An introductory guided tour is often the best -- or, at least, most efficient -- way to begin explorations of a new city. Even a mediocre tour with a guide can give you a good lay of the land and overview of Montréal's history. You'll also pass many of the attractions listed in this guide and get a better sense of which you will want to spend more time exploring on your own.

For a complete listing of tours and tour operators, check under "Guided Tours" in the annually revised Montréal Tourist Guide,, available at the downtown Infotouriste Centre at 1255 rue Peel (tel. 877/266-5687 or 514/873-2015; Metro: Peel). Most of the land tours leave from the Square Dorchester, just around the corner from the tourist office. Most boat tours depart from Vieux-Port (Old Port), at the waterfront bordering Vieux-Montréal. There's parking at the dock, or take the Metro to the Champ-de-Mars or Square Victoria station and walk toward the river.