One of the best ways to discover a city is through its culinary culture. I always try and take a food tour of a new city I’m visiting. It’s the best way to get to know the food scene, chat with some producers and ask for recommendations from your guide. Several companies offer food tours of Montreal, including the city’s markets or historical neighbourhoods. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, these Montreal food tours are a perfect way to spend a few hours walking or biking around, tasting some delicious bites and learning about the city’s history.

Fitz & Follwell Co.

Fitz and Follwell does bike and walking tours of Montreal that provide their guests with authentic experiences emulating locals’ life.  Their “Flavours of the Main” walking food tour follows St-Laurent Boulevard through 3 different neighbourhoods and explores some of Montreal’s classic eateries and markets.

VDM Global Tours

VDM Global has been providing tourists and locals alike with comprehensive tours of Montreal, Québec province and beyond for the past 40 years. Guided by experts, learn about the culinary history of some of Montreal’s most popular neighbourhoods such as Old Montreal and Little Italy and meet some local chefs and purveyors. This summer and as a tribute to Montreal’s 375th anniversary, VDM Global is offering a tour that will take you on an exploration of the city’s Chinese, Portuguese and Jewish neighborhoods with their new tour: The Main on a Plate! 375 years of History, Food and Culture.

Local Montreal Food Tours

The two main walking food tours guided by Local Montreal Food Tour focus on the Mile End and Old Montreal. The tours take guests on a cultural and culinary tour of these two iconic Montreal neighbourhoods through their unique and rich history. Six or more food stops are planned with each tour, making them satisfying in every aspect.

Montreal Craft Beer Tours

If you’re a beer aficionado, then this is the tour for you! Montreal Craft Beer Tours will take you on a discovery of the city’s brewpubs while also telling you about the visited neighbourhood’s history and putting you in touch with the artisans behind the brews. You’ll also get a taste of poutine, local charcuteries and cheese and more to go with those beers.

‘Round Table Tours

Whether you’re a lover of wine, craft beer, tapas, food trucks, chocolate or afternoon tea, ‘Round Table Tours has an outing with your name on it. They also have tours that explore Chinatown or Montreal’s iconic Jewish dishes. Their tours are designed to take customers “beyond the cheap clichés normally destined for tourists” and to explore Montreal’s neighbourhoods through culture and gastronomy.

Spade & Palacio

All of Spade & Palacio’s tours include a bite, a drink, a picnic lunch or more but if you’re a food lover and would like more than just a nibble, their “Beyond the Market” tour takes you on an exploration of Montreal’s Jean Talon Market and beyond. The small, non-touristy tour visits at least 6 of the local guides’ favorite eateries and watering holes, enough to satisfy any hunger!

Context Travel

Context operates tours led by locals all over the world. They started operating in Montreal a couple of years ago. The Jean Talon Market tour takes guests on a discovery of Montreal’s largest market. Several tastings are planned, from local cheeses, ice wines, charcuteries, fruits and veggies and more. I am actually one of the guides for this tour so who knows, you may get me as your tour leader when you book!

For more stories and photos on Montreal’s Jean Talon Market, head here.