Montreal , Canada

The Montreal Bagel tour

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About this experience

What exactly is a Montréal bagel? How did it end up being so beloved? How did an Eastern European Jewish food become a symbol of a French Canadian city? On THE Montréal Bagel Tour, you’ll follow your certified Guide on a walk through the charming streets of the Mile-End neighbourhood and visit the two bakeries that have divided the city into two teams. You’ll try some delicious and unique freshly baked Montréal bagels and your life will never be the same. After sampling both options, you’ll be welcome to participate in a blind taste test to determine where your allegiance lies. Will you be team Fairmount, or team St-Viateur?
What is the history behind the bagel? Where did it originate and why did it come to be? How is it that it made its way to Montreal? We'll discuss the origins, the varieties, the different preparation and baking methods and so much more. And of course, we'll eat bagels, smoked salmon, capers, cream cheese, hummus, and more!

Available options

The Montreal Bagel tour

What's included

Bottled water

Snacks

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Montréal's Mile End neighbourhood is full of local charms and cultural mixes. A large Hassidic Jewish population lives side by side with people of Greek, Italian and French Canadian origins, just to name a few. A young artsy crowd, hipsters and techies make up other large segments of the population. The picturesque tree lined streets are lined with beautiful homes, charming shops, cafés, restaurants and art galleries.

Large scale street art mural by Ola Volo

Stop 3

One of the most famous bagel shops in the world. Purveyor of some of the finest bagels and local institution.

Stop 4

A charming street full of neighbourhood life, good people watching and local institutions.

Stop 5

Montreal's oldest bagel shop. A true local institution where some of the best bagels in the world are hand made, 24 hours per day.

Stop 6

A slice of Montreal on one street. Distinctive local architecture, lots of famous shops and restaurants and a vibe all on its own.

Locals think of this street as the embodiment of Montréal. Is it a dividing line, or a unifying place? Depends on who you ask. But one thing for sure, it is the most storied boulevard in town.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Let's meet outside this address. It is a wonderful café which you can use to grab something to drink before the tour begins if you like. Keep in mind a bottle of water will be provided to each participant once the tour begins.

About Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, bilingual city that beautifully blends European charm with North American energy. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning architecture, it's a city where cobblestone streets meet modern skyscrapers, and world-class cuisine meets bustling festivals.

Top Attractions

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

The historic heart of Montreal, featuring cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th-century architecture, and charming cafes.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Mount Royal Park

A large urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering stunning views of the city and numerous recreational activities.

Nature Half day Free

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

One of Canada's most prominent museums, featuring an impressive collection of art from various periods and cultures.

Museum 2-3 hours Free to $22 CAD (varies by exhibit)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Montreal-style Bagels

Smaller, sweeter, and denser than New York bagels, often topped with sesame seeds.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian

Poutine

A dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Smoked Meat Sandwich

A sandwich made with smoked brisket, often served on rye bread with mustard.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Royal Park Skiing in Mont-Tremblant Picnicking in Parc La Fontaine Spa day at Bota Bota Visiting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Exploring Old Montreal Swimming at Oka Beach Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest tourist season with warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities. Expect lively streets and numerous events.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5:00), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4:00) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Montreal is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center

By train

Gare Centrale

By bus

Gare d'autocars de Montréal

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and easy to use. The metro system is a convenient way to get around Montreal.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plateau Mont-Royal Downtown (Centre-Ville) Mile End

Day trips

Quebec City

250 km (155 miles) • Full day

A charming city with a rich history, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a fortress overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Mont-Tremblant

130 km (81 miles) • Full day to overnight

A popular resort town known for its ski slopes, hiking trails, and charming village.

Oka

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A small town known for its beautiful beach on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains and its historic Oka Abbey.

Festivals

Montreal International Jazz Festival • Late June to early July Just for Laughs • July Montreal World Film Festival • Late August to early September

Pro tips

Visit Mount Royal Park for a panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset.
Explore the Underground City, a network of tunnels connecting shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Try local specialties like poutine, smoked meat, and Montreal-style bagels.
Attend a Montreal Canadiens hockey game for a true local experience.
Use the STM app for easy navigation of the metro and bus system.