DEEP TOUR

THE Montréal Bagel Tour

with MontrealExpert

The hole story

hours

CAN $ / person

people max

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?

Let's talk about bagels, baby! 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.

Along the way, you’ll also enjoy the lively atmosphere of Mile End, with its mix of charming streets, colourful murals, and trendy boutiques. The tour provides not only a culinary journey but also a cultural exploration of one of Montreal’s most dynamic neighbourhoods.

Who is the guide? I'm Thom, AKA Montreal Expert. You can find me talking all about bagels or anything else Montreal-related on my social media platforms (LINK). I’m a Bagel loving licensed Tour Guide who's also obsessed with Montréal! I've got the knowledge and the understanding of Montréal's unique take on the bagel and I want to share this with anyone who’s ready to join along, so Let Me Show You Around as we dive into all the sesame covered details of why this city lays claims to the best bagel on the planet!

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city’s culinary heritage or a visitor eager to experience a quintessential Montreal food tradition, THE Montreal Bagel Tour offers an unforgettable experience. Join Montreal Expert for a bit of bagel indulgence and local discovery, and leave with a full belly, a deeper understanding of Montreal’s bagel legacy, and a smile on your face. Voila !

FAQ

Can I bring my kids?

Sure! Kids under 2 can join for free. If you have a stroller, please keep in mind that the bakeries are small and cramped and have stairs. Other than that, as long as your kids can keep up with the group, the more the merrier!

Can I bring my dog?

We would love to say yes, but the unfortunate reality is that dogs are not allowed in the bagel bakeries. If you absolutely still want to bring your best friend on four legs, just understand that you’ll miss out on the parts of the tour where we go indoors.

What if it rains / snows?

This is Montréal. Weather can be unpredictable and it does rain and snow quite often. That being said, it rarely poses a problem. Please come prepared with proper footwear, clothing and/or an umbrella. Check out our cancellation policy to learn more about what we do in case of severe weather.

Are there bathrooms along the way?

Not really. The bakeries we visit do not have bathrooms and the rest of the tour we will be outside. So please keep this in mind and plan accordingly. In case of an emergency we can always find a bathroom in a nearby café.

How much walking is there? What if I have reduced mobility?

We will walk approximately 1 km over the course of the entire tour and there are often places to sit along the way. If you prefer to calculate distance in miles, we’ll save you the energy of googling it: It’s 0.621371 miles. One of the bakeries is not wheelchair accessible. The rest of the tour is on the sidewalks of the city. The walking pace is fairly casual but if you think you might need extra time walking, you might want to consider booking a private tour.

What if I have allergies?

If you’re allergic to bagels or anything in bagels, you might want to reconsider joining along. However if your allergy is to a particular topping or something that we put on the bagels, we can gladly find a way to work around it.

Should I eat before coming?

You’ll likely eat to your heart’s content, but the big part of the feast comes near the end of the tour. For the first part of the tour, you’ll have samples (think half a bagel) until we finish it off with more options.

What food will be served?

You’ll be served a number of bagels. At least 3 and possibly more. The exact kind is to be determined once we’re on the spot, but think sesame seed, poppy seed, something along those lines. You’ll be able to sample some bagels with nothing on them and then you’ll be able to top your bagels with an array of various schmear options. You want cream cheese? Hummus? Smoked salmon? We’ve got you. And there’s more where that came from.

Highlights

Visit St-Viateur bagel shop, sample a bagel and witness the bagels coming out of the oven.
Visit Fairmount bagel, sample a bagel, witness the bagels coming out of the oven.
Participate in a blind taste test to see which you prefer.
Enjoy a spread of bagels, lox (smoked salmon), capers, cream cheese and more!
Explore the charming streets of the Mile End neighbourhood. 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

Itinerary

Meeting point: Les Petits enfants de Felice, 5563 avenue du Parc H2V 4H2 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.
Visit mural depicting history of the people in this neighbourhood
Visit St-Viateur bagel shop. One of the most famous bagel shops in the world. Purveyor of some of the finest bagels and local institution.
Explore St-Viateur street. A charming street full of neighbourhood life, good people watching and local institutions.
Visit Fairmount bagel shop. Montreal's oldest bagel shop. A true local institution where some of the best bagels in the world are handmade, 24 hours per day.
Stroll down avenue Fairmount. A slice of Montreal on one street. Distinctive local architecture, lots of famous shops and restaurants and a vibe all on its own.
Check out Boulevard St-Laurent. 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.
The tour ends at Parc Lahaie, in the heart of the Mile End neighbourhood. A small park that used to be a central town square before Mile End became part of Montreal. Stunning architecture, fountains, public art, and lots of people watching.