Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours

If you’re looking to truly experience the soul of Old Montreal beyond its cobblestone streets and historic buildings, a food-focused tour offers an excellent way to do so. The Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour from Local Montreal Food Tours promises a three-hour adventure packed with delicious bites, local stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s culinary culture. Based on hundreds of reviews and consistent five-star ratings, this tour is highly recommended for food lovers and curious travelers alike.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you get to sample five different food tastings along with a drink, all curated by passionate guides. Second, the small group size means you’ll get plenty of personal attention and insider tips. The only potential downside? If you have specific dietary restrictions, you should communicate those in advance, as the tour’s offerings are quite set.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy good food, lively storytelling, and a relaxed pace. Whether you’re a first-timer in Montreal or a seasoned visitor eager for local flavors, you’ll find this experience both enjoyable and worthwhile.

Key Points

• Authentic culinary experience: Taste local specialties, including Montreal bagels, cheeses, poutine, and more.
• Informative guides: Guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and local, adding context to each stop.
• Balanced itinerary: Mix of sightseeing, history, and food tasting, with no long waits.
• Small group intimacy: Max 16 travelers, fostering a friendly and personalized atmosphere.
• Value for money: Multiple tastings and a drink included, making it a solid food-focused outing.
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, with a walking component through historic streets and the Old Port.

A Deeper Look at the Itinerary

The Charm of Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Port

The tour begins outside the Notre-Dame Basilica, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture that dominates the Old Montreal skyline. While you won’t go inside, your guide will share the basilica’s history—offering a quick peek into Montreal’s spiritual and architectural heritage. This sets a tone of reverence and history, enriching your walk through the area.

Next, you’ll stroll through the Old Port of Montreal, an expansive waterfront area where the city’s maritime roots come alive. Walking here for about 15 minutes, you’ll enjoy views of the river, historic buildings, and lively activity. Many reviews mention that the pace of the walk is comfortable, even for those with some mobility concerns.

Main Food Stops and Tastings

The core of the tour is a carefully curated selection of food stops that showcase Montreal’s diverse culinary culture. These stops are thoughtfully designed to balance local tradition, international influences, and present-day trends.

• Crew Collective & Café: This converted historic bank building now houses a stylish café, perfect for your first taste—a smoked salmon bagel. The setting alone is worth the visit, with its grand architecture and cozy vibe. Guests often rave about the quality of the bagel and the setting.

• La Catrina: If you visit between Monday and Wednesday, you’ll try a Nopales Taco from a family-owned hotel. This stop highlights the city’s Mexican influences and the tour’s commitment to showcasing local and authentic flavors.

• Franklin’s Subs & Poutine: Here, the focus shifts to classic Montreal comfort food. You’ll indulge in a Smoke Meat Poutine, a decadent combination of crispy fries, smoky meat, cheese curds, and gravy. Reviewers frequently mention how satisfying and flavorful these dishes are, often saying they go “all in” on poutine.

• Le beau marché: A perfect stop to wind down with local cheeses and charcuteries. This allows you to savor the subtle flavors of regional dairy products and cured meats, often noted as a highlight by food connoisseurs.

• Chez Potier Patisserie: A hidden gem of Old Montreal, this small bakery is where you’ll taste a perfect Canelé—a French pastry with a caramelized crust and tender interior. Many reviewers call it a memorable sweet ending.

• Bistro Brasserie Soeurs Grises: To toast the experience, you’ll enjoy a 4-ounce glass of beer or hot tea. The optional drink adds a convivial touch, and many mention the friendly atmosphere here.

• Mati Taverna: On Thursdays through Sundays, this spot offers Mati Salad and 24-hour Braised Lamb—two hearty choices that demonstrate Montreal’s blend of traditional and modern cuisines. Visitors find the lamb especially tender and flavorful.

The Guide and Group Size

Throughout all stops, the tour’s small group size (up to 16 people) ensures plenty of interaction and personalized attention. Multiple reviews praise guides for their knowledgeable, lively, and friendly manner, with some mentioning guides who share insider tips about the city. One reviewer states, “Our guide knew the history, we could always hear her, and she timed things perfectly,” highlighting the importance of a well-run tour.

Several reviews mention guides by name, emphasizing their enthusiasm and ability to make the experience both fun and educational. For example, one traveler notes, “Cecile was informative, lively, knowledgeable, and just so much fun.”

Walking, Pacing, and Accessibility

The tour involves some walking around historic streets and the Old Port, but it’s generally described as a relaxed pace. Reviewers mention that even those with mobility challenges, like arthritis, had no issues. The total duration is approximately three hours—long enough to enjoy a good meal without fatigue.

Cost-Benefit Analysis and Value

At $114.95 per person, the tour offers a substantial amount of food and drink—five tastings plus a beverage—which many consider excellent value. The inclusion of a variety of local and international flavors, combined with storytelling, makes it a rich cultural experience. Several reviews highlight how the tour exceeds expectations, especially in how much delicious food you get to sample.

However, it’s worth noting that the drinks are mostly small samples—only the last stop offers a 4-ounce beer or hot tea—so if you’re hoping for a lively pub crawl, this might not be it. Still, the emphasis on quality and authenticity makes this a worthwhile experience.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This tour is best suited for travelers who truly enjoy tasting a city’s food and learning about its culture through its culinary offerings. Food enthusiasts, first-time visitors to Montreal, or those wanting a relaxed way to explore Old Montreal will find this experience enriching. The guide’s storytelling, combined with delicious tastings, makes it perfect for those who appreciate a blend of education and indulgence.

It’s also a good pick for small groups and solo travelers who want a more personal experience. The moderate walking and manageable pace mean it’s accessible for most, but those with specific dietary restrictions should clarify ahead of time.

The Sum Up

If you’re seeking an engaging, tasty, and authentic way to experience Old Montreal, this Food & Drink Tour by Local Montreal Food Tours offers just that. It balances sightseeing with culinary delights, guided by passionate locals eager to share their city’s flavor. You’ll leave with a fuller belly, new knowledge, and a sense of connection to Montreal’s food scene.

For those who love good stories paired with good eats, this tour provides a well-rounded adventure. It’s particularly strong in its variety of food stops, the expertise of guides, and the warm, small-group atmosphere. Whether you’re a solo traveler or exploring with friends, this tour is a tasty way to dive into Montreal’s vibrant street life and flavors.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately three hours, making it a manageable yet fulfilling experience without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 360 Rue Saint-Jacques, and the final stop is at Les Soeurs Grises, located about five minutes’ walk away.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and reviews suggest the pace is comfortable, even for those with arthritis or mobility concerns.

Are drinks included in the tour?
You get one alcoholic beverage—a 4oz glass of beer—or hot tea at the last stop. Other tastings are non-alcoholic.

What food can I expect to try?
Expect a range of local and international flavors, including Montreal-style bagels, cheeses, canelés, poutine, tacos, and charcuterie.

Can I accommodate dietary restrictions?
You should advise the tour provider of any restrictions when booking, but note that the tour is best suited for those without food allergies or strict restrictions.

Is this tour good value for the price?
Yes, given the multiple tastings, drinks, and guided storytelling, many guests find it worth the cost.

How many people are typically on the tour?
The maximum group size is 16, ensuring an intimate experience and plenty of interaction.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead guarantees your spot, especially since the tour is popular and booked multiple times daily.

In essence, this Old Montreal Food & Drink Tour offers a flavorful, informative, and fun peek into the city’s culinary heart. Perfect for those who want to taste, learn, and experience Montreal like a local.