Tourisme Montréal launches free guided tours for locals to celebrate World Tourism Day
Posted September 16, 2026 8:56 am.
Montrealers will have the chance to explore their own city from a fresh perspective as Tourisme Montréal announces a new free guided-tour initiative designed to strengthen the connection between tourism and local residents.
The free tours will be available from Oct. 2 to Nov. 1.
“Tourism is about more than welcoming visitors from outside the city,” said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. “A tourism destination is first and foremost a city where people live, work and create. We want to bring Montrealers closer to tourism and help them better understand the benefits it generates for the community as a whole. By giving residents an opportunity to rediscover their own city, we also hope to strengthen their pride and sense of belonging.”
The initiative comes as a study commissioned by Tourisme Montréal found that 82 per cent of Montrealers are proud to welcome tourists to their city. The study also found that about four per cent of locals experience some form of tourism aversion.
Operated by Guidatour, the first edition will feature nearly 60 guided tours in French and English on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The tours will take locals through Little Italy, Jean-Talon Market, Old Montreal, Mile End, the Plateau and downtown.
Each tour will last approximately two hours and accommodate about 20 participants. A $10 deposit is required at registration to confirm a booking, but it will be refunded if participants attend the tour. An accessible tour will also be available for participants with accessibility needs.
Officials say priority will be given to residents of the Island of Montreal.
Registration opens through a dedicated article on the mtl.org website, which will redirect participants to Guidatour’s booking platform.
