Old Montreal Food Tour: Poutine, Bagels & Historic Cafés Walk

Summary

Old Montreal flavors from smoked salmon to poutine and pastries

You’ll taste your way through Old Montreal’s best—smoked salmon bagels in a grand café, classic poutine loaded with smoked meat, Mexican tacos at La Catrina (if you’re lucky), and finish with local cheeses plus a perfect canelé pastry. Expect stories from your guide and those little moments—like laughter over mispronounced words or the surprise of lamb salad—that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I blinked at the gold-and-marble ceilings of Crew Collective Café, still not sure if I was in a bank or a movie set. Our guide, Camille, handed out smoked salmon bagels—warm, chewy, with that little hit of dill—and told us how this place used to be the Royal Bank’s main hall. Someone behind me whispered “this is wild” and honestly, same. The smell of coffee mixed with old paper and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe it was the canelé waiting for us later.

We wandered through Old Montreal’s narrow streets, dodging delivery bikes and people taking wedding photos (seriously, so many tulle skirts). Camille pointed out Notre-Dame Basilica—just the outside, but she had stories about its blue ceiling that made me want to peek inside next time. At Franklin’s Subs Suds we got hit with this mountain of smoked meat poutine—rich gravy, squeaky cheese curds, peppery brisket. I tried to pace myself but… well. It’s poutine in Montreal; you just go for it.

There was a moment at La Catrina where I tried to say “nopales” like our host did (Li laughed when I butchered it), but that taco was fresh and bright and nothing like what I’d expected from Quebec. Later at Le beau marché we grazed on cheeses and charcuterie—soft goat cheese that tasted like grass after rain—and then walked along the Old Port where the breeze off the river made everything feel lighter. The day ended with a tiny canelé from Chez Potier Patisserie: caramelized outside, custardy inside. Still think about that bite sometimes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Montreal's food and landmarks

• Stop in front of Notre-Dame Basilica
• Walk through Old Port area
• Enjoy Old Montreal food tour

Top questions

How long does the Old Montreal food tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 3 hours as you walk between stops in Old Montreal.

Is lunch included on the Old Montreal food tour?

Yes, several tastings make up a hearty lunch including poutine, bagels, tacos or lamb salad (depending on day), cheeses and dessert.

Are there vegetarian options on this food tour?

The tour is best enjoyed without dietary restrictions; some stops may not have full vegetarian alternatives.

Do we enter Notre-Dame Basilica during the tour?

No, you stop outside Notre-Dame Basilica while your guide shares its history but do not go inside.

Is there alcohol served on this tour?

Yes, you get a small glass of craft beer or hot tea at Bistro Brasserie Soeurs Grises during the experience.

Where does the Old Montreal food tour start?

The meeting point is centrally located in Old Montreal; details are provided after booking.

Are children allowed on this food & drink tour?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during any seated portions; check suitability for young children due to walking distance.

What’s included

Your day includes all tastings—from smoked salmon bagels at Crew Collective Café to rich poutine at Franklin’s Subs Suds (or lamb salad if it’s Thursday–Sunday), plus Mexican tacos or charcuterie plates depending on the stop. You’ll also enjoy a small glass of craft beer or tea at Bistro Brasserie Soeurs Grises and end with a classic canelé pastry—all guided by a local who knows these streets inside out.