Montreal: Full-Day City Tour with Jean-Talon Market & Bagel Tasting

Summary

Montreal flavors, local stories and city views in a single day

You’ll taste warm bagels straight from Mile End, sample maple treats at Jean-Talon Market, stroll Old Montreal’s historic streets, and soak up city views from Mount Royal—all with a local guide who keeps things real. Expect laughter, stories you won’t find online, and moments that linger long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely squeezed into the van when our guide, Sylvie, handed out warm bagels—still soft from the Mile End bakery. She joked about Montrealers arguing over which shop is best (apparently it’s a thing), and honestly, I still can’t decide if I liked the sesame or poppyseed more. The smell of fresh bread and coffee sort of set the tone for the whole day: casual, friendly, just a bit chaotic in that good way.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a “comprehensive” tour, but there we were—cruising through Westmount’s leafy streets while Sylvie pointed out mansions with stories about who used to live there (she whispered one was owned by a famous hockey player). The weather kept flipping between sun and drizzle, so we’d hop out for photos and then pile back in. At Jean-Talon Market, the air was thick with strawberries and something sweet—maple? A vendor let me try his maple taffy right off the stick. Sticky fingers for the rest of the drive.

Old Montreal felt different—quieter cobblestones underfoot and people speaking French everywhere. We started our walk at Notre-Dame Basilica; I tried to catch every detail on its doors but got distracted by a street musician playing accordion. Lunch break meant wandering Saint-Paul Street looking for something not too touristy (I ended up with smoked meat on rye—messy but worth it). Chinatown zipped by in a blur of neon signs and umbrellas. Later, standing at Mount Royal Park’s lookout after all that city bustle, it was almost silent except for wind in the trees. I still think about that view sometimes—you know how some places just stick?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Comprehensive Montreal city tour

• Drive around Downtown Montreal
• Visit Mile-End neighborhood
• Drive by Little Italy
• Visit Jean-Talon farmers market
• Visit Le Plateau Mont-Royal
• Cross bridge to Jean Drapeau Park
• Drive on Formula 1 Circuit
• Short walk in Old Montreal
• Drive through Chinatown
• Drive around entertainment district
• Drive through Westmount mansions
• Visit St. Joseph Oratory
• Drive and stop at Mount Royal

Top questions

How long is the full-day Montreal city tour?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with multiple stops across Montreal.

Is hotel pickup included on this Montreal day trip?

Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are available from listed hotels if selected at least 24 hours in advance.

Are food tastings included on this Montreal city tour?

Yes, you’ll get to taste local specialties like bagels and maple products during the tour.

What neighborhoods does this Montreal tour visit?

The tour covers Westmount, Le Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End, Little Italy, Old Montreal, Chinatown, and more.

Is this small-group or private?

This is a small-group tour with 8–16 people per group.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance fees for included attractions are covered in your booking.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is provided; you have free time to buy lunch in Old Montreal.

Can children join this day trip?

Children are welcome but must not disturb other guests; infants can use strollers or prams.

What’s included

Your day includes complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off if booked ahead of time, entry fees to all scheduled attractions, guided commentary throughout by an accredited bilingual guide, tastings of classic Montreal bagels and maple treats at Jean-Talon Market, plus time for lunch and shopping in Old Montreal before returning comfortably to your starting point.