Tourisme Montréal Offers Free Guided Tours to Reconnect Residents with the City

# What the program is

# Montréal is doing this The stated goal is to bring Montrealers closer to tourism by offering chances to re-discover neighbourhoods and to make tourism more compatible with daily life. Tourisme Montréal frames tourism as part of civic life — a city where people live, work, and create — and wants residents to better understand the benefits tourism generates for the community.

Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, says the initiative aims to strengthen residents' pride and sense of belonging by giving them an opportunity to experience the city differently.

# What residents can expect

• Scheduling: Tours run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the initiative period.
• Languages: Tours are available in French and English.
• Topics and routes: Offerings include visits to Little Italy and Jean-Talon Market, guided walks through Old Montréal, tours of the Mile End, mural tours in the Plateau and downtown, and other neighbourhood-focused options.
• Accessibility: The program includes at least one accessible tour tailored to participants with accessibility needs.

# Evidence supporting the approach Tourisme Montréal commissioned a resident sentiment study that found strong local support for tourism. Key findings cited by the organization: 82% of Montrealers say they are proud to welcome tourists, and the tourism aversion index stands at 4%, described as well below thresholds associated with tourism-related tensions.

# How this fits into broader local strategy Tourisme Montréal presents this initiative as part of broader reflections on local tourism and residents' place within the tourism experience. By creating free, low-barrier experiences for locals, the organization aims to show how tourism contributes to community life and to reduce potential friction between visitors and residents.

# Practical notes for residents If you plan to take part, look for guided tours on weekends during the October 2–November 1 window. Expect neighbourhood-focused walks in both official languages and at least one accessible option. Tours are operated by Guidatour.

# What the announcement does not specify The release lists the types of tours and the operating partner but does not provide a full public schedule, registration details, capacity limits, or booking process. It also does not include pricing because tours are described as free.

# Quick summary Tourisme Montréal's October initiative offers nearly 60 free, weekend guided tours in French and English aimed at helping residents re-discover the city, appreciate tourism's local benefits, and foster civic pride. The move follows a resident sentiment study showing high support for tourism among Montrealers.