Montreal: Old Montreal Food and Drink Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Montreal and love to combine history with good eats, the Old Montreal Food and Drink Tour offers a lively way to experience both. This guided walk through one of Canada’s most charming districts promises more than just a taste of local cuisine—it’s a chance to learn about the city’s vibrant culture, architecture, and culinary traditions.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its balanced mix of food and storytelling. You’ll get to savor authentic local flavors like Montreal’s iconic bagel and poutine, alongside more upscale offerings such as high-end tacos and craft beers. Plus, the guiding team, often praised for their knowledgeable and personable manner, helps bring the area’s history alive between bites.

One potential consideration is the tour’s focus on food and sightseeing, which means it might not be suitable for those with specific food allergies or mobility issues. The overall pace and stops are designed to be accessible, but it’s worth noting that it’s not wheelchair-friendly and doesn’t include entry to Notre-Dame Basilica.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Old Montreal’s culinary scene while exploring its historic streets. Food lovers, culture buffs, and first-time visitors will find this tour hits just the right notes for a memorable taste of the city.

Key Points

• Authentic local flavors with multiple tasting stops
• Educational guides sharing Montreal’s history and culture
• Variety of food experiences, from traditional poutine to high-end tacos
• Beautiful setting walking through Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets
• Craft beer tasting to cap off the tour
• Excellent value for a 3-hour experience packed with food and stories

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Old Montreal Food and Drink Tour

This 3-hour guided tour strikes a good balance between sightseeing and culinary sampling. Priced at $112 per person, it offers a deep dive into Montreal’s food scene, with more than six stops that showcase the city’s diverse flavors and historic charm. The small-group format usually makes for a friendly, engaging experience, led by a local guide who knows Montreal inside out.

Starting Point: A Stunning Historic Bank

The tour kicks off inside a former bank building, now a beautiful café and co-working space. This impressive setting immediately sets a tone of elegance and history. Here, you’ll be served a Montreal classic: a smoked salmon bagel. It’s a simple yet iconic bite—when paired with the spectacular architecture of the building, it becomes an unforgettable intro.

As one reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way our guide shared information about Montreal’s buildings and history while we enjoyed our bagel in such a spectacular setting.” This initial stop highlights how the tour blends food with cultural context seamlessly.

Cheese, Charcuterie, and Local Produce

Next, you’ll visit Épicerie Le Beau Marché, where the focus shifts to regional cheeses and charcuteries. Sampling a curated selection of Quebec products gives you a taste of local terroir—think creamy cheeses, cured meats, and perhaps some pickles or preserves to complement.

Many guests found this stop to be a highlight, noting how the tasting provided insight into Quebec’s culinary traditions. One traveler praised it as “a true taste of local flavors,” which shows how well this stop captures Montreal’s culinary identity.

Gourmet Tacos and Mediterranean Flavors

Depending on the day, you’ll visit Mati Taverna or La Catrina. At Mati (Thursdays through Sundays), you’ll enjoy a fresh Mati salad and their show-stopping 24-hour braised lamb—the kind of dish that reveals the care and skill behind Montreal’s Mediterranean eateries. It’s a hearty, flavorful experience that elevates typical street food.

On Mondays, Wednesdays, and some other days, the tour visits La Catrina for a vibrant nopales taco, made from a family recipe. Reviewers appreciated this Mexican twist, remarking on the richness of the flavors and the authenticity.

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Classic Poutine with a Twist

One can’t visit Montreal without trying poutine, and Franklin’s Subs & Suds provides a memorable version. You might opt for smoked meat poutine—a decadent, savory treat—or a vegetarian alternative if you prefer. Guests often comment on how the poutine here is “more gourmet than typical fast-food versions,” elevating it to a full-fledged tasting experience.

Sweet Treats at a Hidden Gem

Next stop is Chez Potier Pâtisserie, where you’ll sample canelés, a small French pastry with a caramelized exterior and tender custard inside. Many reviewers highlight the pastry’s perfect balance of crispy and soft textures, making it a delightful contrast to the previous savory bites.

Cheers to Montreal: Craft Beer at Les Soeurs Grises

The tour concludes at Bistro-Brasserie Les Soeurs Grises, one of Montreal’s top craft breweries. Here, you’ll raise a glass to local brewing talent, tasting a locally brewed beer. This final stop not only satisfies the palate but also provides a relaxed setting for conversation and reflection on the tour’s sights and flavors.

Sightseeing and Stories

Throughout the walk, your guide shares stories about Old Montreal’s landmarks like Place d’Armes and Notre-Dame Basilica. These snippets enrich the experience, transforming a simple food tour into a mini cultural history lesson. One reviewer noted, “Our guide was very knowledgeable about the buildings, chefs, and the city’s culture, which made the whole experience very enjoyable.”

Group Size and Duration

Designed to last about three hours, the tour balances plenty of tastings with sightseeing. Group sizes are typically small, ensuring a personalized experience where questions are encouraged. The pace is manageable, with enough time between stops to enjoy the surroundings and listen to captivating stories.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic Flavors: The tour offers a genuine taste of Montreal’s culinary scene—nothing too touristy or overly packaged. Each stop is carefully selected to showcase different facets of local cuisine, from traditional to upscale.

Knowledgeable Guides: Reviewers frequently praise the guides for their friendly demeanor and wealth of knowledge. This adds depth to the experience, making it more than just tasting food.

Beautiful Surroundings: Walking through Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets and historic buildings enhances the overall experience. The picturesque backdrop makes the food tastings even more memorable.

Value for Money: Priced at $112, this tour packs in more than six food stops, a craft beer, and sightseeing. Considering the quality and variety of the tastings, it provides excellent value, especially for those keen to discover Montreal’s culinary diversity.

Practical Considerations

While the tour offers a lot of value, keep in mind it’s not suitable for those with food allergies or mobility challenges. The route involves walking through uneven cobblestone streets, and there’s no wheelchair access. Also, it’s important to remember that Notre-Dame Basilica isn’t included in the price or itinerary.

For those worried about weather, the tour is run rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the conditions—an umbrella or rain jacket might come in handy. Booking is flexible with a “Reserve now & pay later” option, allowing for some peace of mind.

The Sum Up

The Old Montreal Food and Drink Tour is a fantastic way to combine culinary discovery with sightseeing. Its focus on local flavors, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful setting make it ideal for first-time visitors, food lovers, and anyone wanting a well-rounded introduction to Montreal’s historic core.

If you enjoy authentic bites paired with stories of the city’s past and present, this tour is a smart investment. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate high-quality food, engaging guides, and a relaxed pace that leaves plenty of room to soak in the sights.

Though not suited for those with specific dietary restrictions or mobility issues, most visitors find the experience rewarding and very worthwhile. It’s a memorable, flavorful glimpse into Montreal’s soul—served up with a side of history.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for food allergies? No, the tour is not recommended for people with food allergies, as the tastings contain a variety of ingredients that may not be suitable.

Does the tour include entrance to Notre-Dame Basilica? No, the Basilica’s entrance is not included. The tour primarily focuses on food tastings and sightseeing around Old Montreal.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 3 hours, with enough time to enjoy each stop and explore the neighborhood.

What’s included in the price? You get over six food stops, including poutine, cheese and charcuterie, a high-end Nopales taco, and a craft beer tasting, plus sightseeing and a Montreal bagel with smoked salmon.

Is the tour suitable for children? The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but the focus on food tasting and walking suggests it’s best suited for teenagers and adults.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons. You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.

What should I wear? Dress weather-appropriate, as the tour runs rain or shine. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

This Old Montreal food tour offers a well-rounded, delicious introduction to one of Canada’s most charming districts. With its combination of tasty bites, engaging stories, and beautiful scenery, it’s a smart choice for anyone eager to experience Montreal beyond the standard tourist spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby