Montreal: the Montreal Bagel Tour

Montrealers take great pride in their city’s iconic bagel culture. The Montreal Bagel Tour offers visitors a delectable glimpse into this beloved culinary tradition. During this 2-hour guided exploration, guests will venture into the vibrant Mile End neighborhood, sampling the signature offerings of renowned local bagel shops. Along the way, they’ll uncover the history and unique baking methods that have made Montreal bagels a symbol of the city’s identity. It’s a mouthwatering adventure that’s sure to leave participants craving more.

About Your Stay

• The Montreal Bagel Tour is a 2-hour guided exploration of Montreal’s renowned bagel culture, focusing on the iconic bagel shops in the Mile End neighborhood.
• Participants will have the opportunity to witness the bagel-baking process, engage in a blind taste test, and savor a spread of bagels, lox, cream cheese, and capers.
• The tour provides an in-depth look at the history and origins of the Montreal bagel, which is rooted in the city’s Eastern European Jewish communities.
• The tour highlights the longstanding rivalry between the two most renowned bagel shops, St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel, as they compete for the title of "best bagel."
• The tour is not suitable for vegans or individuals with gluten intolerance, as the tasting includes traditional bagels made with wheat flour, eggs, malt, and salt.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Montreal Bagel Tour is a 2-hour activity that takes participants on a guided exploration of the city’s iconic bagel culture.

Explore Montreal’s iconic bagel culture on a guided 2-hour tour.

Priced from $53.54 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 10 guests and operates in English.

Travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour starts in Mile End and includes visits to the renowned St-Viateur and Fairmount Bagel shops, where you will sample bagels, enjoy a spread, and learn about the history and cultural significance of this Montreal staple.

Itinerary

The Montreal Bagel Tour starts at 5563 Av du Parc in the Mile End neighborhood.

Participants will stroll through the charming streets for 5 minutes before visiting St-Viateur Bagel for 10 minutes.

They’ll then walk 15 minutes to Fairmount Bagel, spending 5 minutes there.

The tour ends at Parc Lahaie.

Along the way, you will:

• Witness the baking process at both bagel shops

• Engage in a blind taste test to choose between the two bagel purveyors

• Enjoy a spread including bagels, lox, cream cheese, and capers

Highlights

Participants will sample bagels from St-Viateur and Fairmount Bagel, witnessing the baking process firsthand.

They’ll then participate in a blind taste test to choose between the two iconic shops. Throughout the tour, guests will enjoy a spread including bagels, lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, and capers.

The tour also explores the charming streets of the Mile End neighborhood, providing insight into how the Montreal bagel became a symbol of the city’s cultural identity.

Along the way, the guide will discuss the history and origins of this beloved baked good.

Educational Component

As part of the Montreal Bagel Tour, the educational component explores the rich history and origins of this beloved baked good.

Participants learn about:

• The history and evolution of the Montreal bagel, tracing its roots to Eastern European Jewish communities.

• The unique baking methods that give Montreal bagels their signature dense, chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor.

• How the bagel has become a symbol of Montreal’s cultural identity, with the city’s two famous bagel shops, St-Viateur and Fairmount, fiercely competing for the title of "best bagel."

The tour provides an engaging and informative glimpse into the culinary traditions that have shaped Montreal’s iconic food culture.

More Great Tours Nearby

Safety and Guide Credentials

Safety is a top priority on the Montreal Bagel Tour. The tours operate regardless of weather, unless safety is compromised. In such cases, options for a full refund or rebooking are available.

All guides are certified and must hold a yearly guiding permit, ensuring they’re knowledgeable and qualified to lead the tour. Visitors can trust that the experience will be both informative and secure.

The tour’s safety measures and guide credentials allow participants to fully enjoy the rich history and flavors of Montreal’s iconic bagels without any concerns.

Participant Requirements

Is the Montreal Bagel Tour suitable for everyone? Unfortunately, no. The tour isn’t recommended for vegans or individuals with gluten intolerance.

The highlight of the tour involves sampling bagels from two renowned Montreal bakeries, St-Viateur and Fairmount, which are made with traditional ingredients including:

• Wheat flour

• Eggs

• Malt

• Salt

Participants will also enjoy a spread of bagels with toppings like lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, and capers.

Those with dietary restrictions may find the tour offerings limited. Be sure to check if the tour can accommodate your needs before booking.

Extras

Each participant receives a bottle of water and extra bagels to take home. This added perk ensures attendees leave the tour fully satisfied and with the ability to enjoy the iconic Montreal bagels even after the experience has concluded.

| Included | Amount |

| — | — |

| Bottled Water | 1 |

| Extra Bagels | 2 |

| Cream Cheese | 2 oz |

| Smoked Salmon | 1 oz |

These extras complement the tasting and immersive aspects of the tour, providing a complete bagel experience for participants to savor.

Customer Reviews

What do the customer reviews say about the Montreal Bagel Tour? Based on the single review provided, it seems the tour receives high praise from participants.

The tour earns a perfect 5/5 rating, with one customer, Vanessa from the United States, highlighting the guide’s ability to seamlessly integrate history and culture into the experience.

She also recommends allowing additional time to further explore the charming Mile End neighborhood after the tour.

The review suggests the Montreal Bagel Tour offers:

• A well-crafted, informative experience

• A knowledgeable, engaging guide

• An opportunity to discover Montreal’s unique culinary heritage

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Customize the Tour to My Dietary Needs?

Participants with dietary restrictions can’t be accommodated on this tour. The bagels, lox, and other menu items can’t be substituted. However, travelers can book a private tour that may allow for customized options.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

The tour provides a 10% discount for groups of 6 or more participants. However, the tour may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions like veganism or gluten intolerance. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any special accommodations.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring the Mile End Neighborhood?

The tour includes 5 minutes to stroll through the Mile End neighborhood before moving on to visit the bagel shops. Participants are encouraged to explore the charming streets of Mile End on their own after the tour ends at Parc Lahaie.

Are Photographs and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photographs and videos are allowed during the tour. The company encourages participants to capture the baking process and the charming streets of the Mile End neighborhood. However, guides may request discretion when interacting with customers.

Can I Purchase Additional Bagels or Baked Goods On-Site?

Yes, participants can purchase additional bagels or baked goods from the bagel shops during the tour. The tour includes extras, but you’re welcome to buy more to take home as souvenirs or enjoy later.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Montreal Bagel Tour offers a delightful opportunity to explore the city’s iconic bagel culture. Participants will visit renowned bagel shops, sample their delectable offerings, and learn about the history and unique baking methods that make Montreal bagels a beloved symbol of the city’s identity. With a fun blind taste test and a spread of traditional toppings, this 2-hour guided tour provides an engaging and educational culinary experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: