Montréal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour

Exploring a city can sometimes feel overwhelming — especially if you’re on a tight schedule or want a more engaging way to see the sights. This Montreal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour offers a unique blend of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and fun that makes exploring Canada’s largest Francophone city both manageable and memorable. Designed by Explorial, this experience is set to appeal to travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure and discovery along with their sightseeing.

What makes this tour appealing? Firstly, it’s affordable — at just $7.72 per person — making it a budget-friendly way to explore Montreal’s core neighborhoods. Second, it’s flexible; you can take your time at your own pace, pausing and resuming as you like, thanks to its smartphone app format. But it’s not perfect for everyone: some may find the self-guided nature less engaging if they prefer a guided commentary or more structured tour. This experience is likely best suited for families, friends, and solo travelers looking for an interactive, affordable way to get to know Montreal beyond the usual tourist routes.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: Primarily designed for budget-conscious travelers who enjoy self-paced activities.
• Interactive experience: Combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving, photo tasks, and cultural trivia.
• Authentic local exploration: Highlights both famous sights and hidden gems with hints and questions.
• Self-guided convenience: Use your smartphone and an access code for maximum independence.
• Suitable for all language preferences: Options available in English and French.
• Good for casual sightseeing: Ideal if you want a relaxed, playful way to explore.

What is the Montreal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Tour?

This tour is more than your typical walk through Old Montreal — it’s an interactive adventure that uses a smartphone app to guide your exploration. Over approximately two hours, you’ll be prompted to find sights, solve questions based on signs and images, and complete creative photo tasks that earn you points. The goal? Discover Montreal’s well-known landmarks and secret corners at your own pace, all while having fun.

The tour is designed to blend sightseeing with engaging challenges, making it perfect for those who prefer active participation over passive listening. The app’s map feature will help you navigate from site to site, removing the stress of lost directions or complicated routes. Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive an access code to unlock the experience — no tour guide needed.

Exploring the Itinerary: What Will You See?

Starting at Place d’Armes, the tour takes you through some of Montreal’s most recognizable and beautiful spots. From there, it’s a walk through the historic Old Montreal, with stops near Vauquelin Place and Bonsecours Market, two focal points packed with history and character. You’ll also encounter the La Grande Roue de Montréal, offering stunning views (though the tour itself is mainly on foot, so if you want the view, you’ll have to seek it out separately).

While the tour doesn’t specify a detailed itinerary, the highlights suggest a route that emphasizes Old Montreal’s architectural charm, vibrant public spaces, and hidden alleys. The inclusion of questions and photo tasks encourages a closer look at signs, buildings, and street art, making each stop an opportunity for learning and fun.

The Experience on the Ground

Once you download the Explorial app and begin, you’ll find yourself wandering through charming cobblestone streets, bustling squares, and quiet corners. The activity is designed to be relaxed, without strict time constraints, so you can pause to soak in the atmosphere or take photos without feeling rushed.

What’s especially memorable about this tour is how it turns sightseeing into a game. For example, you might be asked to take a creative photo at a specific landmark or answer a question about a building’s history hidden in a plaque. Several reviews mention how much fun they had with these tasks, with some saying it’s a great way to rediscover or explore Old Montreal at your own pace.

This approach also means you’ll likely learn interesting facts. One reviewer noted that they enjoyed learning the history of buildings and monuments, which shows the tour’s potential for educational value wrapped in entertainment.

The Value and Practicalities

At just $7.72, this tour offers remarkable value. For the price of a coffee, you get a personalized, engaging experience that combines sightseeing with a playful challenge. The cost is especially attractive for families or groups wanting a shared activity that’s both fun and affordable.

The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours, but because it’s self-paced, you can extend or shorten your exploration—perfect if you want to spend more time at a favorite spot or take breaks. The meeting point at Place d’Armes is central and accessible by public transportation, making logistics straightforward.

A notable aspect is the small group size—it’s a private activity, so only your group participates — this keeps the experience intimate and flexible. Plus, the tour is available year-round from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, giving travelers plenty of options to fit it into their schedules.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The reviews are generally positive, with a 4.7-star rating based on 25 reviews. Many travelers appreciate the fun, interactive nature, and some highlight the stunning views and interesting sights they encountered. For example, one traveler said, “It was a very fun way to see the sights of Old Montreal! We really enjoyed learning the history of the buildings and monuments.”

However, not everyone loved it equally. One reviewer found it “just OK” and felt it was boring for teenagers—possibly because they prefer more guided or dynamic tours. They also mentioned the weather was hot (85°F), which might have affected their experience. This highlights that, while the activity is designed to be engaging, personal interests and weather can influence enjoyment.

The positive remarks emphasize ease of organization, educational value, and the opportunity to discover hidden corners. Several note that it’s a great way to explore at your own pace and discover new perspectives on familiar sights.

The Montreal Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour offers an engaging, budget-friendly way to see Montreal, especially if you prefer your sightseeing to be interactive rather than passive. Its self-guided format empowers you to explore at your own speed, making it suitable for families, solo explorers, or groups seeking a relaxed, playful experience.

The tour’s highlight lies in its ability to combine stunning views, hidden gems, and educational content within a game-like structure. It’s perfect for those who enjoy puzzles, photography, and discovering a city’s secrets without the pressure of a guided tour.

While not ideal if you’re seeking a highly structured or guided experience, this tour gives you authentic insights into Montreal’s character while keeping costs low. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to see the city in a memorable way, on their own terms.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the interactive nature can be fun for kids and teenagers, especially if they enjoy puzzles or photo challenges. Just keep in mind that some may find it less engaging without guidance.

Can I start this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM. You can begin whenever it suits your schedule, and you’re free to take breaks as needed.

Do I need a guide or a tour group?
No, this experience is self-guided. You’ll receive an access code to use in the app, and you explore independently with your group.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the starting point at Place d’Armes is near public transit options, making it easy to reach without a car.

How long does the tour typically last?
Most participants spend around 1 to 2 hours, but since it’s self-paced, you can extend the experience or pause it to suit your schedule.

What if the weather is bad?
Since the tour is outdoor-based, bad weather might impact your experience. You can pause and resume as needed, but be prepared for rain or shine.

In a nutshell, this scavenger hunt offers a playful, affordable way to uncover Montreal’s charming streets and secrets. It’s best for curious explorers who enjoy a touch of adventure and a relaxed pace, making it a fantastic complement to more traditional sightseeing.