Montreal Little Italy Tours
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Montreal has one of the largest Italian communities in Canada, and nowhere is the community’s huge influence on the city more obvious than in leafy, park-filled Little Italy. As in Italy itself, food is an integral part of Little Italy’s appeal, and foodies flock to crowded pizzerias, old-school delis, and the vast Jean-Talon Market.
The Basics
Little Italy, one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, is heaven for anyone with a soft spot for Italian food, or just good food in general. Montreal’s biggest and best food market, Jean-Talon Market, is a common stop on Montreal food tours, which often include interactions with market vendors and tastings of farm-fresh produce, as well as visits to nearby brewpubs and independent coffee shops. During summer and fall, bike tours are a great way to explore Little Italy as well as surrounding neighborhoods such as the Plateau, Mile-Ex, and Mile End.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Little Italy—and Montreal as a whole—has an excellent and extensive bike path network, making cycling an easy and pleasant way to explore.
- Go with an empty stomach so you can sample the food on offer.
How to Get There
Little Italy is delineated by Rue Jean-Talon, Rue St-Denis, Rue de Bellechasse, and Boulevard St-Laurent. To get there, take the metro (orange line) to Jean-Talon, Rosemont, or Beaubien. The 55 bus, which travels north up Boulevard St-Laurent from downtown Montreal, also passes through Little Italy.
When to Get There
Little Italy shines during summer, when cafés and restaurants set up temporary outdoor terraces, neighborhood parks are packed with picnickers, and the streets around Jean Talon Market fill with stalls and buskers. Come during the week or early on weekend mornings and listen for locals chatting in Italian over their morning espresso.
The History of Montreal’s Italian Community
Though Italians have been in Quebec since as far back as the 17th century, Montreal’s Little Italy really came into its own with two later waves of Italian migrants: the first at the turn of the 20th century, and the second during the aftermath of World War II. Though many people of Italian descent have since moved to the suburbs, Little Italy remains at the center of Italian life in the city. The district is home to the most important Italian Catholic church in the city, the Church of the Madonna della Difesa, and hosts the annual Italian Week festival in August.
Address: Montreal, QC, Canada
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Montreal Little Italy
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Beyond the Market Food Tour in Montreal
Visit buzzing eateries and busy watering holes on this market and food tour in Montreal. Explore Jean-Talon Market and a section of Little Italy with your guide and discover ‘farm-to-table’ produce, Canada-style. Gain insight into Montreal locals’ love of fresh food and sample some yourself at one of their hole-in-the-wall eateries. Meet the producers who work hard to keep standards high, and gain insight into the Vietnamese, Italian and Latino influences spicing up Canada’s cuisine.
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From
$77.89
From
$77.89
Montreal Intercultural City Tour
Discover the amazing cultural mosaic of the city of Montreal beyond its traditional bi-cultural image. Learn about the city and how immigration shaped its development in the 20th century. On top of that, have a taste of Montreal specialties.
The tour will start with a short walk that takes you through the oldest streets of Montreal. Your guide will take you for a drive through Chinatown and the Quartier des Spectacles where most Montreal cultural events and performances take place. You will then visit downtown and go for a short discovery visit of the city's famous Underground City.
The Multicultural Mile-End neighborhood will be next to visit before heading towards Little Italy, the traditional center of Italian culture and gastronomy in town where you will visit le marché Jean-Talon, North America's largest farmers' market.
The Tour will then be concluded with a visit of the famous Le Plateau Mount-Royal neighborhood where you will discover its hidden charms.
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From
$92.05
Price varies by group size
From
$92.05
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Montreal Food Tour with Electric Scooter
Montreal’s foodie scene is as varied as the city itself and this tasting tour takes you to the spots that only locals know. Choose from two different itineraries, exploring districts such as Old Montréal, Griffintown, Mile End, and Little Italy on the back of an electric scooter. Hop off to browse the street markets and sample street food specialties like gnocchi, poutine, Quebecois sandwiches, and maple donuts.
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From
$119.68
From
$119.68
Montreal Bike Tour: Hoods and Hidden Gems
This North City bike ride ventures deep into the vibrant, eclectic, must-see ‘hoods of the Plateau, Mile-End, Little Italy, and Mile-Ex. You will ride parks, quiet streets and laneways, spot murals and street art, and visit the Jean-Talon farmer’s market. A real taste of authentic Montreal lifestyle! Even locals have discovered many things not seen before on this route. This tours includes a comfy yet stylish bike, helmet (optional) and stop for a famous Montreal bagel.
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From
$63.80
From
$63.80
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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