Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour

Explore Montreal’s Unique Tea Scene for $166.79

The Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour offers a delightful journey through the city’s diverse tea culture, all for $166.79 per person. With a duration of approximately 5 hours, this experience combines walking and taxi rides to give an in-depth look at Montreal’s tea scene. The tour departs from 1063 Boul. Saint-Laurent at 11:00 am, and the group size is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring an intimate setting.

This tour is perfect for tea enthusiasts and those curious about Montreal’s rich beverage traditions. It includes visits to a variety of locations, from a Victorian-style mixology bar to Chinese and French tea importers, culminating in a formal afternoon tea. The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides and delicious tastings make this experience both educational and enjoyable, though some should be prepared for moderate walking and weather-dependent conditions.

Key Points

• Price of $166.79 includes all tastings, snacks, and a formal afternoon tea
• Five-hour tour with walking and taxi transport between stops
• Visits to four key spots: a tea sommelier school, Japanese tea room, Chinese tea store, and historic Old Montreal
• Learn about Montreal’s diverse tea culture, including history and making techniques
• Includes a tea-based cocktail and gourmet bites during the day
• Limited group size of 8 travelers ensures personalized attention

Starting Point and Tour Duration in Montreal

The Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour begins at 1063 Boul. Saint-Laurent at 11:00 am, and lasts approximately 5 hours. The tour involves around 3.3 kilometers of walking, so it’s suited for those with moderate physical fitness. Participants should dress appropriately for weather conditions, as the tour runs year-round. The tour includes taxis for longer distances and a certified guide or tea sommelier leading each stop.

Visiting Montreal’s Tea Institutions in a Compact Schedule

The tour covers four main stops:

• Quartier Latin: Here, the group visits a tea sommelier school to learn the basics of different tea families and how to prepare a perfect cup. This session lasts one hour and includes admission tickets.

• Plateau Mont-Royal: Next, the tour moves to a Japanese tea room for tastings and light bites, with a two-hour stay that also includes admission tickets. This spot highlights Montreal’s fusion of traditional and modern tea culture.

• Chinatown: The group explores a Montreal-based Chinese tea store, tasting teas and learning the history of tea. This stop lasts one hour and includes admission tickets.

• Vieux-Montreal: The tour concludes with a high tea experience in Old Montreal, offering a one-hour session with free admission. Here, guests enjoy a formal afternoon tea with gourmet bites.

Tea and Food Highlights at Each Stop

Throughout the tour, all teas, a tea-based cocktail, and gourmet bites are included, providing a generous meal in total. The culinary offerings include gourmet snacks and desserts, with some reviews mentioning delicious noodles and beautiful sandwiches. The guide shares stories of the owners and origins of each hotel, enriching the tasting experience.

The Victorian-Style Mixology Bar Experience

A unique feature of this tour is a visit to a Victorian-style mixology bar in Montreal’s trendy Mile End. Here, guests sip a tea-based cocktail accompanied by gourmet snacks, blending classic elegance with modern mixology. This stop adds a layer of sophistication to the afternoon, combining visual style with flavorful drinks.

Learning About Montreal’s Tea Culture and Industry

The tour offers a comprehensive education about Montreal’s tea scene. Guests learn about local and imported teas, the industry’s history, and the different brewing techniques. The guides are praised for their knowledgeable, energetic, and friendly demeanor, making the learning engaging and accessible.

The Formal Afternoon Tea in Old Montreal

The day finishes with a 45-minute formal afternoon tea at an elegant hotel. This classic setting offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy the culmination of the day’s tastings, savoring tea, sandwiches, and desserts. Many reviews highlight this segment as a beautiful and tasty conclusion.

Logistics and Practical Details

The tour starts at 11:00 am and includes all necessary transport between locations via taxis, making the walking manageable. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation. The group size is capped at 8 travelers, fostering an intimate atmosphere. Participants are advised to bring a reusable water bottle, though a bottle will be provided if needed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This tour’s key strength is its focus on Montreal’s diverse tea culture, visiting various neighborhoods like Chinatown, Plateau Mont-Royal, and Old Montreal. The combination of tastings, educational stops, and a formal tea service creates a comprehensive experience. The knowledgeable guides and well-curated itinerary ensure guests leave with both a deeper appreciation for tea and personalized stories of Montreal’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Limitations to Consider

While the tour offers a rich experience, it involves moderate walking and is weather-dependent, so dressing appropriately is important. The price point of around $167 may be higher than some other city tours, but it includes all tastings and a formal tea. Hotel pickup and gratuities are not included, so travelers should budget accordingly.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience is ideal for tea lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those interested in Montreal’s neighborhoods and culinary scene. It’s particularly suited for adults comfortable with walking and moderate physical activity. The small group size makes it perfect for those seeking an intimate, personalized experience.

Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour: A Unique Blend of Education and Elegance

The Montreal Afternoon Tea Tour offers an engaging way to explore the city’s tea history, culture, and industry with a well-balanced mix of tastings, learning, and elegant experiences. The expert guides and attention to detail make it stand out among Montreal’s culinary tours.

The inclusion of visits to a tea sommelier school, a Japanese tea room, Chinese and French tea importers, and a formal afternoon tea ensures a comprehensive look at Montreal’s tea landscape. This tour is a worthy choice for those seeking a relaxing, educational, and delicious day in Montreal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with food allergies or restrictions?
Yes, participants should inform the tour operator about any food restrictions or allergies when booking so accommodations can be made.

How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour involves moderate walking totaling approximately 3.3 kilometers, suited for individuals with a moderate physical fitness level. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all teas, a tea-based cocktail, gourmet bites, desserts, transportation via taxis, and admission tickets for the stops. The formal afternoon tea is also included.

Can the tour be canceled or rescheduled?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at 5326 Boul. Saint-Laurent in Montreal, where guests can continue exploring the city or return via public transportation.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, the tour runs year-round regardless of weather conditions, so dress accordingly for outdoor portions.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The small group size, diverse locations, and focus on educational tastings give this tour a personalized and comprehensive feel, especially suitable for those interested in the cultural richness of Montreal’s tea scene.