The Montreal Craft Beer Tour / Brewpub Experience

If you’re a fan of craft beer or just curious about Montreal’s burgeoning microbrewery scene, this Montreal Craft Beer Tour offers a lively, beer-filled introduction to the city’s Latin Quarter. While it’s not a comprehensive beer crawl—you’re visiting three brewpubs and sampling six beers—it’s a well-paced, informative excursion that combines tasting with a dash of local sights and stories.

Two things we love about this tour are the knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience with interesting tidbits about Montreal’s brewing culture and the delicious food pairings, including a French-Canadian snack and chocolates that complement the beers beautifully. A potential drawback is that some reviews suggest the beer quality and locations may not always meet expectations, but considering the value for the price and the fun atmosphere, it’s a solid choice for most beer lovers.

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy tasting local specialties while learning about the city’s history, and for those who want a relaxed, social outing in a lively neighborhood. It’s also ideal if you’re traveling with a group or want a structured way to explore Montreal’s craft scene without the hassle of planning each stop yourself.

Key Points

• Authentic Montreal microbrewery experience in the vibrant Latin Quarter
• Includes six beer tastings and tasty Canadian snacks
• Guides who are knowledgeable, friendly, and add context to the tasting
• Conveniently scheduled with about 3 hours of lively exploration
• Suitable for all beer lovers, even those with limited experience
• Value for money at around $87, with all tastings included

An In-Depth Look at the Montreal Craft Beer Tour

Overview and What It Offers

This tour is designed to introduce you to Montreal’s increasingly popular craft beer scene, set against the backdrop of the historic Latin Quarter. With a mobile ticket system and a maximum group size of 18, it promises a personalized experience without feeling rushed.

The tour lasts about three hours, which makes it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. You’ll visit three different brewpubs, sampling two beers at each stop, totaling six tastings. The experience also includes a cheese or French-Canadian snack at one of the pubs, plus chocolates paired with your final drinks.

Why You Might Like This Tour

One of the biggest selling points is the guides’ commentary. Multiple reviews praise guides like Shane, Francoise, and Gabriel for their knowledge and engaging personalities. Their insights help transform simple beer tastings into stories about Montreal’s brewing traditions, local ingredients, and even snippets of local culture.

The variety of pubs—from Le Saint-Bock to BENELUX—offers a taste of what the city’s craft scene is all about. Some stops are close together, making the walk between them manageable, while others require a brief stroll, adding to the authentic neighborhood feel.

Price and Value Analysis

At around $87.47 per person, the tour includes eight beer tastings, snacks, gratuities for bartenders, and a knowledgeable guide. That’s a fair price for an experience that combines tasting, learning, and socializing. While some might wish for more extensive tastings or additional food options, the included items provide a good sampling of Montreal’s local beers and flavors.

How It’s Structured

The tour kicks off in the Latin Quarter at Le Saint-Bock, a well-known brewpub with a solid reputation. Here, you get two beers and a serving of poutine—a classic French-Canadian comfort food—adding a savory twist to the tasting. At the next stop, L’amère à boire, you can enjoy two more craft beers along with some snacks, making it a relaxed, friendly environment.

The third stop, Bar Pamplemousse, is more focused on local craft beers, giving a taste of Montreal’s brewing diversity. Finally, the tour ends at BENELUX, where you’ll sample two more favorites and enjoy some chocolates to round out the experience.

Authenticity and Experience

Many users appreciate the local focus—the beers are brewed onsite or are well-known local brands—and the guide’s personal stories. One reviewer noted, “The guide was very knowledgeable about the beer, city, and history,” indicating that the storytelling adds depth to the tasting.

However, some reviews note that not all beers are local or of top-tier quality, and the locations aren’t always picturesque. But considering the overall value and the fun of trying multiple beers in a short time, most find it worthwhile.

Practical Details

The tour begins at Le Saint-Bock on Saint-Denis Street, a lively part of Montreal’s nightlife scene. It ends at BENELUX on Sherbrooke Street, where you’re within walking distance of downtown and public transportation. The tour is designed for most travelers—most people can participate—and service animals are allowed, accommodating a wider range of guests.

It’s booked about 27 days in advance on average, so planning ahead is a good idea. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, making it flexible if your plans change.

What You Can Expect at Each Stop

Le Saint-Bock

This brewery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, which you can sample paired with a hearty poutine—a perfect start to your beer journey. The guide will likely share stories about the local beer scene and the significance of poutine in Quebec cuisine.

L’amère à boire

A cozy spot that emphasizes craft brewing innovation. Here, you’ll sample two beers and enjoy some snacks, which might include local specialties. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to chat with your guide and fellow travelers, deepening your appreciation for Montreal’s brewing diversity.

Bar Pamplemousse

Expect a more focused experience on local craft beers. This stop is a bit shorter but offers a chance to try two different styles, perhaps including some gluten-free options if available. It’s about tasting and learning without feeling rushed.

BENELUX

The final stop, BENELUX, is a lively brewpub with two popular beers and chocolates to pair. This sweet ending leaves you with a memorable taste of Montreal’s brewing creativity. Many reviews mention the friendly atmosphere and engaging guide, making this a fitting finale.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Many reviewers rave about the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. One noted, “Gabriel was fantastic! It was a great time, especially since it was a small group,” highlighting the personalized touch. Others appreciated the value for money, mentioning they’d do it again or recommend it to friends.

A few critical voices pointed out that not all beers are local or exceptional and that some locations are less visually appealing. But overall, most find the experience fun, educational, and tasty.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking an easy, organized way to sample Montreal’s craft beers and learn about the city’s brewing culture, this tour offers plenty of value. It’s well-suited for those who enjoy social outings, want a taste of local flavor, or need a structured activity to break up sightseeing.

While the beer quality and locations might vary, the guided storytelling and variety of tastings make it an engaging experience. The included snacks and chocolates elevate the tasting, making it more than just a series of drinks.

It’s a good choice if you’re looking for a relaxed, fun, and informative activity that combines culture, food, and drinks—all in about three hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beer beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains each beer and its style, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or new to craft brews.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 3 hours, giving enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are all the beers local?
Most of the beers are made on-site by reputable Montreal breweries, but some reviews suggest not all beers are strictly local. The focus is on quality craft beers, often brewed on location.

What’s included in the price?
You get eight beer tastings, snacks, gratuities for bartenders, and a knowledgeable guide. Food pairings include a French-Canadian snack and chocolates.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Le Saint-Bock on Saint-Denis and ends at BENELUX on Sherbrooke Street. Both locations are accessible via public transit.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Less notice means no refund.

Is the group size large?
No, the maximum is 18 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Are guide gratuities included?
Gratuities are not included but are appreciated; they’re optional.

In short, this Montreal Craft Beer Tour offers a friendly, well-organized way to explore the city’s brewing scene. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy tasting local food and drinks, have an interest in Montreal’s neighborhoods, and appreciate guides who share their knowledge with enthusiasm. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a dedicated beer lover, this experience promises a fun, flavorful afternoon in one of Canada’s most vibrant cities.