Imaginarium Museum and Quebec Tasting Menu

Imaginarium Museum and Quebec Tasting Menu: A Creative and Culinary Adventure in Montreal

If you’re looking for an experience that combines visual fun with a taste of Quebec’s local flavors, the Imaginarium Museum and Quebec Tasting Menu is worth considering. Priced at around $77.18 per person, this 4-hour tour offers a chance to enjoy unique art sets designed by local artists and an authentic culinary journey through nine emblematic Quebec dishes. Guides like Marie (whose enthusiasm we appreciated) will lead you through Montreal’s vibrant arts and food scenes, making this a flexible outing for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances creative engagement—posing in colorful, imaginative sets—and gourmet exploration with a guided tasting of regional specialties. The museum’s inventive sets are playful, encouraging you to pose, create, or simply marvel at the artistry behind each scene. The extension into La Buvette du Dep for the Les Délices du Québec tasting brings a tasty journey across the province, showcasing local flavors in a relaxed setting.

A potential drawback? Since the tour runs only in the late afternoon (from 4 pm to 7 pm), it’s best suited for those who prefer evening outings or are comfortable fitting this into their Montreal itinerary. Also, note that alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you’re planning to sip wine or beer, you’ll need to arrange that yourself. This experience is ideal for those seeking a fun mix of art and cuisine with a focus on local culture.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate creative photo opportunities, are curious about Quebec’s regional cuisine, and prefer a relaxed, guided experience that offers a bit of everything—art, food, and local flavor.

Key Points

• Creative photo experience: The Imaginarium Museum features sets designed by local artists for fun, imaginative shots.
• Culinary journey: The tasting menu highlights 9 emblematic Quebec dishes, offering a taste of local flavors during the same meal.
• Flexible format: Suitable for solo, duo, or group visits with a maximum of 15 travelers, making it intimate and engaging.
• Location and convenience: The activity starts at 300 Rue de la Montagne and nearby public transit makes it easy to access.
• Value for price: The combination of art and food in a 4-hour tour provides a balanced and affordable experience.
• Note on drinks: Alcoholic beverages are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to pair your tasting with drinks.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Imaginarium Museum is not your typical art gallery. It’s a lively space where local artists have created whimsical, colorful sets designed to spark your creativity and sense of humor. As you roam through 16 different universes, you’ll find yourself taking more photos than you might expect—whether solo, with friends, or family. The experience has a playful feel, making it perfect for those who enjoy posing with art, crafting memories, and indulging in visual fun.

The museum’s design is especially engaging because it transforms the typical “look but don’t touch” art experience into a self-portrait playground. Here, we loved the way the sets encouraged spontaneous fun and expression. The guide, such as Marie, often shares insights into the local artistry behind each set, adding a layer of appreciation for Montreal’s creative scene. Some visitors have remarked, “The sets are so inventive, it’s impossible not to smile and get a good shot.”

Once you’ve enjoyed the visual spectacle, the tour continues at La Buvette du Dep, located right upstairs. This is where the Les Délices du Québec tasting unfolds—an curated menu showcasing nine regional dishes. The guided tasting allows you to savor both savory and sweet flavors, giving you a mini culinary tour of Quebec. Thanks to the guided aspect, you’ll learn about each dish’s significance, making your tasting more meaningful.

The dishes are thoughtfully chosen to represent Quebec’s rich culinary heritage, and many visitors find this part of the tour a delightful surprise. As one reviewer noted, “The variety of flavors really brought out the best of Quebec’s food culture.” The relaxed setting means you can enjoy each bite without feeling rushed, making it a perfect way to end the art-filled afternoon.

Practical Details and Considerations

Timing is key: the tour runs from 4 pm to 7 pm, with the last entry at 6 pm. This timing helps ensure you see the museum before it closes and enjoy your tasting comfortably. The group size is limited to 15, which keeps things intimate and allows for personalized attention.

The price includes both the museum visit and the dinner, making it an all-in-one package. Since alcohol isn’t included, if you’re interested, you might want to bring a drink or plan to purchase one nearby. Transportation is straightforward, with the meeting point at 300 Rue de la Montagne, close to public transit options.

One thing to keep in mind: since most reviews are yet to be posted, we rely on the description and structure of the experience, which suggests a family-friendly, approachable outing. It’s suitable for most travelers, including those with children, provided they can enjoy the art and food.

What’s the Value?

At just over $77, you get a full four hours of creative fun and culinary discovery, which is quite reasonable considering the quality and uniqueness of the experience. The combination of visual artistry and regional cuisine offers a well-rounded taste of Montreal’s vibrant culture. If you’re someone who enjoys quirky, offbeat experiences that aren’t your typical museum or restaurant visit, this is a worthwhile choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers eager for a blend of art, fun, and regional flavors. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate creative photography and want a relaxed, guided tasting of Quebec’s cuisine. Families with older children or groups of friends looking for a lighthearted, memorable outing will find it appealing.

However, if you’re primarily seeking a deep dive into history or a traditional museum experience, or if you prefer alcohol-inclusive dining, you might want to look elsewhere. Its focus on interactive art and regional dishes makes it unique, but also somewhat niche.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the playful and visual nature of the art sets makes it fun for families, especially older children who can appreciate the creativity and taste the regional dishes.

How long does the museum visit last?
The museum visit is part of a 4-hour experience, with the last possible entry at 6 pm, and the overall activity ending at 7 pm.

Are alcoholic beverages included?
No, the price covers the museum visit and the tasting menu, but alcoholic drinks are not included. You may wish to bring your own or purchase drinks separately.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and posing in art sets. Since it’s an indoor activity, casual attire is perfect, but consider bringing a light jacket if you tend to get cold indoors.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included, but the meeting point is conveniently located near public transit.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the experience accessible for people with service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making the tour accessible for travelers with disabilities.

Will I have enough time to try all nine dishes?
Yes, the guided tasting is designed to showcase all nine dishes during the meal, providing a good sampling of Quebec flavors.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Definitely. The small group size and welcoming atmosphere make it a friendly option for solo visitors looking to connect with local culture.

To sum it up, the Imaginarium Museum and Quebec Tasting Menu offer a charming combination of artistic fun and regional culinary delights. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed, engaging way to explore Montreal’s creative scene and taste the flavors that make Quebec special. Whether you’re taking selfies in inventive sets or savoring local dishes, this tour balances visual entertainment with gourmet discovery—a memorable, value-packed outing for curious travelers.