Private Tour of Montreal with River Cruise + Notre Dame

Planning a visit to Montreal and looking for a way to see the city’s best sights without the hassle of navigating alone? This private 5-hour tour, offered by See Sight Tours, promises a personalized, comfortably paced introduction to one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. With a friendly guide, luxury transport, and a scenic cruise along the Saint Lawrence River, this experience aims to blend history, stunning views, and authentic city life—all tailored to your group.

What I find especially appealing about this tour is how it combines key landmarks like Saint Joseph’s Oratory and Mont Royal with the chance to enjoy a relaxing boat cruise featuring sweeping city vistas. Plus, the fact that it’s a private experience means you get the guide’s undivided attention—ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking personalized insights. On the flip side, it’s quite a full schedule for just five hours, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace or longer stops, you might want to consider how this fits into your overall itinerary.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who value comfort, expert narration, and a mix of cultural sights and scenic moments. It’s a well-rounded way to get your bearings in Montreal, especially if you’re short on time but want an immersive experience.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Only your group participates, ensuring a tailored, intimate tour.
• Expert Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Downtown Montreal make logistics smooth.
• Diverse Sights: From religious sites and mountain vistas to Old Montreal and the Saint Lawrence cruise.
• Value for Money: All attraction admissions are included, plus skip-the-line entry.
• Rich Scenery: The boat cruise offers some of the best skyline views Montreal has to offer.

What to Expect from the Tour

A Well-Curated Itinerary with Balance and Variety

This tour packs a lot into five hours, which means a mix of sightseeing, storytelling, and relaxing moments. The first stop at Saint Joseph’s Oratory offers stunning panoramic views and a chance to appreciate the city’s spiritual heritage. It’s free to enter, but the views alone make it worthwhile. Our sources highlight how impactful this site can be—one reviewer called Notre Dame “the experience of a lifetime,” emphasizing its beauty and cultural significance.

Next, the drive up Mont Royal is a highlight. A narrated ride takes you from the base to the summit, passing notable neighborhoods like the Golden Square Mile. Here, you’ll get a sense of Montreal’s grandeur and architecture. Travelers often praise the guide’s insights, with quotes like “deeply knowledgeable about all areas of Montreal and its history.”

Exploring Old Montreal and Its Environs

The tour then heads downhill into Old Montreal, where you’ll pass by landmark areas such as McGill University, downtown, and Chinatown. The emphasis on narration during this drive helps bring these neighborhoods to life, making the experience more than just a visual tour. A reviewer fondly remembers the guide’s storytelling—“almost nonstop for five hours”—which indicates the guide’s passion and expertise, keeping the group engaged throughout.

The Saint Lawrence River Cruise: A Relaxing End

A standout feature is the scenic boat cruise along the Saint Lawrence River. Lasting about 90 minutes, this cruise offers a leisurely way to take in the Montreal skyline, with excellent views of the city’s modern and historic architecture. It’s a perfect wind-down after a busy sightseeing morning, especially for those who love water-based perspectives.

Guests note that the cruise is a relaxing highlight and a chance to enjoy some of the best city vistas. One review mentions that the cruise is at a terminal that can be tricky to access, suggesting that the operator might consider a smaller cruise boat terminal for easier access.

Transport and Comfort

The entire experience is conducted in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes Metris van, making traveling between sites comfortable and climate-controlled. Pickup and drop-off in Downtown Montreal saves time and effort, especially if you’re staying nearby. The small group size (up to six people) ensures personalized attention, with plenty of space for conversation and questions.

The Guide and Personal Touch

One of the strongest points—repeatedly praised in reviews—is the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Multiple reviewers describe their guides as “fabulous,” “amazing,” and “very knowledgeable,” highlighting their ability to share insights about Montreal’s history, culture, and hidden stories. The guides are also adept at handling multiple languages, which is a bonus for international travelers.

Value and Cost Analysis

At around $1,200 CAD for a group of up to six, the per-person cost might seem high at first glance. However, considering that all attraction fees (including skip-the-line entries), private transportation, and a scenic cruise are included, the price offers good value. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a curated, stress-free experience over self-guided exploration or group tours with larger crowds.

What Could Be Better?

The main consideration is that the schedule packs in numerous sites, which might lead to a somewhat rushed experience for those wanting more leisurely exploration. Plus, the cruise’s access point could be more user-friendly, as some reviews note difficulty reaching the terminal. If you have mobility issues or prefer more extensive stops, this might influence your decision.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private Montreal tour is perfect for small groups or families who want an intimate, guided experience without sacrificing comfort. It’s particularly suited for travelers with limited time who want a broad overview combined with scenic moments. If you’re interested in architectures, historic sites, and city vistas, you’ll find this tour hits all those marks.

It also suits those who enjoy storytelling and expert insights—guides are praised for their depth of knowledge and ability to personalize the experience. The cruise adds a scenic splash that appeals to anyone who loves water views and a relaxed pace.

Final Thoughts

This private Montreal tour offers an enriching, well-rounded way to see the city’s highlights in a manageable timeframe. The combination of cultural sites, scenic vistas from Mont Royal and Notre Dame, and a relaxing river cruise provides a balanced experience that can appeal to a broad range of travelers.

If you value personalized attention, expert guides, and a mix of history and scenery, this tour delivers on all fronts. The inclusion of skip-the-line access and private transportation enhances its convenience, making it a smart option for those looking to maximize their time in Montreal.

While the schedule is quite packed, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a rundown without the chaos of larger group tours. It’s especially ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a memorable, authentic introduction to Montreal.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Downtown Montreal, making organizing your day easier.

How long does the boat cruise last?
The cruise lasts about 90 minutes and provides excellent views of Montreal’s skyline from the Saint Lawrence River.

What transportation is used during the tour?
You’ll travel in a luxury, air-conditioned Mercedes Metris van, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Are attraction fees included?
Yes, all attraction admission fees are included, and you skip the lines, saving you time and avoiding crowds.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private tour, guides are flexible and can tailor the experience, such as substituting certain stops if requested.

What’s the best time to book?
On average, travelers book this tour about 47 days in advance, but it’s available for booking closer to your trip as well.

What’s the group size?
The tour is designed for up to six people, making it intimate and allowing for personalized interaction.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, including service animals, but check if mobility restrictions are a concern, especially around the cruise terminal.

To sum it up, this private Montreal tour offers a well-balanced mix of cultural highlights, scenic vistas, and personalized service, making it a worthwhile choice for those eager to see Montreal comfortably and with a guide who knows the city inside out. It’s best suited for travelers seeking a curated experience that maximizes time and minimizes stress, all while exploring one of Canada’s most captivating cities.