Under the Surface of Montreal's Chinatown: Guided Food Walking Tour

Montreal , Canada

Under the Surface of Montreal's Chinatown: Guided Food Walking Tour

Active

(22 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On this guided walking tour, you'll explore the evolution of of Montreal’s Chinatown, from its pre-Chinatown beginnings to the current mix of people, food and businesses. Learn about the history and impacts of the different waves of immigration and immigration policies, while discovering the food, and stories of local chefs, merchants and colorful characters.

Available options

Private Chinatown Food Tour

Private Tour: This option is exclusively for private tours (4 guests maximum)

Under the Surface of Montreal's Chinatown: Guided Food Walking Tour

What's included

Light refreshments

Professional guide

Snacks

Lunch 12-courses

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This 4hour tour scratches the veneer and gets beyond Chinatown's facade to taste its best treasures! Visit seven food tasting stops and explore the history of Chinatown and its local characters.

After meeting at Place d'armes in Old Montreal, your guide will give a brief overview of the history of Montreal. Then take a short stroll to Chinatown. If there are children in the tour group, you'll make a stop at the water garden at the Chinese Holiday Inn.

Head to the largest Chinese grocery store in Chinatown, learn about its history and take time to look around and shop. Afterwards, enjoy a Bahn Mi sandwich and learn how to make this local treat.

Next, enjoy a quick bite of szechuan, Dongbei and Hunan food, while tasting some crispy pork, BBQ pork and duck. Then follow your guide to a classic Hong Kong style dimsum. Eat a fortune cookie and learn about the oldest business in Chinatown that makes them!

Afterwards, taste Chinese pastries at a Cantonese bakery, try some famous dragon's beard candy and finish off with high quality tea from a Montreal based company with farms in Southern China.

You will be very full at the end of this tour. Step into a different world that you may have never found on your own!

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transportation to/from attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

When you go to shops, any purchases you make above and beyond the tour are your responsibility.

Your local tour operator will provide ponchos in case of rain but you need to dress appropriately for the weather otherwise.

You'll be provided a bottle of water and a juice in the summer as well as a choice of a dessert or bubble tea at the end and tea

There is a 30 minutes of walking

There is also some time outside and in the winter, Montreal weather in winter can be quite cold

Meeting point

We will be at the bottom of the Monument to de Maisonneuve with black and white bags with orange writing on them. If the weather is really bad, we will meet under the overhang of the Notre-dame basilica.

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.