The Montreal Craft Beer Tour / Brewpub Experience

Discover Montreal’s Craft Beer Scene with the Brewpub Experience

If you’re a fan of craft beer or simply curious about Montreal’s vibrant microbrewery culture, the Montreal Craft Beer Tour offers a fun, tastes-first introduction to the city’s brewing scene. This guided experience lasts about three hours, during which you’ll visit three popular brewpubs in the lively Latin Quarter, sampling a total of eight beers and enjoying some delicious local snacks. The tour is priced at $87.47 per person, and booking about a month in advance is typical, which shows how popular this experience is.

What we love about this tour? First, it’s well-paced, allowing enough time to savor each beer and learn about the breweries without feeling rushed. Second, the knowledgeable guides bring local history and brewing insights alive, making each stop more than just about drinks. One small thing to consider is that the beer quality and variety at some locations don’t always meet every traveler’s expectations, according to some reviews. Still, if you love discovering local spots and enjoy a good variety of brews paired with snacks, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience is ideal for beer enthusiasts, curious travelers who want a taste of Montreal’s brewing culture, or those who enjoy a relaxed social atmosphere. Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, the small group size and engaging guides make it a lively, informative outing. If you’re traveling with friends, or looking to combine a bit of sightseeing with your tasting, this tour can be a highlight of your visit.

Key Points

• Authentic local breweries: Visit three brewpubs in Montreal’s Latin Quarter, each with its own character.
• Tastings and snacks: Enjoy a total of eight craft beers paired with snacks like poutine and chocolates.
• Informed guides: Guides provide interesting insights into Montreal’s beer scene and local sights.
• Flexible experience: The tour covers about three hours, with ample time to enjoy each stop.
• Convenient logistics: The tour ends near public transit, making it easy to continue exploring downtown Montreal.
• Small groups: A maximum of 18 travelers ensures intimacy and personalized attention.

A Deep Dive into the Montreal Craft Beer Tour

The Setting: Latin Quarter Charm

The tour begins in the bustling Rue Saint-Denis area, a hub of youthful energy, with its lively cafes, boutiques, and historic streets. This neighborhood, known as the Latin Quarter, has a bohemian vibe with a dash of French-Canadian flair. Our guide, whose engaging commentary helps set the tone, takes us through the area’s history and its role as a hub for students and artists. Walking through these streets, you’ll get a sense of Montreal’s lively, creative spirit—not just from the sights but from the very air of the neighborhood.

Stop 1: Le Saint-Bock – The Brewery Roots

Our first stop is Le Saint-Bock, a well-loved brewpub with a reputation for innovative craft beers. As we settle in, we’re offered two tasting pours—each a small but flavorful glimpse into what the brewery specializes in. The guide shares that Le Saint-Bock also offers classic favorites, but it’s known for its creative flavors. We also get a taste of poutine, a beloved Quebec snack, which adds a hearty touch to the experience.

Reviewers note the location’s casual, friendly atmosphere and appreciate the variety of beers served on site. One traveler mentions, “The first two beers and the poutine made for a great start,” highlighting how the combination of sampling and local food sets the tone for the tour.

Stop 2: L’Amère à Boire – The Microbrewery with Character

Our second stop, L’Amère à Boire, offers another two distinct beers alongside some light snacks. This brewery stands out for its authentic microbrewery vibe, often described as cozy and welcoming. The guide explains the brewery’s focus on crafting unique, small-batch beers, giving us insight into Montreal’s growing craft beer movement.

According to reviews, the guide’s knowledgeable commentary makes a real difference, turning a simple tasting into an educational moment. One guest notes, “Shane was incredible—very knowledgeable, making each stop engaging,” underscoring how much guides can elevate the experience.

Stop 3: Bar Pamplemousse – Local Flavors

The third stop is Bar Pamplemousse, a lively spot known for showcasing local craft beers. Here, we taste two more beers, often described as refreshing and flavorful, with some guests noting they’re not typically beer drinkers but enjoyed the selection. The guide points out details about each brew’s flavor profile, which helps even casual drinkers appreciate what they’re tasting.

This stop lasts about 20 minutes, offering a quick but satisfying sampling while you soak in the neighborhood’s atmosphere.

Stop 4: BENELUX – The Grand Finale

Our final brewery is BENELUX, a staple in Montreal’s craft scene. Here, we enjoy two local favorites—paired with chocolates, which the guide notes is a perfect complement to the beers. This location serves as a great way to wind down, with the guide sharing stories about Montreal’s beer culture and its place in local life.

While the review mentions that some might prefer more tastings at each location, most enjoy closing the tour on a sweet and flavorful note.

What the Tour Includes and What It Doesn’t

The tour provides eight beer tastings—a good amount for most travelers to get a true sense of Montreal’s beer landscape. Plus, the snacks, such as poutine and chocolates, add a local flavor that elevates the experience. The guide’s gratuities are included, which is a nice touch, and the entire journey is designed to be relaxed and enjoyable.

However, the tour doesn’t include additional food or drinks beyond what’s listed, so if you’re particularly hungry or want more variety, you might want to budget extra. Also, the tour ends at a bar on Sherbrooke Street, within walking distance of the starting point, public transit, and downtown, making it easy to continue exploring.

Authenticity and Value

While some reviews express disappointment over the beer quality or location choices, many travelers find the value of learning about Montreal’s craft beer scene outweighs these points. The small group size and the expert guide make it a personable experience, and the combination of local sights and beer tastings provides a balanced introduction to the neighborhood.

You’re paying not just for the beers, but for the stories, the insights, and the chance to sample some of the city’s most popular brewpubs. For $87.47, most find this a fair price, especially considering the three-hour duration and inclusive tastings.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance: This tour tends to fill up about 27 days ahead, so plan early if possible.
• Arrive hungry: The snacks are tasty, but a little extra food might be needed if you’re a big eater.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves walking through neighborhoods, so comfy footwear is a good idea.
• Bring your ID: You’ll need to prove you’re of legal drinking age in Canada.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for beer lovers eager to explore local breweries without the hassle of planning individual visits. It’s also great for social travelers who enjoy small-group environments and engaging guides. If you’re interested in Montreal’s neighborhoods and local culture, this tour offers a tasty blend of both.

People who aren’t heavy beer drinkers might still enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about the city’s craft scene. However, if you’re looking for a more formal or extensive brewery tour, you might want to explore more specialized options.

Final Thoughts

The Montreal Craft Beer Tour offers a lively, informative, and tasty way to get to know the city’s brewing culture while soaking in the charm of the Latin Quarter. The guide’s local knowledge and the variety of breweries make this a well-rounded experience, even if some may wish for more tastings or different locations.

It’s an experience that combines history, local flavor, and social fun—perfect for curious travelers, beer aficionados, or anyone wanting a relaxed day in Montreal with a flavorful twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, giving ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

How many breweries are visited?
You will visit three brewpubs during the tour, each offering two beer tastings.

What is included in the price?
The price covers eight beer tastings, snacks (including poutine and chocolates), gratuities for the guide, and a knowledgeable guide.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
The tour is focused on beer tasting, but if you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you might find the options limited. It’s best to contact the tour provider beforehand.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Le Saint-Bock on Saint-Denis street and ends at BENELUX on Sherbrooke Street, both centrally located and accessible by public transit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is designed for adults of legal drinking age, so children and minors are not permitted.

Are snacks included?
Yes, the tour features local snacks like poutine and chocolates at various stops.

Is tipping included?
Gratuities for the guide are included in the price, but additional tips are optional.

This guided beer walk offers a delightful mix of local flavor, neighborhood charm, and beer education. Whether you’re eager to sample Montreal’s best brews or simply want an authentic, engaging way to explore the Latin Quarter, this tour is a solid choice.