Montreal: Discover Reso - The Underground City

Underground City Walk

Montreal: Discover Reso - The Underground City

★ 4.8 170 reviews

from $29 per person

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Duration
2 hours
Meeting point
Complexe Desjardins
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by
Explora Montreal

Overview

Most of this two-hour walk takes place below street level, in the network of tunnels and connected complexes that Montrealers call the RESO. A local guide from Explora Montreal leads a group capped at 10 guests through public art installations, a section of the Berlin Wall, the Lipstick Forest and the World Trade Centre, tying the stops together with stories about how the city grew upward and downward at once.

Transit is part of the experience. Fares for the Métro and the REM are included, and the guide shows the group how the systems work, which reviewers repeatedly say helped them feel confident moving around on their own afterward. The route also passes Central Station, the indoor rink at 1000 de la Gauchetière, the spaces around Place Ville Marie and Cathcart, and finishes at The Ring.

It suits travellers who want an orientation early in a visit, since everyone leaves with a RÉSO orientation map, transit guidance and local recommendations. One reviewer regretted doing it late, having already wandered the tunnels alone and found little beyond train stops. The tour runs in English and French, and no hotel pickup is provided.

Guide And Group In Brief
GuideIncluded
Group sizeUp to 10 travellers

What's Included

Included

  • 2-hour guided exploration of Montreal's Underground City (RESO)
  • Small group of up to 10 guests
  • Personal storytelling, hidden art, history and architecture with a local guide
  • Métro and REM rides with required fares included
  • RÉSO orientation map and practical transit guidance
  • Photo opportunities and local recommendations

Not Included

  • Meals, drinks and tastings
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips are optional, but greatly appreciated
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Fees, Food And Languages In Brief
Food and drinkMeals, drinks and tastings are not included. Metro and REM fares are included.
LanguagesEnglish, French

Itinerary

  1. Meet at Complexe DesjardinsMeet inside Complexe Desjardins, downstairs in the main atrium near the large fountain. Look for the Explora Montreal flag, and plan to arrive early.
  2. Explore the RESO tunnelsWalk indoor connections through the Underground City with a local guide, taking in colourful public art and a piece of the Berlin Wall.
  3. Lipstick Forest and World Trade CentreVisit these downtown landmarks and hear the stories behind their design and place in the network.
  4. Ride the Métro and REMTake rides on both systems with required fares included, with skyline views along the way and guidance on using transit for the rest of your stay.
  5. Central Station and downtown linksSee how Central Station and surrounding downtown landmarks connect through the underground network.
  6. 1000 de la Gauchetière and Place Ville MarieView the indoor rink at 1000 de la Gauchetière, then discover the spaces around Place Ville Marie and Cathcart.
  7. Finish at The RingThe walk ends at The Ring, with a RÉSO orientation map, transit tips and local recommendations handed out before you go.
Where this tour sits among 7 priced tours in Old Montreal And City Walks listed here (from-price per person, USD)
  • Original Guidatour Walking Tour$25.33
  • 16/42 Old Montreal Walk$26.78
  • Mural Arts Walking Tour$28.95
  • Underground City Walk (this tour)$29
  • Small-Group RESO and Downtown Walk$35.47
  • Small-Group Walk, Max 10$42.71
  • Non-Touristy 101 Walk$54.29

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, from the tour details and what repeated reviewers have said.

  • Meeting point. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Everyone meets inside Complexe Desjardins in the main atrium near the large fountain, downstairs, by the Explora Montreal flag. Arrive early and use public transit or a taxi, since downtown parking is difficult.
  • Walking and pace. Expect active walking, stairs or escalators and public transit over the two hours. Comfortable shoes are advised. Guests with mobility concerns are asked to contact the operator before booking, and strollers and large bags are not allowed.
  • What to wear. The tour is mostly indoors, which makes it a practical choice in winter, but short outdoor sections can occur. Dress in layers for changing temperatures, and for the weather on the way to and from the meeting point.
A small group gathers on a cobbled square near a fountain, a basilica facade filling the background in early morning light.
  • Group feel. The group is capped at 10 guests. Several reviewers said the small size allowed conversation and individual questions, and the guide made time for photos along the way.
  • Food and drink. Meals, drinks and tastings are not included, and ice skating at the rink you view is not either. Restrooms and a food court are available at the meeting point inside Complexe Desjardins, so arrive early if you want a snack first, though opening hours may vary.
  • Language and guidance. The tour is bilingual in English and French. Reviewers praised the guide's command of both languages and the anecdotes shared at each stop.

Common issues. Some travellers noted that clearer context at a few stops would help, even though most describe the tour as informative and worthwhile. The route involves stairs, escalators and public transit, so it is not a relaxed stroll, and anyone with mobility concerns should contact the operator before booking. Luggage, large bags and strollers are not permitted, which matters for anyone coming straight from a hotel. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and inside 24 hours no refund is offered.

Common Questions

Is The Métro Fare Included?

Yes, required fares for both the Métro and the REM are included in the tour price. The guide also explains how to use the systems, which reviewers said made them confident using transit afterward.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

Inside Complexe Desjardins, downstairs in the main atrium near the large fountain, at 175 Boul. René-Lévesque O. Look for the Explora Montreal flag and plan to arrive 15 minutes early. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Is The Tour Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

To expect active walking, stairs or escalators and public transit, and asks guests with mobility concerns to contact the operator before booking. Strollers are not allowed. Restrooms are available at the meeting point.

Can Children Join?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed on the tour. A minimum age is not stated, so families should check the booking page or contact the operator for specifics.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable walking shoes and a camera for photos. Dress in layers, since brief outdoor sections can occur even though most of the tour is indoors. Leave large bags and luggage behind, as they are not permitted.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; inside 24 hours no refund is offered.

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