Montreal: Guided Crawl of the City’s Speakeasies & Clubs

Exploring Montreal’s nightlife can be a bit like uncovering a hidden treasure map — full of surprises, secret spots, and eclectic venues. While many visitors stick to the well-trodden tourist areas, this guided crawl offers a chance to venture beyond the usual and experience some of the city’s most exclusive and atmospheric bars and clubs. This review will give you a detailed look at what makes this tour a compelling choice for anyone eager to see Montreal after dark.

What we especially like about this experience is how personalized it feels — limited to just six participants, the tour guides craft the evening around your group’s preferences, whether you’re into jazz, electronic beats, or dance floors. The other standout is the variety of venues: from a stylish speakeasy offering classic cocktails to a buzzing lounge with electronic music, culminating in a nightclub tailored to your musical tastes.

One thing to keep in mind is that drinks are not included apart from the shots you’ll be offered at one of the venues. This means you’ll want to budget extra for your drinks, especially if you plan to indulge in bottle service or more extensive cocktails.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to experience Montreal’s nightlife beyond the usual tourist spots, as well as those who enjoy a small, intimate group that can really customize the night. If you’re after a VIP feel or love discovering hidden gems, this crawl could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Exclusive venues: Visit some of Montreal’s most secretive and stylish bars and clubs.
• Personalized experience: The itinerary is tailored to your musical and nightlife preferences.
• Limited group size: Small groups of up to six ensure a more intimate and flexible experience.
• Professional guides: Knowledgeable hosts who leverage local connections to enhance your night.
• Flexible options: Add bottle service or visit adult entertainment venues if desired.
• Cost and value: At $78, the tour offers a curated, hassle-free night out with shots included, but drinks are extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This tour begins with a meet-up at a shared point, usually in a central, easily accessible part of Montreal, such as Dorchester Square (though the exact spot is shared closer to the start). From there, the group is led through some of the city’s best-kept-secret bars, starting in a stylish speakeasy. The charm of these hidden bars lies in their discreet entrances and vintage decor, creating an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and laid-back. Here, you’ll get your first drink and have a chance to settle in, chat, and get to know your guides and fellow travelers.

What makes this part particularly appealing is the relaxed vibe — no long lines or crowded spaces typical of some popular spots. The guides have inside knowledge about the best tables, and they can organize guest lists or bottle service if your group wants to splurge a bit.

Next, the tour guides will lead you to a trendy lounge that’s known for its electronic beats and eclectic crowd. This part of Montreal’s nightlife scene is vibrant and energetic, offering the chance to experience the city’s modern, youthful side. Here, you can expect to see locals dancing or simply enjoying the cool music and inventive cocktails. The guides often share insights into Montreal’s music scene, making this stop both fun and informative.

The night wraps up at an exclusive nightclub or disco, depending on your group’s preferences. Whether you want a high-energy dance floor or a more subdued lounge atmosphere, the guides can arrange entry and even organize bottle service if you wish. Several reviews praise the professionalism and responsiveness of the hosts, who go the extra mile to ensure your night runs smoothly.

Throughout the tour, expect to be within walking distance between venues (generally 5-10 minutes), making the experience easy to follow and navigate. The small group size fosters intimacy, allowing for a more tailored experience, and the guides are fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, and others, making communication smooth.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes visits to hidden bars, pubs, lounges, and an exclusive club with guest-list or bottle service arrangements. Shots are included at one of the venues, adding a fun, social touch. However, drinks beyond the shots are not included, so you’ll need to budget for additional beverages if you want to toast or indulge further.

The experience also offers the possibility of visiting a live music or jazz venue if your group is interested, adding an extra layer of local culture to the night. The organizers work with professional event planners to ensure that your night is customized, hassle-free, and full of memorable moments.

The Guides and Their Impact

Several reviews highlight the guides’ professionalism and friendliness. One traveler from Canada mentioned how they loved Djiby, describing him as “informative and super great,” while others called the guide “super attentive and responsive.” This personal touch really enhances the experience, making guests feel welcomed and well cared for.

The guides’ local connections are a major asset, as they can often secure entries to otherwise busy venues and recommend the best spots based on your musical tastes. This personalized approach makes the difference between just wandering into a bar and truly experiencing Montreal’s nightlife like a local insider.

The Value for the Price

At $78 per person for 3.5 hours, this tour offers solid value, especially given the curated experience and insider access. The price includes the organization, reservations, shots, and a lively, engaging guide. Compared to the cost of going out alone and trying to find the best spots, this tour simplifies the process, saving time and stress, while adding a layer of exclusivity.

If you’re someone who appreciates thoughtful planning and a hassle-free night with a dash of luxury, this tour delivers. Additional services like bottle service or visits to adult entertainment venues can be organized at a discount, adding further options for a more luxurious night if desired.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy discovering hidden gems and prefer a small, social environment, you’ll appreciate how this experience balances exclusivity with local authenticity. It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or even solo travelers who want to meet new people while exploring Montreal’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Music lovers will enjoy the variety of venues and the guides’ insights into Montreal’s diverse music scene. Those looking for a flexible, customizable night out will appreciate the ability to tailor stops based on their interests.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or want a more casual pub crawl, you might find this experience a bit more upscale and curated than your typical night out. But for those craving an authentic, insider experience, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This guided crawl offers a well-rounded, personalized way to experience Montreal after dark. It combines the thrill of discovering hidden bars and exclusive clubs with the comfort of a professional guide who knows the city’s secrets. The venues chosen showcase the city’s eclectic nightlife — from vintage speakeasies to lively electronic lounges and upscale discos.

Priced at $78, it’s a smart choice for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of planning and want a safe, enjoyable, and memorable night out. The intimate group size and the attention to detail from the guides mean you’ll get a tailored experience that highlights the best of Montreal’s after-hours scene.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, social, and curious travelers looking for an authentic taste of Montreal’s vibrant nightlife in a relaxed, small-group setting. If that sounds like your idea of a great evening, you’ll likely find this crawl a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Is drinks included in the price?
Drinks are not included except for the shots provided at one of the venues. You should budget for additional drinks if you want more.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, usually in the evening.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to small groups of up to six people, which helps keep things intimate and flexible.

Can I request bottle service or reservations?
Yes, if you inform the organizers in advance, they can negotiate discounts and organize bottle service or table reservations.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is shared shortly before the tour begins; a common location is Dorchester Square, but details will be provided closer to the date.

Are there language options?
Yes, live guides are available in Arabic, English, French, German, and Wolof.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Small groups are welcoming for solo travelers who want to meet new people while enjoying Montreal’s nightlife.

Are the venues within walking distance?
Most locations are within a 5-10 minute walk from each other, making the evening easy to follow.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, the guides tailor the venues and activities based on your interests, including options for jazz, electronic music, or adult entertainment venues.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers a well-crafted, insider look at Montreal’s vibrant nightlife, perfect for those who want to enjoy a personalized, fun, and authentic night out in the city. If you’re excited to explore beyond the tourist facade and discover some of Montreal’s coolest spots, this crawl could be just what you’re looking for.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby