Montreal Mile End Original Foodie Tour – by Local Montreal Tours

Discover Montreal’s Mile End on a Guided Food Tour for $100.12

The Montreal Mile End Original Foodie Tour by Local Montreal Tours offers a flavorful introduction to one of the city’s most trendy neighborhoods. Priced at $100.12 per person, this approximately 3-hour walking experience takes participants through Mile End’s lively streets, revealing its culinary gems and community stories. The tour is suitable for most travelers and features a small group size to foster personal interactions. With more than 293 reviews and a perfect 5.0 rating, it’s a highly recommended way to explore Montreal’s food scene.

This guided tour stands out for its diverse sampling of local favorites—from iconic Montreal bagels to Greek-style dishes, fresh cheeses, and seasonal ice cream. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Mile End’s culinary and cultural offerings, especially if you’re interested in neighborhood history and vibrant street art. The tour includes seven curated food stops, providing generous portions and a variety of flavors. Keep in mind that gratuities for the guide are not included, and dietary restrictions should be communicated at booking.

Key Points

• Price: $100.12 per person for a 3-hour guided walking experience
• Location: Starts at Lester’s Deli in Outremont and ends at Kem Coba
• Highlights: Sampling from seven different local food businesses
• Stops include: St-Viateur Bagel, Lester’s Deli, a Greek eatery, cheese shop, and ice cream parlor
• Group size: Limited to 16 travelers for personalized experiences
• Reviews: Consistently rated 5 stars with praise for guides and food quality

Starting Point at Lester’s Deli in Outremont

The tour kicks off at Lester’s Deli, located at 1057 Av. Bernard, easily accessible via public transport. From this vibrant deli, the guide introduces participants to Mile End’s distinct character and history. The walk covers approximately three hours, with plenty of opportunities to chat with the guide and ask questions. The small group size ensures a friendly atmosphere, ideal for learning about the neighborhood’s evolution while tasting its culinary offerings.

Exploring Mile End’s Vibrant Streets and Murals

After starting at Lester’s Deli, the tour moves through the energetic streets of Mile End. One of the highlights is a quick visit to nearby street art, where discussion covers local artists and murals shaping the neighborhood’s creative vibe. This five-minute stop offers visual inspiration and context about Mile End’s artistic scene, complementing the food experience.

Sampling the World’s Best Bagels at St-Viateur

No visit to Montreal is complete without a stop at St-Viateur Bagel, established in 1957. The tour includes a tasting of the famous Montreal bagels, renowned for their distinctive chewy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Visitors appreciate the authenticity of this institution, which remains a neighborhood staple. This stop provides an opportunity to see the bagel-making process and purchase additional baked goods if desired.

Tasting Smoked Meat at Lester’s Deli

The tour begins with an Old Fashioned Smoked Meat Sandwich at Lester’s Deli. Known for its legendary smoked meats, this stop offers a classic Montreal delicacy. The portion size satisfies even the hearty appetites, making it a fitting introduction to Mile End’s culinary roots. The guide shares insights about the history of smoked meat in Montreal, enriching the tasting experience.

Savory Flavors at Nita Tout Garni

Next, the tour visits Nita Tout Garni, where a beloved gravelax sandwich is sampled. The dish is served with white wine or lemonade, adding a refreshing touch. Nita’s is appreciated for its local charm and high-quality ingredients. This stop showcases Montreal’s multicultural influences, particularly the Jewish and Eastern European communities that help shape the city’s food scene.

Discovering Cheese at Brebis Fromagerie de Quartier

A cheese tasting at Brebis Fromagerie de Quartier rounds out the savory stops. Guests sample Québecois cheeses, learning about local dairy production. The guide offers insights into the varieties available and shares stories about the cheese artisans. This stop highlights Montreal’s culinary craftsmanship and appreciation for local produce.

Indulging in Seasonal Ice Cream at Kem Coba

In the summer months, the tour concludes with a visit to Kem Coba for what is potentially the best ice cream in Montreal. The handcrafted ice cream features unique flavors, and the stop caps off the experience on a sweet, cooling note. It’s a popular highlight, especially for families and those seeking a refreshing treat.

Additional Stops and Variations on Tuesdays

For tours on Tuesdays, some stops are replaced: Kouzina Niata takes the place of Nita Tout Garni, and Garbanzo replaces Nita’s. This variation offers a different taste experience but maintains the focus on diverse, authentic foods from Mile End.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour starts at Lester’s Deli and is about a 10-minute walk to the final stop at Kem Coba. The group size is limited to 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking. It’s advisable to notify the provider of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure accommodations.

The Experience of Guides and Neighborhood Stories

Throughout the tour, guides like Darren, Louis, Fran, and Anna are praised for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendly manner. Many reviews highlight how guides share engaging stories about Montreal’s history, culture, and local food influences, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Benefits of the Guided Food Tour in Mile End

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its combination of culinary sampling and neighborhood exploration. Visitors get a taste of Montreal’s multicultural heritage through food, while also gaining insights into Mile End’s art scene and community. The generous portions and variety of stops mean that participants leave full and satisfied.

Considerations and Limitations

The absence of poutine, a signature Montreal dish, is noted by some as a minor omission. The timing at stops is designed for enjoyment, but extra time for shopping at bagel, cheese, or sandwich shops is limited. The tour does not include gratuities, which are customary for guides, so budget accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour Most?

This food-focused tour appeals to culture and history enthusiasts who want a personalized, in-depth look at Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood. It’s kid-friendly, making it suitable for families, and ideal for those wanting a relaxed, social experience with authentic local flavors. The tour’s value for money is high, given the multiple stops and substantial tastings.

Final Thoughts on the Montreal Mile End Foodie Tour

The Montreal Mile End Original Foodie Tour offers a delightful and informative way to experience the city’s trendy, multicultural neighborhood. With excellent guides, generous tastings, and insights into local art and history, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone eager to explore Montreal’s culinary diversity. The small group format enhances the experience, making it both personal and engaging. While missing a poutine sample might be a slight drawback for some, the variety of flavors and cultural stories more than compensate.

This tour is best suited for curious food lovers and those interested in neighborhood culture, offering a balanced mix of taste, history, and community. It’s a reliable choice to enjoy Montreal’s Mile End through a delicious lens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, covering seven food stops across Mile End.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Lester’s Deli, 1057 Av. Bernard in Outremont and concludes at Kem Coba, 60 Av. Fairmount O.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, please advise of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking to ensure appropriate options.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is kid-friendly and appreciated for its generous portions and engaging guide.

Do I need to tip the guide separately?
Tipping is not included in the ticket price; additional tips are appreciated for excellent guides.