Toonie Tours Montreal | Free Walking Tours, Private Tours, & more

Toonie Tours runs free and private walking tours of Montreal, and their free tour is one of the best budget-friendly family activities in the city. The concept is simple: show up at the meeting point, walk for about 2 hours, and tip your guide whatever you think the experience was worth.

The free Old Montreal tour covers the major landmarks — Notre-Dame Basilica, Place Jacques-Cartier, the Old Port — but the guides add stories and context that bring these places alive for kids. They're energetic and entertaining, not dry and academic. Your kids will actually remember what they learned.

At 1.5-2 hours, the free tour is shorter than most competitors, which is actually a plus for families. Two hours is about the max before kids under 8 start melting down on a walking tour. You cover enough ground to feel like you explored the area without overdoing it.

For families who want more, Toonie also offers private tours with customizable routes and durations. These cost more but give you the flexibility to include bathroom breaks, snack stops, and detours based on what catches your kids' attention.

Strollers are technically possible on the free tour, but cobblestone streets in Old Montreal make it bumpy. A baby carrier works better if you have a little one. The meeting point is easy to find and clearly communicated after booking.

The tip-based model means you control the cost. Most families tip $10-$20 per person for a good tour, but there's no pressure. It's a low-risk way to see if your kids enjoy walking tours before investing in a pricier private option.