Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours

06/16/2024

Where to find me ?
I simply go by my movie star name Ruby Roy

I have had my own website for many years ( Currently being upgraded by my fantastic team)
I am nearly on every social media
I am not a registered company, corporation.
I don't have a company name, company logo.
I do not have employees
I don't work for anyone except myself
I am not an employee
I am a free lance self employed professional
I do have partners
I do collaborate
I do work in teams
I am the first and original Montreal Expert
I am the first and over the orginal evening walking tours.
I am Canada's first Culinary and Food Guide
I am the first who gives talks and speaks at conferences
I am the first and original giving corporate experiences ..
And I am on Linkree

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

Travel live and work in 151 countries and counting. Love music, dancing, water.

06/14/2024

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau Prime Minister of Canada
Laurier Club in Ottawa June 10 2024

Parti libéral du Canada (Québec) | Liberal Party of Canada (Quebec)

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

06/12/2024

Of all the many events Montreal hosts, the Grand Prix has the highest impact, bringing in $190 million last year, with $110 million from tourists from outside of Montreal.

Montreal is home to the Formula 1™ Canadian Grand Prix, the biggest sporting event in all of Canada! It’s 3 days of competition, class, charm, and world-class events & parties.
Guests from all walks of life generate revenue for Montreal.

The Canadian Grand Prix not only generates revenues for Montreal. The number of Montrealers employed to work during the Grand Prix is incredible.
People take off work from their other full time jobs, contracts for three days to work in security, catering, drivers, event staff.
The Canadian Grand Prix employees students, pontoon operators.
The hotels in Montreal are booked and solid out. Car rental companies, minivans, Via Rail, airlines, buses.
Restaurants are full and much more.
Travellers from around the world visit museum, hire guides for private tours. Event staff are hired. Destinations Management companies are busy. Transportation companies including drivers are working.
Every type of business is impacted by the Canadian Grand Prix including crane operators, fence builders, carpenters.
For three days Montreal is the talk of the world with public figures, media, fans here to enjoy the race and most of all the ambiance that is created by the F1 race.
There are people that rent their homes, apartments to the same families' every year while they leave for the weekend or go to the country. It helps them pay their taxes and mortgages.

In a city plagued by construction, poor communication, poor management, road closures as was since at the 2024 Grand Prix this year.

For those who don't like the Grand Prix, in 2025 perhaps plan weekend away from Montreal the dates are out and included in this post.

For those like myself who are self employed in the tourism, event planning and travel industry, we look forward to the 2025 Grand Prix and welcome everyone to Montreal again .

Hopefully in 2025 we will not have the Police merging 4 lanes into one, putting a cone in such a way that a coach can not move.
Perhaps refusing cars downtown instead of near the casino would speed things up. Instead of have people's QR codes scanned 1 by 1 delaying people from getting on the track . Use a more user friendly system
Instead of having 10 pontoons with 8 per pontoon to move 5000 people , building a pedestrian bridge for people to walk.

Montreal can not afford NOT to have the Grand Prix, unless we can find an event that can generate this kind of income for Montreal.

RRuby RoyTTravel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.caMMontreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.caMMontreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours

Canadian F1 Grand Prix in Montreal! Tickets - Hotel Packages - Exclusive Nightlife Events & Parties - Paddock Club Suites - Race Schedule

05/21/2024

Thank you everyone for the referrals, recommendations to guests, travellers, corporate clients and industry partners.

I have no more availabilities May 2024
Fully booked for US Memorial Day long weekend May 24 to 27
I can not squeeze in any more tours or experiences
Also fully booked June 1, 2 and Grand Prix Weekend 7,8,9 in Montreal ( I don't guide GP weekend)

Once again grateful to so many of you for thinking of me.
Ruby Roy

05/11/2024

I offer unscripted, bespoke private tours and experiences.
All of the tours and experiences are prepared and crafted for each guest.
The private tours maybe for solo travellers, couples, small groups.
Guests will be met at their hotels and start times may also be customised when every possible.
Tours between September 10th and October 30th are peak high season. Requests for theses days should be booked months in advance.
I conduct my own tours, unless I required to be replaced due to injury, health, emergencies etc.

Note:
In Montreal :
1. Montreal is a regulated city. Professional Licensed guides are trained, certified and licensed by the city of Montreal. All tours, talks, walks in the city of Montreal must be conducted by a licensed guide under By- law G-2
2. a maximum of 15 guests per guide are permitted for walking tours.
3.a maximum of 9 guest per guide are permitted on bike tours

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Montreal Guide www.rubyroy.ca
Ruby Roy
WFTGA Friends and Discussion Group WFTGA We are in it together 👣🌏 FEG Tourist Guides Tourist Guides WorldWide UNWTO - United Nations World Tourism Organization

05/06/2024

Please Donate to the
THE MONTREAL GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The McGill University Hospitals history started with donations and philanthropy form our community.

On this nurse's week, donate to the MUHC and the MGH on behalf of a nurse.

Did you know that the Montreal General Hospital
1. Was founded in 1819
2.The MGH, a pioneer hospital in North America, introduced teaching at the bedside and founded the first medical school in Canada — the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University
3. In 2023 ranked #6 of the World's Best Hospitals
4.The Dr. David S. Mulder Trauma Centre at the Montreal General Hospital of the MUHC is one of only three adult Level One trauma centres in Quebec, and the only one in downtown Montreal
5.Enhanced Recovery After Surgery unit (ERAS) at the Montreal General Hospital also known as the 18th have an incredible team
6. There are team of volunteers that help patients and the teams ensure patients have someone to speak to
7. MGH is an English speaking hospital however every one is bilingual, the teams are multicultural
8. The nurses have 12 hours shifts, from 07h30- 19h30

Show your appreciation to nurses this week, they are key to our health care.
Please donate
Ruby Roy

04/28/2024

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

Bonjour -HI. My name is Ruby Roy I am an experiences member of the travel, tourism, events, training and speaking industries. I am a native English speaking ...

04/27/2024

Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Helpful information for guests in search of bespoke experiences and private tours when booking my service in 2024:
Montreal is one of only two cities in North America with a training course of one year, diploma, certifications. Live exams, testing, practices. Only one educational institute is recognised by the ministry of education and tourism to offer the course, ( ITHQ)
Once graduated, names are sent to the city of Montreal for candidates to purchase their City of Montreal license to guide. ( Under by law G-2). Bike guides must follow further training with Vélo Québec for bike safety, have a first aide training.
Once all this is accomplished one by guide in Montreal and be a member of a professional organisation.
1. Walking: In Montreal the maximum permitted on walking tours of all kinds is 15 per guide.
a) For safety reasons
b.) To ensure groups are not blocking entrances, sidewalks, spaces,
private homes etc
c.) To ensure guides can speak at a normal volume, prevent noise
pollution in order not to disturb residence, business and people
d.) Quality of services to guests, visitors and travellers.
e.) Prevent and avoid over tourism, mass
f.) Health reasons for guides to prevent damaging vocal chords

2. My Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
I only offer private bespoked tours and experiences. I have NO per person prices. The cost for a walking tour is the same for one person or 15 persons.
3. My professional fees include:
4 Email communications,2 texts, 2 phone calls, planning, customising the tours, preparations, reconfirmations. administrative fees, my guiding fees, banking fees , federal and provincial taxes
My fees are based on the cost of living, my 32 years of experience, professional background, knowledge and the level of service I offer.
5. I don't publish any of my exclusive experiences during all of my private tours. Once guests have booked these experiences will be shared based on interests, time and availability.
6. I am not a company, corporation. Nor do I have employees, staff.
I am a one person operation, conducting my own tours. I have been self employed all of my career.
7. I am a career guide, and one of the few guides in Montreal.
Montreal's season is from May until October. Peak peak high season is from September 10 to October 20th .
8. My professional fees are by default for experience in English. I can can offer services in several other languages with different fees. A bilingual services in Montreal mean English and French at a different fee.
9. Services not available:
a.) I no longer pick up or drop off at the airport, or outside of the island of Montreal which is not within metro distance.
b.)I do not offer driver/guiding services OUT side of the island of Montreal.
c.)Unlike in Europe and other countries we do not guide in Museums
10. I will be happy to assist you with recommendations once a service has been booked
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca


FEG Tourist Guides World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. (WFTGA) WFTGA We are in it together 👣🌏 Toursbylocals Tour Guide Corner Tripadvisor VIA Rail Canada World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Expedia Airbnb

04/17/2024

Ruby is the finest guide we have ever encountered in our travels. Ruby surpasses mere guidance; she orchestrates our journeys with unparalleled finesse. Several months prior to our trip, we received a tour itinerary. Ruby promptly assumed control, refining our schedule with logical adjustments. Though our travel agent had arranged museum visits, Ruby discerned our desire to experience Montreal authentically, embracing leisurely strolls through local neighbourhoods. Which we loved!

Our five-day exploration of Montreal unveiled hidden gems: neighbourhoods off the beaten path, local bakeries, pastry shops, and family owned coffee spots. We ventured into artists’ workshops, delved into the workshops of Montreal designers, and enjoyed a private tour of McGill University. Ruby even orchestrated private viewings of rare collections, under the condition of utmost secrecy.

We dined with the owner of a house still inhabited from the French regime, immersing ourselves in his family's history and art. Ruby effortlessly arranged every request we made, ensuring each moment was filled with wonder and novelty.

Our culinary journey introduced us to diverse and delectable multicultural cuisines, expanding our understanding of different cultures and their people. Ruby's restaurant recommendations ranged from casual to fine dining, each establishment offering a unique gastronomic experience.

With our interest in geopolitics and government systems, Ruby accompanied us for a day trip to Ottawa via train, where we explored the intricacies of parliament. Her profound knowledge extends far beyond Montreal or Canada, enriched by her extensive travels and experiences with diverse cultures and languages.

We wholeheartedly endorse Ruby Roy as one of the most remarkable individuals we have encountered in all our travels.
We would travel to any destination with Ruby.

Eloise and Nathan McDonald-Sestera

Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours

04/16/2024

Another Great Review
My family and I took a private tour of Montreal with Ruby in March 2024. Ruby was great, and was able to make the tour engaging and accessible for our whole family. With two younger children ages 11 and 6 it can be challenging to keep them interested in historical tours, but Ruby found a way. Some of the things my children enjoyed were learning how to tell the difference in the origin of local buildings (English/French) and checking out the local market (loved the crepes!). Highly recommend for families.
-Jeffrey Warren-
New York
MonMontreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.canMontreal Local Guide -Private Customised Toursrivatetour

04/05/2024

Imagine reconnecting with so many people in three days.
Trying to find positive things while I wait 4. 5 hours to get on a 60 minute flight home at 22h30.

Have a wonderful story for my book
Another one for the book...

1.My long time Trip Director colleague Jodi
2. Marina a motorcoach driver I haved worked with for years
3. Sharon a driver I worked with who recognised my voice and face. Then remembered in detail my tour
4. The most amazing of the stories my elementary, highschool, CEGEP class mate who remembered my name and face..
5. Doggies at the hotel. Amazing
All this in Misssissssssoggggy
Ruby Roy
www.rubyroy.ca

03/28/2024

Another Great Review:
I have permission to share this beautiful letter I received this morning, that brought me great joy. To protect the privacy of my client, my clients privacy as well as the locations who gave me permission. The name of the person who wrote it to me has been changed.

Subject: Heartfelt Appreciation and Collaboration

Dear Ruby,

Our three days spent with you were nothing short of extraordinary. In our extensive experience scouting locations worldwide, we can confidently say that your expertise made this experience one of the most productive, enjoyable, and efficient endeavours we've ever had.

Your profound knowledge of sound, film, and photography locations is truly remarkable. We were consistently impressed by how swiftly you secured permissions at a moment's notice, even for locations that initially seemed unattainable. Your ability to navigate through these challenges seamlessly was truly commendable.

Moreover, your proficiency, passion in photography, filming, and sound, coupled with your invaluable input in shaping our story ideas and framing, added a touch of magic to our project. The photos and videos you provided not only documented our journey comprehensively but also offered invaluable insights for our production team through behind-the-scenes footage.

The sample voiceover you crafted for us was nothing short of a revelation. It not only captured the essence of our project but also saved us countless months of work. Your captivating speaking voice exudes confidence and passion, making it an absolute pleasure to listen to. We are unanimous in our decision to enlist you for the voiceover in all three languages.

Thanks to your expertise, we not only saved significant financial resources but, more importantly, hundreds of hours of precious time. Your flexibility, transparency, and sincerity throughout our collaboration were immensely appreciated by all members of our team. Thank you for connecting and recommending us to local photographers , videographers, cameramen .

During our team meeting, we couldn't help but wonder if you are the unofficial mayor of Montreal, given your seemingly boundless connections and influence in the city. We know understand the value of hiring the services of a licensed professional local expert guide.

We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you again this summer and fall. Your name truly reflects your personality – a rare and precious gem in our industry. We also believe you are in a league and a class all on your own.

With sincere gratitude,

_P. Campbell_
Ruby Roy Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca Ruby Roy Photographer Montreal Guide www.rubyroy.ca Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca FEG Tourist Guides FEG/ Ruby Roy Association Workshop January 13 2021 WFTGA We are in it together 👣🌏

03/24/2024

Another Great Review
Permission to post this has been granted, however for privacy reasons the full name of the author has been changed. I must say I welled up in tear of joy and pride when I received this.

My dear Ruby,
Allow me to extend my sincerest commendations to you. Your discretion, grace, teamwork, and innate ability to forge connections have left an indelible mark upon us. In a milieu dominated by celebrity Instagram influencers, you occupy a realm entirely your own, embodying a sophistication that transcends mere popularity.

Your adeptness in navigating conversations, effortlessly transitioning from engaging with five-year-olds to conversing with world leaders, is nothing short of remarkable. Your professionalism and grace, coupled with your knack for putting others at ease irrespective of the circumstances, have not gone unnoticed.

Throughout our years of collaboration, not once have you betrayed the trust bestowed upon you. Your commitment to preserving the confidentiality of our distinguished guests is exemplary, a sentiment echoed by our security teams who regard you as a rare gem deserving of utmost trust.

As we reflect upon your years of dedicated service, we do so with immense gratitude. Looking ahead, we anticipate with eagerness the prospect of continued collaboration. Above all, we extend our deepest appreciation for your unwavering discretion, professionalism, and the assurance you provide to our esteemed guests. In you, we place our utmost trust, always

You are in a league of your own
_A. Smith_
RRuby Roy

03/23/2024

CTV News CTV Montreal CTV News Channel Omar Sachedina
Both St Patrick and Notre Dame are Basilicas NOT Catherderals.
The only catholic catherderal in Montreal is Mary Queen of the World.
Ruby Roy

03/23/2024

CBC News: The National
Rosemary Barton...
Its the Notre Dame Basilica NOT the Notre Dame Cathederal CBC Montreal CBC News CBC
Ruby Roy

03/05/2024

Just for laughs.... sniff.
Just when the world needs more laughter not less
My absolute favourite festival. Just for laughs.
I have seen so many gala, comedians, gags.
When the world needs laughter even more today than ever
I can't imagine a summer in Montreal without Just for Laughs
Really sad news that they have filed for bankruptcy and the festival will be no more after 40 years!
Some of my favourite Gala.
The Muppets hosted Gala by far the best
PK Suban
Patrick Stewart dressed in his crusader outfit
Trevor Noah
Russell Peters
Michael McIntyre... by far my most favourite in the WORLD!!
SUGAR SAMMY with his first....and then there was those who voted OUI
The Nasty Show
BritCom
Oh and the Green Monster
The twins parade dressing up hundreds of twins and parading them down the streets....
and sooooo many more
I just love laughter and love Just for Laughs....
I wish we can start a go fund me and save Just for laughs...
Sad..

Just For Laughs
CHOM 97 7
Ruby Roy
Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca

03/05/2024

Another Great Review:
We have been collaborating with Ruby for nearly three decades in media relations, international event planning, logistics, and organisation, and have also volunteered in similar organisations. Ruby has consistently demonstrated her forward-thinking approach, remaining years ahead in her mindset. She consistently takes the lead, pioneering innovation and progress. Progressive, just, and fair, she adeptly balances the imperative of embracing the past, present, and future.

Her awareness and sensitivity to international cultures are unparalleled. Wherever we journey, Ruby effortlessly assembles dream teams, fosters connections, and cultivates relationships, uniting people. A born leader, she inspires and supports others, making decisions with care.

Above all, she champions intergenerational collaboration, particularly encouraging the involvement of youth. Despite challenges, regardless of ignorant remarks or attempts to intimidate or bully, Ruby maintains her grace and dignity, standing apart in her class. She is surrounded by equally strong, confident, and talented individuals in her teams. Truly, she is a rare and precious gem.
_Anna Lia Davies_
Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Ruby Roy Photographer
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours


Photo credit

02/29/2024

Self Employed . Be your own boss Workshop with Ruby Roy
So many showed up to my breakfast talk and workshop both live and on line. Most inspiring was the diversity: age, s*x, cultural background, language, professional back ground and countries represented on line. 60 % where women of colour.
Even more amazing was the number of creator and creative people at the workshop, making up nearly 75% of the participants.
You can do it!!
I have several colleagues, friends, partners who are in my Facebook contact from around the world also moving away from the role of employee to self employment in 2024
You will be great!!!

I have been self employed, free lancing since I I started working.
While being self employed I also worked as an employee for many recognised organisations . Including being on the payroll of of a DMC , Tourism Offices, the government
Throughout my career, several have asked me to work full time for ### organsation. Though tempting, loved all my work experiences from McDonalds for 3 months at 15 years old , to Canadian Tires from 16 years to 19 years old , to Communication companies, photo studies. Each place was a wonderful learning experience and I learned much . I often worked at several jobs simultaneously. I learned to juggle from the age of 14 or 15 years old. I especially enjoyed working with some wonderful human beings. Most are still friends today.
Perhaps I was always destined to be my own boss.
One of my favourite jobs was working for the Federal Government with an an incredible team. One of the best employers I ever had. Great work conditions. security, fair income. Not a single bad thing to say. I was tempted to work full time and leave everything...
I would work on projects in a heart beat, even today.
The one thing I am not ready to give up is my freedom
Freedom of time , to choose projects, people I want to work with, I decide what my income is, when to travel, when to take time off.
I also love what I do. I am passionate about everything I do to make a living.
The downside: 2022/2023 I have had no work life balance. As I try and recuperate two years of lost income during the pandemic. Also difficult is I am not in a double income house hold.
It is me, myself and I which means I have to work 100% harder as I don't have another income to fall back on.

Reasons people decide to be their own boss:
#1 Not being appreciated and not being recognised
# 2 Toxic work atmosphere
# 3 No work life balance
# 4 Not being able to be creative/challenging/ lack of passion
# 5 Freedom of time

For some it will be gradual, for others it will be cold turkey, for others you will balance until you are ready.
Life is too short not to be a creator doing what you enjoy..
Just do it!!!
Ruby Roy

02/26/2024

Requests
Thank you everyone for your requests for proposals, quotes, information, suggestions and other questions.
I will get you each requests as quickly as I can to assist you .
I have several deadlines to meet for February and March.
Responding to each one in order of urgency.
For those who have sent private FB message your responses will by email with a reminder in messenger the replies have been sent.

Most of all thank you for thinking of me, considering me. Thank you for everyone who has been engaging, responding publicly and privately with your comments, sharing your stories.
Note easy these days on social media when everyone gets attack for saying the sky is blue.
You are all welcome here!
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Ruby Roy
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Ruby Roy Photographer Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca Excellence in Motion

02/24/2024

2023 Stats for me :

330 emails per week January to November
150 requests per month for my professional services
150 requests fulfilled or subcontracted. All fulfilled
250 requests per week asking me for recommendations, assistance
requests for contact my contact information, free advice
150 accepted to pay me for my work on their requests
200 I turned down or never replied or return my email. Still took
hours of my time to respond
90 requests for travel recommendations, hotel, destinations
375 request for guide recommendations around the world
per month from guests who have done tours with me
200 Number of days I worked and was paid
100 Work for which I dd not get paid for my time
375 number of guides I managed to book, recommend or get
contracts for in 32 countries
20 requests from organisations not wanting to hire a local
DMC asking me to source suppliers in 4
destinations including Montreal
3 of the above 20 willing to pay my consulting fees, ensure
I receive booking fees for my work and time
600 requests to put me on a mailing list for my trips to Egypt,
India and my food trips
1 I tried to take Mondays off. The number of Mondays I had off
in 2023
236 Last minute requests, with less then 24 hour notice.
100 of those for September 26,27,29,29,30
6 The number of travellers or companies expecting me to
give free tours, rates way below my rates
6 Number of languages I worked in 2023
20 # of km I walked per day in May, June, August, Sept and Oct
200 days I was paid for my work
100 days I was not paid for my time and work
250 hours clients have taken advantage of my time, gone over
the time allocated for my work and did not pay me
45 days of travel work/speaking engagement/ incentive
26 days I completed disconnected from work( not enough
1 day I gave myself a me day ( not enough)
100 days I had no time to eat or drink, rest because my clients
did not hire enough staff in 2022
7 clients who refused to pay for the time it took me to
plan, prepare, revise proposals, ( given in advance)
7 # of clients I will never be working with again
4 # of clients that cost me time, money and energy to work
with and loose income
0 # of clients that pay late or have not paid
2 # of rude, impolite clients. Event planners not travellers
115 stories for my book Another one for the book.
17 hours that I speak per day
5 # hour hours I volunteer per week

106 # of countries by guests /travellers/ clients origins are from.
22 # of Public figures I worked with in 2023
32 # of my colleagues/ competitors that have plagiarized,
copied, used my content, tours,etc and called it their own
without credit to me in
_________________________________________________________________
Top Guests Clients in Order
# 1 Corporate, Business, Event Planners, Incentive, Conferences
# 2 Delegations, Public Figures. Leaders, Politicians etc
# 3 Luxury, High end Corporate
# 4 Private, Bespoke requests
# 5 Return high end travellers
_____________________________________________________________
Top Professions of my guests:
# 1.70% lawyers, judges or in the legal system
#2. 25% Doctors, Medical
# 3. 5% Fiance, Entertainment, Protocol, Media
____________________________________________________________
85 % of my contracts came from referrals, recommendations
clients I have worked with before or continue to work with
20% Direct booking based on my on line digital presence
___________________________________________________________

Strangest Request of 2023:
Requests for places to stay, what to do in Zimbabwe
I have never been to Zimbabwe lololol

In 2023 I tracked where every hour of my days went as an exercise and a research.
It seems in 2023: I have become Siri or Google for everything

Ruby Roy
Travel with Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Expert Guide Ruby Roy www.rubyroy.ca
Montreal Local Guide -Private Customised Tours
Ruby Roy Photographer
FEG Tourist Guides

photo credits: Gerrard