Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Montreal beyond its famous streets and history, this Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour offers a delightful blend of education, tasting, and local flavor. It’s a curated experience that combines walking, taxi rides, and a generous dose of tea stories—all wrapped up in an elegant afternoon setting.

What we love about this tour is the way it connects distinctive neighborhoods with Montreal’s diverse tea scene, from traditional Chinese imports to French elegance, all guided by knowledgeable local experts. Plus, the inclusion of a formal afternoon tea at the end brings a perfect, refined close. One possible consideration? The tour involves about 3.3 kilometers of walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate activity.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy local culture, appreciate good food, and want to deepen their understanding of tea’s global journey. Whether you’re a dedicated tea lover or simply eager for an immersive experience, this tour offers a taste of Montreal that’s both authentic and sophisticated.

Key Points

• Expert-guided experience combines walking and taxi rides for efficient city exploration
• Diverse stops including tea shops, a tea sommelier school, and elegant afternoon tea
• Educational focus on tea history, tasting techniques, and regional specialties
• High-quality tastings of teas, gourmet bites, desserts, and a tea-based cocktail
• Cultural insights into Montreal’s neighborhoods and their unique tea offerings
• Small group size (max 8 travelers) for a more personalized experience

An Overview of the Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour

This 5-hour tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Montreal’s rich tea culture, wrapped in a fun and educational package. With a mix of walking and taxi rides, it’s designed to cover a good variety of neighborhoods—each with its own flavor and history—without feeling rushed. The price of around $167 per person might seem on the higher side, but when you consider all the tastings, guided insights, and the elegant high tea at the end, the experience provides a solid value for those eager to indulge in a cultural culinary journey.

The tour has earned praise for its knowledgeable guides and well-curated stops. It also receives a 5-star rating from all reviewers, with many noting that it’s a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience that blends learning with delicious food and drink.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Quartier Latin – Tea School and Tasting

The tour kicks off in the lively Quartier Latin, where you’re introduced to the fundamentals of tea at a dedicated tea sommelier school. Here, “the abc’s of the different tea families” are explained, giving you a good grounding whether you’re a novice or a seasoned tea drinker. We loved the way this stop sets a solid educational tone—you’ll leave knowing how to make the perfect cup and understand what makes each tea special.

The included admission ticket ensures you can fully participate in this engaging lesson, which lasts about an hour. Past guests appreciated the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide leading this segment, with comments like “Melissa did a fantastic job of explaining the complexities of tea in a fun way.”

Stop 2: Plateau Mont-Royal – Japanese Tea Room

Next, we venture into the trendy Plateau area, home to a very special Japanese tea room. Here, tasting and nibbling go hand in hand—offering a chance to experience a different style of tea that reflects Japan’s meticulous approach. Expect a welcoming atmosphere, with the chance to sample some delicate Japanese teas and snacks. This stop lasts about two hours, giving ample time to relax, chat, and learn.

Guests frequently highlight this part for its unique offerings and the quality of the tasting experience. As one reviewer put it, “We particularly loved the noodles and the insight into Japanese tea practices.”

Stop 3: Chinatown – Chinese Tea Store and Tasting

A stroll takes you through the vibrant Chinatown, where a top Montreal-based Chinese tea importer welcomes you. Here, tasting different teas and hearing the story of tea’s origins adds perspective on how Montreal’s diverse communities embrace this ancient beverage. The visit to the Chinese tea store gives a glimpse into importing, sourcing, and regional varieties.

This stop also includes a walk through the Quartier des Spectacles, adding a bit of Montreal’s lively arts scene. Past participants have appreciated the informative yet relaxed atmosphere, with one noting, “We enjoyed the history of tea and the chance to taste a variety of styles.”

Stop 4: Vieux-Montreal (Old Montreal) – Classic Afternoon Tea

The final segment is a true highlight: a formal, 45-minute afternoon tea at an elegant hotel in Old Montreal. This is where all the pieces come together—mocking the British tradition of refined tea service with gourmet bites and desserts. It’s the perfect way to savor what you’ve learned and enjoy a moment of calm amid the city’s historic charm.

Guests consistently praise this experience, with one reviewer describing it as “a beautiful way to end the day,” and another saying, “the high tea was exquisite, with a lovely selection of sandwiches, scones, and sweets.”

Practical Details and What They Mean for You

The tour is priced at $166.79 per person, which covers all the tea tastings, gourmet bites, a tea cocktail, guided insights, taxi transportation, and the elegant afternoon tea. When you consider the multiple stops and the depth of knowledge shared, it offers good value—especially for travelers wanting a culinary and culture.

It starts at 11:00 am in a central location on Boul. Saint-Laurent, easily accessible by public transit or walking. The tour is designed for small groups (max 8), ensuring a personalized experience and plenty of interaction with the guide. Expect about 3.3 km of walking spread across different neighborhoods, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Weather isn’t a concern, as the tour runs year-round, rain or shine. Just dress appropriately, and bring a reusable water bottle if eco-consciousness is important to you. The experience is suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness—those who are comfortable with some walking but not exhaustive hiking.

Guide reviews are glowing, often mentioning the enthusiastic and friendly nature of the guides, making the experience both educational and fun. Tips aren’t included, so if you feel the guide has gone above and beyond, a gratuity would be appreciated.

What Reviewers Are Saying

All 26 reviews rate this experience a perfect 5 stars, with comments emphasizing the informative guidance, the delicious tastings, and the charming stops. Sara from July 2024 loved the “delicious food and complex teas,” while Julie from September 2023 called it “utterly delightful,” praising Melissa’s knowledge and enthusiasm. Others appreciated the opportunity to learn about Montreal’s neighborhoods along the way, and many noted how the high tea at the end was a beautiful culmination of the day.

Multiple reviews mention the value of the experience, highlighting how it’s a perfect mix of education, culture, and indulgence, making it an ideal activity for those seeking a refined yet approachable tour.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour offers a luxurious yet accessible way to explore both the city’s neighborhoods and its tea culture. It’s perfect for culture seekers, food lovers, and those wanting a relaxed but enriching experience. If you enjoy learning about local traditions and tasting expertly curated teas and snacks, you will love every minute of this tour.

For travelers who prefer active outdoor adventures, this might feel a bit slow-paced. But if you value small-group intimacy, expert insights, and a taste of elegance, this experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Montreal’s diverse culinary fabric.

Overall, it’s a well-priced, thoughtfully organized journey that combines education, deliciousness, and a touch of class—a true treat for the senses.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, beginning at 11:00 am and ending with the high tea in Old Montreal.

What is included in the price?
All tea tastings, gourmet bites, desserts, a tea-based cocktail, guided insights, taxi transportation between stops, and the final high tea are included.

Are there any physical activity requirements?
Yes, there’s about 3.3 km of walking involved, so comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are recommended.

Can I participate if I have food allergies or restrictions?
Yes, but you should inform the tour operator in advance so they can accommodate your needs.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Absolutely, the tour runs year-round regardless of weather, but dressing appropriately is advised.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers for a more personalized experience.

This Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour is a smart pick for anyone looking to combine culinary discovery with cultural insight. It’s a chance to enjoy some of the best teas Montreal has to offer while soaking in the city’s vibrant neighborhoods—all wrapped up in a refined afternoon setting.