end by 10:00 a.m. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
6 Meals
4 Breakfasts
0 Lunches
2 Dinners
LODGING
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- Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025
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Participant Reviews
Based on 21 Reviews
Sort By:
This was my first Road Scholar tour and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Our tour manager, Andree, and guides were excellent and knowledgeable of Montreal. The organist presentation at the Notre Dame Basilica was very special and our foodie field trip along Rue Saint Laurent and to Jean Talon Market was another highlight.The hotel was centrally located and the group dinner restaurants were great. I especially liked the independent city tour approach with a nice balance of guided walking tours in the morning and free time in the afternoons with most meals on your own, a good match for Montreal which has a convenient bus and metro transportation system that is easy to navigate and many good restaurants. I was able to take my time in museums with the Chateau Ramezay and Redpath being my favorities and to stroll the French speaking neighborhoods at leisure. Thank you for making my first trip to French Canada a great experience!
— Review left October 24, 2024
What a great introduction to Montreal! The combination of planned activities in the morning and free time to explore in the afternoon and evenings was perfect for our first trip to this wonderful city.
— Review left October 12, 2024
A Taste of Montreal was fun, and an interesting, excellent trip.
— Review left September 5, 2024
First trip and it exceeded our expectations.
— Review left September 3, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar program and I loved touring Montreal, Quebec. The tour guides were very informative. The organ presentation and mini-concert were terrific in the Basilica. Others participating were enjoyable to spend time with. I HIGHLY recommend Road Scholar. They provide a top notch program.
— Review left August 15, 2024
Nice to learn about the cultural context of a place from informed and knowledgeable guides.
— Review left August 12, 2024
This trip is an excellent overview of Montreal - such a vibrant city. I will be returning on my own to explore further.
— Review left July 2, 2024
An excellent program to introduce you to a wonderful multi-cultural city. Wish it lasted longer and we had a few more days with our knowledgeable leader Julie.
— Review left September 11, 2023
Visiting Montreal like this was fantanstic.
— Review left September 7, 2023
The trip to Montreal was excellent and far exceeded our expectations. Andree did such an great job of planning and executing everything. She is so knowledgeable and then also had additional guides that really knew the city, its history its people. The highlight for us, besides everything(!) was the organist presentation in the beautiful Basilica.
We will definitely return to Montreal and be more savvy visitors, able to use the buses and subways and familiar with the neighborhoods.
Thank you!!
— Review left August 1, 2023
Being from Southern California, I thoroughly enjoyed Montreal's Fall weather and colors. The program will take you on comprehensive morning walking tours of the city's three major areas - Old Town, Downtown, and the various ethnic neighborhoods and their food. In the afternoons, I followed self-guided walking tours of the same areas that I got from guide books that filled in the "gaps." Alternative places are suggested and vouchers provided. The hotel is well located in the Old Town, and the buses and subways are easy to use (passes are provided). I combined this program back-to-back with a walking/hiking program of Quebec (that I reached by train) for a fabulous vacation!
— Review left October 20, 2022
This trip was a great way to expand our horizons and meet new people while exploring the rich history and culture of the Old City of Montreal
— Review left October 11, 2022
My husband and I took the Independent City Discoveries: A Taste of Montréal tour in August, 2022. It was our first independent tour and I really liked it. The tour included using public transportation, so we felt confident venturing off on our own to see th Botanical Gardens.
I loved the organ presentation and concert at Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal and exploring the ethnic cuisines of Montreal.
— Review left August 25, 2022
A very interesting and pleasurable experience at our neighbour to the North. Montreal is a fabulous city and so welcoming and open to strangers.
— Review left August 17, 2022
I really enjoyed the Independent visit to Montreal. It was the perfect blend of guided tour by a local guide and free time to explore things on one's own. Excellent tour
— Review left July 14, 2022
Excellent trip in very way. 5 stars. By the way, we did the Independent City trip to Quebec City 3 years ago which was equally worthwhile!
— Review left July 8, 2022
This is a great trip if you like to get out on your own to explore. The amount of group activity is just right to introduce you to other things you might want to do; there are museum and bus passes provided. The included meals were first rate, quite gourmet. The hotel is very nice and has decent included breakfasts. The group leader is just the best; Andrée is a charming woman, very kind, very funny, very good at what she does.
— Review left July 6, 2022
A wonderful way to recapture happiness =after the sadness of co-vid
— Review left July 4, 2022
Loved this trip! Our guides were excellent. A favorite outing was the walking tour of ethnic neighborhoods withfood tasting. Our hotel was perfectly located for easy access to the waterfront, Old Montreal and public transportation.
— Review left February 21, 2020
A fantastic introduction to the city of Montreal and its history and cultures. The guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I'm no longer nervous about visiting Montreal on my own.
— Review left September 9, 2019
Great introduction to Montreal with just the right mix of history, culture, entertainment and fun. We walked about two miles a day with the program and tacked on another two or three each day during our free time. A major highlight was meeting with the Notre Dame Basilica organist and hearing him speak about his career and the history of Notre-Dame's magnificent organ, and then performing a mini-concert for us!
— Review left August 28, 2019
