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Québec

Independent City Discoveries: A Taste of Montréal

Program No. 18521RJ
Discover Montréal with experts, learning the story of this cosmopolitan city through its renowned cuisine, must-see cultural sites, grand architecture and famed Notre-Dame Basilica.

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At a Glance

Let local experts lead you on an intimate journey of Montréal, with its 16th-century cobblestone streets, Victorian elegance and laid-back francophone culture. Dive into the city's rich history, culinary traditions and its artistic passion. Experience the historic European charm and Montréal’s quintessential joie de vivre.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Urban walking of two miles or more over varied terrain; some stairs.
Independent City Discoveries
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.

What You'll Learn

  • Participate in a tasting exploration of Montréal’s fine delicacies from the cultural communities that enrich the city.
  • Gain insight into the city’s rich history, from settlement to current economic and cultural powerhouse.
  • Join local instructors who will lead you to out-of-the-way, favorite neighborhoods with great tips of areas to explore on your own, such as the grounds of McGill University and the Golden Square Mile.

General Notes

This program includes substantial free time, outlines for self-directed field trips, a pass for entry to five major museums and a three-day metro pass.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Andrée Girard
Andrée Girard has been an active figure on the arts scene in Québec and in Canada for over 25 years. She worked as a broadcaster for CBC radio and television before becoming programming director for CBC French radio’s Chaîne culturelle for several years. She was also a founding member and director of the Conseil québécois de la musique. Over the course of her career, she has been associated with the creation of the Opus Prize, as well as the development of the Canadian Conference of the Arts.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Andrée Girard
Andrée Girard View biography
Andrée Girard has been an active figure on the arts scene in Québec and in Canada for over 25 years. She worked as a broadcaster for CBC radio and television before becoming programming director for CBC French radio’s Chaîne culturelle for several years. She was also a founding member and director of the Conseil québécois de la musique. Over the course of her career, she has been associated with the creation of the Opus Prize, as well as the development of the Canadian Conference of the Arts.
Profile Image of Michel Jutras
Michel Jutras View biography
Originally from Montreal, Michel Jutras holds a master's degree in the management of cultural organizations and has extensive experience in leading educational excusions. Passionate about researching history, especially the history of the dietary and culinary traditions of Quebec, he is working on a large collection of ethnological texts, the first volume of which has already been published, while the second is currently being printed.
Profile Image of Françoise Baby
Françoise Baby View biography
Françoise Baby loves to share her enthusiasm about Montreal with visitors. She has a penchant for great food — her mother is French! — history, and architecture. What she enjoys most about being a local expert is interaction with Road Scholars. Her wish is that they come away with a cultural experience. The two most frequently asked questions Françoise gets are whether she is a native Montrealer and what is her favourite “thing” about the city. The answers are “yes”, and the multiculturalism that best defines Montreal.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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