“There’s so much diversity and culture here that we want to highlight and preserve,” says Mueller. They say they’re committed to preserving history and passing on knowledge, not just to tourists, but also to locals, who may not necessarily be aware of the history or significance of their everyday surroundings. Their goal is to expand their tours to other walkable cities across Canada, including Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa and Vancouver.Ĭatering to individuals and to small groups, and focused on slow exploration and walking, the alumnae hope to promote a more sustainable model of tourism. The duo plan on adding more tours of different areas of the city, such as Saint-Henri and Mile End, and offering more niche tours, such as a guide to the cities’ murals. Mueller and Hunkeler are excited about what the summer months will bring, given that it’s peak tourist season, and that tourism in the city is expected to approach pre-pandemic levels. Their first tour, a two-hour excursion from Montreal’s Square Victoria to the Old Port, launched at the beginning of 2023, with the next tours going live over the course of this spring. The company offers audio walking tours that users can access from their mobile phones - no app required - allowing them to explore at their own pace. “That was when the idea for TourBird was born.” “While walking around Mile End, I thought that it would be fantastic to learn more about the history and the different waves of immigrants that have shaped this neighbourhood,” recounts Mueller. The former classmates became business partners in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when closures and restrictions left them with little choice for leisure activity, other than strolling around outside. “The idea behind the logo is being curious and exploring on foot,” explains Hunkeler. It also serves as the logo for Montreal startup TourBird audio walking tours, founded by John Molson School of Business graduates Teresa Hunkeler, MBA 10 and Sonja Mueller, MBA 11. Native to New Zealand, the colourful species doesn’t fly - it walks.
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