Montreal: the Montreal Bagel Tour

The Montreal Bagel Tour takes visitors on a delectable journey through the city’s rich culinary heritage. This two-hour experience immerses guests in the vibrant Mile End neighborhood, where they’ll witness the art of bagel-making at the iconic St-Viateur Bagel. As the tour unfolds, you will explore local shops and unveil the unique flavors that make Montreal-style bagels a celebrated delicacy. But the real test comes when they engage in a blind taste test, pitting the renowned St-Viateur against the equally esteemed Fairmount Bagel. With a professional guide leading the way, this tour promises a mouthwatering exploration that may just leave you craving more.

Key Points

• The Montreal Bagel Tour is a 2-hour guided experience exploring the Mile End neighborhood’s rich bagel-making culture and history.
• Participants visit two renowned bagel shops, St-Viateur and Fairmount, to observe baking techniques and sample freshly made Montreal-style bagels.
• The tour includes a blind taste test to compare the distinct characteristics of the two bagel shops’ offerings.
• Highlights include insights into the origins and significance of Montreal bagels, as well as opportunities to browse local shops and cafes.
• The tour is suitable for up to 10 participants and is fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Montreal Bagel Tour offers a captivating 2-hour experience for up to 10 participants, priced at Kč1,287 per person.

Conducted in English, the tour starts at 5563 Av du Parc in Mile End, Montreal, and ends at Parc Lahaie. Guests can enjoy a free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The guided tour takes participants on foot to explore the neighborhood, with visits to the iconic St-Viateur and Fairmount Bagel shops to witness the baking process and sample the renowned Montreal-style bagels.

A blind taste test and a spread of bagels, lox, capers, and cream cheese complete the immersive culinary experience.

Itinerary and Experience

On this guided tour, you will explore the neighborhood of Mile End on foot, covering various locations.

The tour begins with a 10-minute visit to St-Viateur Bagel, where guests can sample the famous Montreal bagels and witness their baking process.

This is followed by a 1-hour tour of the Mile End area, providing insights into the local culture and history.

Next, visitors will stop by Fairmount Bagel for another 5-minute tasting and observation of the baking techniques.

The tour culminates with a blind taste test to choose between the two iconic bagel shops.

Guests will also enjoy a spread of bagels, lox, capers, and cream cheese as they discuss the origins of this Montreal specialty.

Guided Tour Highlights

Participants get to fully enjoy the rich culture and history of Montreal’s iconic Mile End neighborhood.

The guided tour covers the area’s charming streets, providing an up-close look at the bagel-making process at renowned bakeries like St-Viateur and Fairmount.

Highlights include:

• Witnessing the skilled bakers in action, shaping and baking the signature Montreal-style bagels.
• Indulging in a blind taste test to determine the superior bagel between the two local institutions.
• Savoring a delectable spread of freshly baked bagels with lox, capers, and cream cheese, complementing the immersive experience.

The knowledgeable guide weaves in fascinating insights about the origins and evolution of this beloved Montreal specialty.

St-Viateur Bagel Visit

A 10-minute visit to the iconic St-Viateur Bagel allows participants to witness the skilled bakers as they handcraft the signature Montreal-style bagels. The bakers expertly shape, boil, and bake the doughy rings, creating a chewy interior and crisp, shiny exterior. Participants can sample the freshly baked bagels, savoring their distinctive flavors and textures.

Bagel Varieties	Baking Process
Plain	Shaping
Sesame	Boiling
Whole Wheat	Baking
Onion	Cooling
Garlic	Packaging

The St-Viateur Bagel visit provides a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous attention to detail that goes into producing these beloved Montreal treats.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Mile End Neighborhood Exploration

The guided tour whisks participants through the charming streets of Mile End, a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its eclectic blend of cultures and buzzing artistic energy.

During the 1-hour exploration, the guide shares fascinating insights into the area’s history and its evolution into a hub for creatives, indie boutiques, and delectable eateries.

Highlights of the Mile End walkabout include:

• Admiring the stunning murals and street art that adorn the neighborhood’s walls
• Browsing the shelves of independent bookstores and vinyl shops
• Discovering cozy cafes, artisanal bakeries, and trendy restaurants

The immersive neighborhood experience provides a deeper appreciation for Montreal’s distinct cultural tapestry and the unique charm of Mile End.

Fairmount Bagel Sampling

Continuing the tour, participants make a brief stop at Fairmount Bagel, one of Montreal’s iconic bagel institutions.

Here, they sample freshly baked bagels and witness the baking process. The 5-minute visit allows guests to compare the distinct flavors and textures of Fairmount’s bagels to those of St-Viateur.

Guides provide insights into the historical significance of Fairmount Bagel, which has been a staple in the Mile End neighborhood since 1949.

Participants eagerly anticipate the blind taste test, eager to determine their preferred Montreal-style bagel.

Tasting and Discussion

Following the bagel sampling at Fairmount, participants eagerly gather around a tasting station prepared by the guide.

The guide leads a blind taste test, challenging the group to distinguish between the bagels from St-Viateur and Fairmount.

After the revealing, the group enjoys a spread of fresh bagels topped with lox, capers, and cream cheese.

As they savor the flavors, the guide provides insights into the history and origins of the iconic Montreal bagel:

• The distinct "wood-fired" taste is achieved by boiling the bagels in honey-sweetened water before baking.

• Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter compared to their New York counterparts.

• The city’s large Jewish community played a pivotal role in shaping the local bagel tradition.

Important Information

Guests can rest assured that tours proceed as scheduled regardless of weather conditions, with cancellations occurring only in the event of safety concerns.

Tour guides prioritize the safety of participants, advising caution when walking in public spaces. All guides are certified and have completed a mandatory course at the Tourism Institute, ensuring they’re knowledgeable and equipped to provide a memorable experience.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of Montreal’s bagel tradition, with the chance to take extra bagels home as a delicious souvenir.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Health and Safety Protocols During the Tour?

Tour guides prioritize guest safety, and all participants should exercise caution while walking in public spaces. The tour proceeds regardless of weather, with cancellations occurring only for safety concerns.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance so the guide can make necessary arrangements, such as providing alternative menu items or avoiding certain ingredients during the tastings.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children or Families?

The tour is suitable for families, as it can accommodate children. The itinerary includes interactive activities and the opportunity to sample bagels, making it an engaging experience for all ages.

What Is the Refund Policy for Cancellations Made Less Than 24 Hours in Advance?

The cancellation policy states that there is no refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price does not include any additional fees or costs. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not eligible for a full refund.

Recap

The Montreal Bagel Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich culinary heritage of the city’s Mile End neighborhood. From observing skilled bakers at work to savoring the distinct flavors of Montreal-style bagels, this guided experience provides a delightful and informative journey for up to ten participants. Whether a local or a visitor, the tour promises an engaging and memorable exploration of Montreal’s renowned bagel culture.

You can check if your dates are available here: