Montreal residents can now sign up for extended free-guided tours by Tourisme Montréal, with the initiative being prolonged due to high interest from the community. The free tours, which were initially slated to end on Oct. 2, have been extended until Nov. 22.
Tourisme Montréal announced on Tuesday that they have been overwhelmed with the response since the launch of the program last week, with over 1,200 Montreal residents already registering for the tours.
Yves Lalumière, the President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, highlighted the strong interest from the public, emphasizing the desire of Montrealers to explore and rediscover their own city. He expressed that Montreal is a city that offers endless opportunities for exploration and that they aim to provide more chances for locals to uncover the diverse neighborhoods, histories, and attractions that make the city unique.
This initiative, aimed at bridging the gap between tourism and local residents, aligns with the spirit of World Tourism Day. A recent study revealed that 82% of Montrealers take pride in welcoming tourists, although a small percentage experience some level of tourism aversion.
Organized by Guidatour, the guided tours will offer nearly 60 excursions in French and English every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Participants will have the chance to explore various iconic areas of Montreal, including Little Italy, Jean-Talon Market, Old Montreal, Mile End, the Plateau, and downtown.
Each tour will run for approximately two hours and accommodate up to 20 participants. A refundable $10 deposit is required during registration to secure a spot. Additionally, an accessible tour option will be provided for individuals with special needs, ensuring inclusivity.
Residents of the Island of Montreal will be given priority for registration. Interested individuals can sign up through a dedicated page on the mtl.org website, which will direct them to Guidatour’s booking platform.
