Montreal Guide

Montreal Festival Tours

Experience Just for Laughs, Jazz Festival, and year-round cultural celebrations!

58+ tours
From $50
3-6 hours
Montreal Festival Tours

Discover Montreal's incredible festival scene - the city hosts over 100 festivals annually! Major festivals include Just for Laughs (world's largest comedy festival, July), Montreal International Jazz Festival (free outdoor concerts, July), Osheaga music festival, Montreal World Film Festival, and seasonal celebrations. Festival tours provide tickets, VIP access, behind-the-scenes experiences, and cultural context. Even without major festivals, Montreal celebrates constantly: winter Fête des Neiges, spring maple festivals, summer terraces, fall harvest events, and Nuit Blanche (all-night arts). Learn about Montreal's cultural calendar, how festivals define the city, and Quebec's joie de vivre. The festival atmosphere makes summer Montreal magical!

Featured Festival Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for festival tours in Montreal

Montreal City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based
From $5
Free Cancellation

Discover Montréal like never before on this engaging and authentic walking tour led by a passionate local guide from Toonie Tours. Far from the average sightseeing stroll, this experience invites you to truly connect with the city’s unique character and vibrant culture. Wander through the famous Quartier des Spectacles, soak up the festival atmosphere, explore the cobblestone streets and old-world charm of Old Montréal, and feel the pulse of the downtown Centre-Ville. Along the way, your guide brings the city to life with powerful storytelling, local insights, and fun facts that turn history into something you’ll actually remember. Whether you’re visiting from the US, UK, Australia, or beyond — solo, with friends, or family in tow — this tour is designed to help you make the most of your time in Montréal. It’s the perfect way to start your trip, get your bearings, and fall in love with this beautiful island city. Join us and experience why thousands of travellers love this tour.

4.6(54)
3h
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The Essential 101 Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio
From $55.24
Free Cancellation

We start our Montréal walking tour by skipping the line at the Notre-Dame Basilica before wandering Vieux-Montréal. We’ll pop into some historic and architecturally gems to get an understanding of the district before heading out and leaving the tourist crowds behind. We stroll through a segment of our interior or underground city. It’s the largest indoor network on the planet and lets us make our way to Chinatown for a quick snack as we get the skinny on the area. Then it’s off to our old Red Light District, turned entertainment Mecca to see where the biggest festivals take place. We pop into a whacky often missed institution for a visit. Up Saint-Laurent boulevard, we check out half a dozen impressive works of art from Montréal’s MURAL Festival in the borough that is home to the highest concentration of artists in Canada. With a coffee from a local third wave shop in hand we walk the hip parts of the lower Main before leaving you with a custom list of recommendations!!

4.9(714)
2h 45m
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Underground city & Downtown. Great way to stay warm!
From $65.55
Free Cancellation

Discover the world's largest underground network in the heart of Downtown Montreal. This "In and Out" tour is the perfect way to visit Montreal in the winter because you're never outside for too long. Your professional Guide will take you through the fascinating tunnels that connect the most important buildings in the city. Then you'll step back outdoors to visit hidden courtyards, centuries old churches, festival grounds and so much more. You'll ride Montreal's Métro, famous for its architecture and art collection. You'll make use of the underground network to get around, but you'll see much more than this city within the city - You'll connect with Montreal's dynamic downtown neighborhoods and the people that live, work and play there. Enjoy the amazing stories, the beautiful sights, the fascinating culture and keep your transit pass so that you can continue exploring on your own.

5.0(27)
2h
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Montreal Prohibition Mystery: Self-Guided Walking Adventure
From $7.1
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Step into the smoky streets of 1920s Montreal, where secrets hide behind every alleyway and survival depends on your wits. As an ordinary citizen caught in a deadly Prohibition-era mix-up, you'll solve real-world puzzles, follow hidden clues, and explore the city’s secret past - all guided by your smartphone. Your journey takes you through blooming cherry gardens, forgotten speakeasies, and misty city squares like Sakura Garden, Parc Sun-Yat-Sen, and Place de la Paix. Each solved challenge unlocks another chapter of your story, as you race to escape danger and uncover the truth. Explore at your own pace, solo or with friends and family, and relive the thrill of a forgotten era. What makes this tour unique? It’s an interactive, story-driven experience that transforms the streets of Montreal into a living mystery where every step reveals a hidden tale. Perfect for mystery lovers, history buffs, friends, couples, and curious explorers looking for a memorable real-world adventure.

3.9(9)
1h 15m
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Montreal Red Light District and Chinatown Tour
From $29.46
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Join an epic small-group walking tour (12 people max) and dive into three of Montreal’s most exciting neighborhoods! Wander through the neon-lit streets of Chinatown, uncover the wild secrets of the Red-Light District, and feel the electric energy of Quartier des Spectacles, home to the world-famous Jazz and Just for Laughs festivals. Led by a passionate local guide, this tour is all about hidden gems, untold stories, and a fresh take on Montreal’s vibrant past and present. Ready to explore? Let’s go!

5.0(1)
1h 30m
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Amazing Audio Tour in Montreal
From $14.99
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

"Dive into adventure with Let’s Roam, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on an epic journey of exploration! Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or turning up the competition, Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts guarantee a blast for all. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a spontaneous outing, a wild bachelorette bash, a festive birthday celebration, or a team-building extravaganza. Each player gets to dive into an interactive role, ensuring every challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next. So, gather your squad, choose your adventure, and let the good times roll! With Let’s Roam, every outing becomes a treasure trove of memories and excitement. Are you ready to conquer the city and create unforgettable experiences? Let’s Roam and make every day an adventure! "

1h 30m
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Non Touristy Pink Bike Tour by Spade & Palacio
From $55.24
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

In the first half of our Montréal bike tour, we show you some of our main interests like the majestic mountain park we locals simply call the Mountain. We see an abundant amount of mural art in a funky hood produced by our local and creative talent. We take you to the heart of the entertainment district where Montréal’s best festivals take place. We cruise by the old Red Light and Montréal’s Gay Village. We have a reputation for being a party city. This city is the cultural capital of Canada find out why along the way! We’ll be checking out the river from a great vantage point away from the tourist crowds of Old Montréal. We sometimes can forget we live on an island. Next, we explore the charming Plateau neighbourhood by bike. After a lunch picnic and craft beer in an off the beaten path park, follow your guide through typical staircase decorated residential streets, the most beautiful parks in Montréal, and the back green alleys of the boroughs we call home. A great local overview!

5.0(333)
4h
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Gourmet Tour in Montreal 4 Must-See Meals
From $110.48
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Discover Montreal through four exciting meals that celebrate the city’s culinary diversity. This gourmet tour takes you from L'Avenue for a colorful brunch, where generous portions and funky decor are in the spotlight. For lunch, enjoy the famous smoked meat at Schwartz’s, a living institution on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. Then treat yourself to a sweet break at La Diperie, where soaked ice cream and unique sweets await you. Finish the day with a festive dinner at Bremner, located in Old Montreal, and enjoy creative cuisine in a chic and casual atmosphere. - Four iconic food stops in Montreal - Enjoy brunch, lunch, a gourmet break and dinner - Culinary experiences ranging from funky to chic - Ideal for lovers of gastronomy and discoveries

5h
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Montreal self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt
From $26.52
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Are you planning a visit and/or looking for things to do in Montreal? You should try our scavenger hunts throughout the city in Downtown, Quartier des Spectacles, and Plateau Montreal, to name but a few neighborhoods we go to. You will be challenged at every step. Each challenge will tell you where you are going next as well as some local history and trivia.

3h
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Toronto, Niagara Falls & Thousand Islands VIP 2–Day Trip
From $331.43

Experience the Toronto & Niagara Falls 2-Day Adventure from Montreal! Start with a scenic Thousand Islands cruise, then explore the breathtaking Niagara Falls by SkyWheel, Hornblower Cruise, or experience the Niagara Takes Flight(4D) in winter. A fun, exciting, and family-friendly experience for all. Day 2 takes you to Toronto’s highlights, including the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium, Canada’s largest. Finish your adventure and return to Montreal with unforgettable memories.

4.7(18)
48h
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Explore Downtown Montreal - Private Walking Tour
From $82.86
👤Private Tour

This is the perfect fun and informative private walking tour to discover Downtown Montreal - the city's urban heart & soul. Unlike other city centres, Montreal's downtown core is vibrant and alive all day and all night, well past 9-5 business hours! We begin in the Museum District and walk through the posh "Golden Square Mile". See some impressive Victorian era architecture and stroll through beautiful McGill University campus. Take a detour past ice hockey mecca the Bell Centre - home to the legendary Montreal Canadiens. Sainte Catherine Street is bursting with fashion, food and festivals and is sure to delight. Parks and public squares, cathedrals and churches, monuments and murals - we'll cover all the highlights during our 2-hour walk. We finish at Phillips Square, where modern downtown began. Your passionate local guide will keep you entertained with history, secrets, hidden gems and fun facts. Book now and bring your curiosity!

5.0(3)
2h
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5-Day Niagara Falls, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City from NYC
From $1,216
Free Cancellation

Visit four spectacular famous cities in Eastern Canada: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec in five days! Experience an unforgettable waterfall view and enjoy the colorful night view of the Niagara Falls! Ride on the Hornblower Cruise to experience the waterfall views of Niagara Falls from multiple angles. Complimentary Skylon Tower ticket is included. You may enjoy authentic French food in Quebec at your own expense. The tour will not visit Thousand Island after 10/15/2022 since it will close. Room Details All hotel rooms are based on two Full / Double beds or one King/Queen bed depends on what hotel availiable on the day. The maximum occupancy per room is four travelers. One Room Selection If you are a party of more than four guests or desire to have separate rooms, please provide a separate booking. Avoid traveling in a different bus? If you have more than one booking, please provide all confirmation numbers once your bookings are complete.

4.7(41)
120h
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Discover Montreal's Street Art: Private 2-hour Walking Tour
From $145
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Montreal has become world-famous for being the North American trailblazer in the urban street art scene. The city hosts two major graffiti festivals each year: UNDER PRESSURE and MURAL. Under Pressure celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021 and hosts live talks, skating and painting sessions, and music with a focus on community development and youth engagement. MURAL is a massive international celebration of the arts that attracts millions every year since 2012. You'll find over 80 murals and installations by an amazing array of street artists around the St Laurent strip. On your two-hour private walking tour, you'll get to explore the famous St-Laurent Boulevard, the core visual identity of the city, that attracts major artists such as Roadsworth, Chris Dyer, Omen, and Bonar as well as collectives like HVW8 and En Masse - and so many more!

2h
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The Best of Montreal: Private Highlights Driving Tour
From $430
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Discover all the highlights of Montreal on a whirlwind three-hour driving tour of this vibrant city with an expert private guide. Perfect for taking photos of all the must-see landmarks! Montreal is the largest city in Quebec, a French-speaking metropolis, famous for its vibrant arts and music scene, its many festivals, its passion for sport, the home of Cirque du Soleil, being the birthplace of Leonard Cohen, as well as its beautiful old French colonial architecture and fascinating history dating back to 1642. Enjoy whizzing around all the major highlights of Montreal, being able to take photos of all the must-see sights, and learn the whole history of this fascinating city. Admire the French colonial architecture in Old Montreal and compare it with the modern skyscrapers and epic murals, graffiti, and street art around Saint Laurent Boulevard.

3h
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Montreal Christmas Lights 2-Hour Private Car Tour with an Expert
From $292.4
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

✨ LIMITED TIME ONLY! ✨ Discover Montreal's most magical Christmas lights tour—an exclusive seasonal experience you won't want to miss! Journey through the glittering streets of Old Montreal, explore the festive downtown, and marvel at the extraordinary holiday decorations adorning the magnificent homes of Westmount, Montreal's most prestigious neighborhood. This special tour runs for just a few weeks each year. If you're lucky enough to be in Montreal this holiday season, this is THE must-do experience!

2h
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Why Choose Festival Tours in Montreal?

Jazz Festival

World's largest jazz fest with FREE outdoor concerts!

Just for Laughs

Legendary comedy festival attracting global comedians!

Year-Round Events

Montreal celebrates constantly - always something happening!

Festival Culture

Quebecers embrace festivals as lifestyle - infectious energy!

Types of Festival Tours in Montreal

Jazz Festival Experience

Attend concerts with VIP access and jazz club visits.

4-6 hoursMultiple showsVIP ticketsClub hoppingMusical

Just for Laughs Tour

Comedy shows, galas, and festival atmosphere.

3-5 hoursComedy showsGala ticketsFestival funHilarious

Festival Hop Tour

Visit multiple simultaneous festivals in summer.

Full dayMultiple festivalsVarietySamplingEnergetic

Winter Festival Tour

Experience Fête des Neiges, ice sculptures, winter activities.

4 hoursWinter eventsOutdoor activitiesUniqueFestive

What to Expect on Your Montreal Festival Tours

Duration

Tours: 3-6 hours. Full festival days: 8+ hours. Evening shows: 2-4 hours.

Jazz Festival

FREE outdoor concerts, paid indoor shows, 10 days in July - massive!

Just for Laughs

Comedy galas, stand-up shows, street performers - world's biggest comedy fest!

Summer Atmosphere

Entire downtown transforms with stages, food vendors, and celebrations.

Festival Sites

Major festivals at Place des Arts, Quartier des Spectacles, Old Port.

Cultural Immersion

Experience Quebec's love of celebration and community gathering.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Jazz Festival FREE outdoor concerts incredible - no tickets needed!

2

Just for Laughs tickets sell out - book galas months ahead!

3

Summer (June-August): Multiple festivals overlap - amazing energy!

4

Hotels expensive during major festivals - book way ahead or stay outside downtown.

5

Quartier des Spectacles is festival central - pedestrian-friendly area.

6

Many festivals have free components - explore without tickets!

7

Winter festivals embrace cold - dress warmly and enjoy!

8

Check montreal.com for festival calendar - always something happening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is Montreal Jazz Festival?

A: Montreal International Jazz Festival (10 days in July) is world's largest jazz festival! FREE outdoor concerts on multiple stages. Indoor shows ($40-100) feature jazz legends. 2 million attendees! Downtown transforms into music celebration. Essential summer Montreal!

Q:When is Just for Laughs?

A: Just for Laughs (Juste pour Rire) runs in July. Comedy galas, stand-up shows, street performers. Global comedians perform. Gala tickets $75-150. Some FREE street shows. Montreal becomes comedy capital for 2 weeks! Book tickets early.

Q:Are Montreal festivals free?

A: Many have FREE components! Jazz Festival outdoor concerts free. Just for Laughs has free street shows. However, premium shows require tickets ($40-150). Check each festival - mix of free and paid. Budget visitors can enjoy a lot free!

Q:How many festivals does Montreal have?

A: 100+ festivals annually! Major: Jazz (July), Just for Laughs (July), Osheaga music (August), Film Festival, Pride, Igloofest (winter electronica). Plus neighborhood, cultural, food festivals. Summer packed with events. Montreal is festival city!

Q:Do I need festival tickets?

A: Depends! Jazz Festival outdoor concerts: NO (free). Indoor jazz shows: YES. Just for Laughs galas: YES (sell out fast!). Osheaga: YES (multi-day pass). Check specific festival. Many offer free outdoor + paid premium experiences.

Q:When is the best time for festivals?

A: Summer (June-August) is festival season with Jazz, Just for Laughs, Osheaga overlapping! July especially packed. Winter: Igloofest, Fête des Neiges. Spring/fall: Smaller festivals. Visit summer for maximum festival energy!

Q:Is Montreal expensive during festivals?

A: Hotels get pricey (double rates!) during major festivals. Book months ahead or stay outside downtown. Festival attendance often FREE or reasonable ($40-150 for premium shows). Food/drinks standard prices. Plan accommodation early - hotels book up!

Q:Can you visit Montreal without festival tickets?

A: Absolutely! Even during festivals, city offers tons to see. FREE outdoor concerts, street atmosphere, and regular attractions still accessible. Festival energy enhances Montreal but tickets not mandatory. Enjoy festival vibe without paying for shows!

Don't Miss the Perfect Montreal Experience

Book your festival tours today - 58+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Montreal?

Historic Old Montreal with European charm

World-famous festivals and cultural events

Authentic French Canadian cuisine

Beautiful architecture and historic sites

Vibrant arts scene and entertainment

Perfect blend of French and Canadian culture

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Montreal enjoys four distinct seasons. Summers are warm (70-85°F/21-29°C), winters are cold (10-30°F/-12-1°C), and spring/fall offer pleasant temperatures.

Best Months

May to June and September to October offer the best weather with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for sightseeing.

Peak Season

June to August brings peak tourist season with warm weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

November to April offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and snow.

Plan Your Montreal Trip

Transportation Tips

Excellent public transportation with Metro, buses, and commuter trains. Walking is perfect for exploring Old Montreal, and ride-sharing services are widely available.

Car Rental Deals in Montreal

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Montreal adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Montreal

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Ready to Explore Montreal?

Discover the best tours and activities in Montreal with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.