Eat your way through Montreal’s Jewish culinary history, both past and present.
Renowned worldwide for its unique take on Jewish cuisine, Montreal is the birthplace of countless Jewish foods, both iconic and overlooked. Experience the rich and delicious Jewish food culture of Montreal’s Mile End and Plateau neighbourhoods by visiting decades-old food institutions alongside new businesses that are revitalizing the city’s food scene. We’ll also travel to backyards and alleyways to uncover this city’s hidden Jewish food history and taste nearly forgotten delicacies. And of course you’ll get to feast on the classics like smoked meat and bagels, so make sure to bring a healthy appetite!
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What to expect
- Created by a Jewish food historian and experts in Montreal’s Jewish history, this tour offers a unique take on the city’s Jewish food history through personal narratives, recipes, and photos gathered from restaurants, business owners and their families.
- Our various food tastings include some of Montreal’s iconic dishes: a Schwartz’s smoked meat sandwich, bagels from Saint-Viateur and Fairmount, and Wilensky’s Light Lunch. Come with a healthy appetite!
- Get an insider’s perspective on the stories behind Montreal’s Jewish culinary institutions, including well-known spots like Beauty’s and Moishes, foods from Montreal’s Hasidic community, and tastes of businesses that no longer exist.
- Learn about the resurgence of Montreal’s Jewish food scene and visit the establishments that are contributing to this movement.
- Explore the main streets and back alleys of the eclectic Plateau and Mile End neighbourhoods while learning the fascinating history of these traditionally Jewish neighbourhoods.
- Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides are university-level researchers and will answer your questions and lead discussions throughout the tour experience.
- Food is included in the price of the Beyond the Bagel tour.
Additional information
What to bring
- All visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Tours will run rain or shine.
- All visitors should arrive with their own water bottles filled, and having already used the restroom; stops along the tour hold up the experience for everyone participating, and we want to make sure everyone enjoys the tour!
Special requirements
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Disclaimers
- This tour is not certified kosher, and cannot provide vegan, gluten, or allergen-free alternatives. If you are vegetarian, please contact us in advance at tours@imjm.ca for more details.
- The tour also does not include time for stops at businesses (unless there is an emergency)
- Tours can generally be made to accommodate different mobility and accessibility needs. Please inform the Museum of any relevant accessibility needs upon booking your tour.
- Note that Montreal’s sidewalks and roads are often under construction or poorly kept, which can further impact accessing our tours.
- Please note that Wilensky’s is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Cancellations
Cancellation Policy for public food tours:
- Refunds are permitted with cancellation 48 hours or more prior to start time of tour. Cancellations less than 48 hours before the tour cannot be refunded.
- Should the Museum cancel the tour in the event of extreme weather (thunder, lightning, ice storm, heat warnings, etc.), a full refund will be given.
Exchange Policy:
- Exchanges are permitted with a minimum of 48-hours advance notice.
- All exchange requests cannot be guaranteed, and are dependent on availability.
Walk-in policy:
- Only pre-paid visitors will be allowed to attend our walking and food tours. Anyone who has not previously booked a ticket for a tour will not be allowed to attend a tour. Our guides will kindly ask you to leave the tour if you have not paid for a ticket.
- The Museum reserves the right to charge individuals or groups that bring extra unpaid guests with them.
- To book tickets in advance, please visit our website, call us at 514 840-9300, or visit our front desk during open hours.
- The Museum front desk at 4129 St-Laurent is currently open to the public from Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm.
