Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours

Exploring Old Montreal Through Its Flavors: A Detailed Look at the Food & Drink Tour

If you’re considering trying a food tour in Old Montreal, you’ll find this Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours offers an engaging way to experience the city’s culinary and historical charm. With a perfect 5.0 rating from nearly 400 reviews, this tour seems to hit the right notes for many travelers. We’re here to break down what makes it a solid pick — and maybe a few things to watch out for — so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines delicious local bites with insider knowledge of the area’s past. Plus, the small-group format means more personal attention and a less rushed feeling, which is ideal if you want an authentic, relaxed taste of Montreal. On the flip side, some might find the limited drink options a bit of a letdown, especially if you’re hoping for a more boozy tour. Overall, if you’re hungry for good food, engaging stories, and a manageable pace, this tour could be a great addition to your Old Montreal adventure.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who appreciate food as a window into local culture and prefer guided experiences that provide context beyond just tasting. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just curious about Montreal’s hidden gems, this tour offers a well-rounded look at what makes Old Montreal special.

Key Points

• Expert Guides Enhance the Experience: Knowledgeable guides like Cecile, Debbie, and Sandi bring history and local stories to life.
• Tasty Variety of Food: Expect five tastings including Montreal-style bagels, cheeses, canelés, and poutine, often with a local twist.
• Small Group Comfort: With a maximum of 16 travelers, you get personalized attention and more chances to ask questions.
• Well-Organized and Timed: The itinerary flows smoothly with well-timed stops and clear directions, making the most of your three hours.
• Limited Alcohol: Only one small beer or hot drink included, so don’t expect a heavy drinking focus.
• Good Value: For around $115, you get a mix of food, culture, and local insights that many find worth the price.

The Heart of the Tour: What to Expect

Starting Point and First Impressions

This tour kicks off at 360 Rue Saint-Jacques, just a short walk from key public transport options. It’s an easy starting point, and from there, the guide leads you into the heart of Old Montreal. The initial stop is in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica, where you’ll get a quick overview of its history without going inside — perfect if you’re not into long lines or want to maximize time on food stops.

Walking Through the Old Port

Next, the group strolls through the Old Port of Montreal, soaking in scenic views of the water and historic docks. It’s a brief 15-minute walk, offering a breath of fresh air before heading into more culinary adventures. This area is frequently praised for its beauty, and you’ll get some excellent photo opportunities as well.

The Food Stops — Tasting the Flavors of Old Montreal

This is the core of the experience. Over three hours, you’ll visit several carefully selected venues, each offering a taste of Montreal’s unique food scene:

• Crew Collective & Café: Here, you’ll enjoy a smoked salmon bagel in a stunning converted space that’s as impressive as the food is tasty. It’s a real highlight, especially for those who love a good bagel and charming settings.

• La Catrina: From Monday to Wednesday, this stop features a Nopales Taco — a family-owned specialty that showcases local ingredients with a twist. Many reviews mention how authentic and flavorful this stop is.

• Franklin’s Subs Suds: Now it’s time for poutine! The Smoke Meat Poutine is a local favorite, with plenty of savory, cheesy goodness that hits the spot after some walking. Reviewers rave about the quality and generous portions.

• Le beau marché: This spot finishes the main lunch with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie. It’s a perfect way to relax, sample local products, and learn about regional delicacies.

• Chez Potier Patisserie: One of the hidden gems, this pastry shop treats you to a perfect canelé — a small, caramelized pastry that’s beloved in France and increasingly popular in Montreal. Several guests mention this as a memorable sweet.

• Bistro Brasserie Soeurs Grises: The tour wraps up with a small glass of local beer or a hot tea, allowing everyone to toast and chat about what they’ve experienced so far.

• Optional Mati Taverna (Thursday – Sunday): When available, this spot adds a fresh salad and braised lamb, which many reviewers describe as some of the best bites on the tour.

Food Quality and Variety

From reviews, the food received high praise for being flavorful, authentic, and well-portioned. Several mention the lamb, watermelons, and cheeses as particular highlights. The variety from traditional bagels to international-inspired dishes offers a well-rounded taste of Montreal’s food scene.

The Guide and Atmosphere

One of the most consistent compliments was about the guides. Whether it’s Cecile, Debbie, or Sandi, travelers describe them as knowledgeable, lively, and engaging. They do a great job of balancing storytelling with food stops, making the experience more than just a tasting tour — it’s an educational walk through Montreal’s culture.

Tour Pacing and Group Size

The three-hour duration feels just right. Not too rushed, and with a small group, there’s plenty of room to ask questions or linger at favorite spots. Reviews highlight that the tour is well-paced, with the guide timing the stops thoughtfully so you’re never left waiting.

Price and Value

At $114.95 per person, many guests feel they receive excellent value considering the food quality, guide expertise, and the overall experience. It’s not the cheapest food tour in the world, but for the variety and insider tips, most think it’s money well spent.

Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews note that drink options are limited — mainly a small beer or hot tea at the end. If you’re hoping for a lively, drinks-focused tour, this might be disappointing. Also, one reviewer pointed out that the tour didn’t include some of the advertised cheeses and other items — so expect some variation depending on the day.

Accessibility and Suitability

Though not explicitly detailed for families or children, the moderate walking pace and engaging stops make it suitable for most travelers with reasonable mobility. Just be aware of the walking involved and the seating arrangements at each venue.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for food lovers wanting to sample local specialties in a relaxed setting. It’s also ideal if you enjoy learning about a city’s history through its cuisine and prefer small, intimate groups for better interaction. If you’re after a boozy experience, you might want to supplement this tour with additional drinks elsewhere; it’s mainly about the bites and stories.

The Sum Up

The Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour offers a well-rounded and enjoyable way to explore one of Canada’s most historic neighborhoods. With knowledgeable guides, a diverse array of tasty stops, and a friendly small-group atmosphere, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to combine culinary discovery with a bit of local history.

While the limited alcohol options may discourage those seeking a drink-focused outing, the overall experience delivers on flavor, storytelling, and value. It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors, foodies, or anyone wanting a relaxed, informative taste of Old Montreal that goes beyond the usual sightseeing.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The tour is best with no food restrictions, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to contact the provider beforehand to see if accommodations can be made.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 3 hours, with a mix of walking and stopovers at each venue.

Are drinks included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy one small beer or hot tea at the last stop. Outside of that, most beverages are water, so don’t expect a drinks-heavy experience.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed for families, the pace and food types are generally suitable for most travelers with reasonable mobility. Just keep in mind the walking involved.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 360 Rue Saint-Jacques and ends at Les Soeurs Grises on McGill Street, both conveniently located near public transit.

What is the group size?
The tour caps at 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

If you’re after a tasty, insightful, and manageable way to see Old Montreal, this tour seems to check all the boxes — just bring your appetite and curiosity.