Jacques-Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier) Tours

Named after a 16th-century French explorer, Jacques-Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier) is one of the main squares in Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal). It was laid out in the early 19th century, and is lined with cafe terraces where visitors can watch as street performers and caricature artists vie for the attentions of passing tourists.
The Basics
Few places evoke the historic, European-influenced flavor of Old Montreal quite like Jacques-Cartier Square. Myriad walking tours of Old Montreal, both private and group tours, stop at the square, as well as other nearby attractions including Notre-Dame Basilica, St. Paul Street (Rue Saint-Paul), and the waterfront Old Port (Vieux-Port). Tours by coach introduce visitors to the square, as well as highlighting other Montreal sights, such as Montreal Chinatown, Mount Royal (Mont-Royal), and the Olympic Stadium.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jacques-Cartier Square is a good spot for a coffee, glass of wine, or lunch, with several open-air cafes and restaurants situated around its perimeter.
- The square is pedestrianized, meaning you can wander without worrying about traffic.
- Jacques-Cartier Square is mostly wheelchair accessible, although the inclined surface may pose problems to manual wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Jacques-Cartier Square is situated in Old Montreal, stretching for two blocks from Montreal City Hall down to the waterfront. The nearest metro station is Champ-de-Mars (Orange Line), which is about five minutes away on foot.
When to Get There
Jacques-Cartier Square is at its best in summer when restaurants and cafes around the square open up their outdoor terraces, and musicians and street performers come hoping to earn their keep. The square is also atmospheric during the Christmas season, with festive lights strung on the surrounding trees and snow often on the ground.
The Nelson Monument
Towering over the top of Jacques-Cartier Square is Nelsonâs Column monument, which was erected in 1809. Unusual for this Francophone city, the monument pays homage to a British rather than a French hero: Admiral Horatio Nelson. Admiral Nelson was killed during the Battle of Trafalgar, in which the English were victorious over French and Spanish forces.
Address: Place Jacques Cartier, between rue Notre Dame and rue St Paul, Vieux Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Admission: Varies
12 Tours and Activities to Experience Jacques-Cartier Square (Place Jacques-Cartier)
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Old Montreal Walking Tour + Notre-Dame Basilica (Small Group)
No visit to Montreal is complete without a wander through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montreal), widely considered the best-preserved Old Town in North America. This walking tour takes visitors far from the beaten path and reveals a different side to the historic area, whose highlights include the Old Port and Notre-Dame Cathedral (admission included). Small-group tour limited to 10 people.
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From
$48.99
From
$48.99

History Walking Tour of Old Montreal
Visit Montreal’s historic centerpiece on this guided walking tour of Old Montreal. Discover the history, heritage, architecture and culture in this, the oldest area of the city of Montreal, dating back to New France. Choose between a shorter tour around either the east or west sides of Old Montreal or a longer tour around both. See famous sites such as Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, Bonsecours Market, Montreal City Hall and Champ de Mars, to name a few.
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From
$18.47
From
$18.47
Taking safety measures

Montreal City Sightseeing Tour with Live Commentary
Experience an overview of Montreal on this guided sightseeing tour of the city. Visit many of Montreal’s top attractions and historical sites like Notre-Dame Basilica, Chinatown, Mount Royal Park, Olympic Stadium, Saint Joseph's Oratory, Old Port, and Old Montreal, to name a few. Hop aboard a comfortable motor coach and get to know the largest city in Quebec province, with live commentary from a professional tour conductor. Montreal hotel pickup and drop-off included.
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From
$48.19
From
$48.19
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Old Montreal Private Walking Tour
See the historical sights of Old Montreal, a.k.a. Vieux-Montréal, on a 2-hour private walking tour. Following a private guide, you'll learn about the city's history, which dates back to 1642, as you visit attractions such as Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, Place d'Armes, and the Old Port of Montreal.
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From
$136.53
per group
From
$136.53
per group
Taking safety measures

Montreal Shore Excursion: Walking Tour of Old Montreal
While in port in Montreal, discover top attractions in Old Montreal on this 1.5-hour Montreal walking tour. Follow your guide from Place d'Armes into Old Montreal’s winding streets. Learn of the city’s rich history and heritage, and gain insight into the vibrant culture that makes Montreal tick. Discover top local landmarks including the Champs de Mars, Place Jacques-Cartier, Place d’Armes, the Royal Bank, Bonsecours Market and City Hall. Along the way, enjoy soaking up the traditional French atmosphere for which Montreal’s charming Old Town is famous.
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From
$20.08
From
$20.08
Taking safety measures

Montreal Scavenger Hunt: Magical Old Montreal
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
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From
$12.31
From
$12.31

rrwtom2020
I offer a private, customised made to measure tour and experience of Old Montreal. Should you wish to include the Notre Dame Basilica and not wait in line you can add 10.00$( 2020 rate) per person or pay on site with me. If you enter with me you will not have to wait in line and I will guide you. The Basilica closes at 16h00 . On Sunday only open after 13h00. A must , must see .
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From
$410.26
per group
From
$410.26
per group

Old Montreal Tourist Scavenger Hunt
Are you visiting Montreal? Do you live here and are looking for a fun way to (re)discover your city? You must try this scavenger hunt to visit old Montreal! It will take you around and through the entire perimeter while throwing challenges your way, giving you some history and offer up some local tips.
This 3-hour self-guided walking tour you complete with your smartphone is across 5.5 km / 3.4mi.
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From
$36.14
per group
From
$36.14
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

2 Hour Full Tour of Montréal in Vintage Convertible Cadillac
x A personal and relaxed tour of the city in one of our iconic vintage convertible Cadillacs, with a local tour guide. We will fill you in on all the rich history and character that makes Montreal Canada’s cultural capital. Our friendly guides know what’s going on in the city and will let you know the places to go, with the latest restaurant, event, activity and nightlife recommendations for all age groups. Treat yourselves to the luxury of a drive in one of our classic cars while experiencing all the sights and sounds that this stunning city has to offer.
Our 2 hour tour begins by visiting old Montreal with its French-influenced history and architecture, dating back over 300 years, including the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica. From there we’ll make our way to the hip and bohemian district of Le Plateau with its famous wall murals, eclectic shops, bars and restaurants, before crusing downtown to see the prestigious McGill University and the city’s striking modern skyscrapers.
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From
$230.65
per group
From
$230.65
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

3 hour In-depth tour of Montréal in Convertible Cadillac incl. Mountain summit
A personal and relaxed tour of the city in one of our iconic vintage convertible Cadillacs, with a local tour guide. We will fill you in on all the rich history and character that makes Montreal Canada’s cultural capital. Our friendly guides know what’s going on in the city and will let you know the places to go, with the latest restaurant, event, activity and nightlife recommendations for all age groups.
Our comprehensive 3 hour tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in everything Montreal has to offer. You will visit Old Montreal with its French-influenced history and architecture, then to the hip and bohemian district of Le Plateau with its famous wall murals and eclectic mix of shops and retaurants, before cruising downtown to view the city’s modern skyscrapers and prestigious McGill University. The tour culminates by taking you to the top of Mont-Royal, from where you be able to take in a breathtaking 360° view of the city and beyond, all the way to the St-Laurent River.
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From
$325.38
per group
From
$325.38
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Old Montreal interactive city tour, at your own pace.
Explore Old Montreal at your own pace, in total liberty.
You will receive an interactive card, with a pointer and earphones. You just have to point a number on the card and listen to the description and comments about history, architecture, archeology and more.
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From
$20.08
From
$20.08

Old Montréal VIP Semi-Private Walking Tour
With its historic streets and grand monuments, Old Montréal is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts. This small-group walking tour is limited to just six people, ensuring a personalized experience and the undivided attention of your guide. Admire landmarks such as Place d’Armes, Place Jacques-Cartier, and Place Royale; pay a visit to the magnificent Notre-Dame basilica; and stop for refreshments (included) along the way.
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From
$48.19
From
$48.19
Taking safety measures
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