Montreal - Travel Like a Food Writer

Bienvenue à Montréal

Situated in the heart of downtown, the luxurious Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth will serve as home base during your stay, the spacious, stylish rooms within walking distance of dynamic neighbourhoods, dining, art and culture. Meet fellow travelers and hosts Amy Rosen and Jenn Smith Nelson, as you bond over cappuccinos and perfect pastries.

Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal on a guided tour, soaking in the charm of 17th-century architecture and quaint boutiques. Continue to the Old Port, where you’ll enjoy waterfront views, historic buildings and perhaps a visit to one of the craft markets or art galleries.

Your culinary journey begins with lunch at a city-favourite bakery café in Old Montreal. Later, unwind at Bota Bota, a floating spa on the St. Lawrence River, with an invigorating and relaxing water circuit. Cap off a great first day with a multi-course dinner at a renowned Old Montreal restaurant, where innovative Canadian dishes and expertly paired wines await. Bask in the intimate atmosphere and memorable dishes – and perhaps take a few notes.

Meals: Brunch, L, D
Accommodation: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Includes: Guided Tour (and Entry to the Basilica), Entry to Bota Bota Spa

Today’s journey takes you to the vibrant neighborhoods of Plateau Mont-Royal, celebrated for their artistic energy and culinary traditions. Begin with breakfast at a new school diner serving Jewish-inspired comfort food: bagels and schmears as well as house made specialties, while Amy shares insights into Montreal’s unique food culture.

Visit a famous bagel shop to witness the traditional bagel-making process and taste the world-famous fire-baked beauties. Next, enjoy another iconic dish for lunch, the quintessential Quebecois dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy. Lunchtime discussions with Amy and the group will focus on the significance of iconic foods and the city.

Spend the afternoon at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, a beautiful space filled with contemporary and classic art, including works by Warhol, Matisse and Van Gogh. The immersive exhibits will leave you inspired.

Dinner at an award-winning restaurant will be another memorable one and will showcase the talents of one of the city’s most creative chefs, incorporating the best local products. End your day with a visit to the Garden of Lights Festival, where illuminated pathways and glowing installations create a magical experience.

Meals: B, Snack, L, D
Accommodation: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Inclusions: Entry to Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Garden of Lights Festival

Experience the flavors of Little Italy and hone your food-writing skills. The day begins at a stunning café, enjoying third-wave coffee and pastries while participating in a writing and photography workshop led by Amy and Jenn. Amy will guide you in crafting compelling food narratives to capture the essence of culinary experiences, while Jenn will offer insights into capturing striking food and travel imagery.

Then create new culinary experiences as you head to Marché Jean-Talon, one of North America’s largest public markets. Roam through busy stalls brimming with fresh produce, local cheeses, baked goods and international flavors. Choose a spot to savor lunch, sampling the market’s endless offerings.

Enjoy free time to explore the city, or stroll through Mount-Royal Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Enjoy the tranquility of its trails and green spaces and admire stunning views of the city skyline when you make it to the top of the mountain.

Dinner unfolds in one of Montreal’s most beloved Italian restaurants, a vibey space fueled by wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas and natural wines. End the evening in historic Chinatown, sipping cocktails and reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Optional activity: Nightcap in Chinatown (costs to be covered by traveller)

The final day will be spent focusing on Montreal’s bakery culture and street art. Embark on a casual boulangerie tour, visiting some of the city’s best bakeries. Nibble on flaky croissants and inventive pastries while Amy leads a discussion on the art of critiquing baked goods. Conclude the tour with a reflective writing session at a cozy café.

Take a scenic walk along the Lachine Canal, soaking in views of the water and industrial architecture. For lunch, visit one of North America’s legendary delis, famous for its smoked meat sandwiches. It has become a symbol of Montreal’s enduring culinary legacy; decades on there’s still a lineup out the door.

Later enjoy a guided mural tour, exploring the colorful street art of Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood and beyond. Then, enjoy some free time and explore Montreal at your own pace.

A farewell dinner caps off a fantastic culinary journey at a city favourite bistro, where the classics shine. The warm glow of mirrored walls and the hum of conversation will set the scene for an evening spent sharing great food and highlights from the trip with new friends.

Meals: L, D
Accommodation: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Inclusions: Guided Mural Tour

More on your host, Amy!
Amy is a Toronto-based food and travel writer and cookbook author who writes regularly for publications including Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, the Globe & Mail, Toronto Star and enRoute magazine. The former Editor-in-Chief of Modern Farmer and a former Food Editor at Chatelaine and House & Home magazines, she’s the best-selling author of “Canada’s Best New Cookbook”,“ Kosher Style”, “Toronto Eats” and “Toronto Cooks” among others. A James Beard Award nominee, Amy has won dozens of major writing awards, and her stories have been chosen for the American anthology “The Best Food Writing”. Amy wears many hats. As a TV presenter she develops and demonstrates recipes and has offered friendly critiques as a Food Network judge on Wall of Bakers and Iron Chef Canada. Her first novel, “Off Menu”, launches June 2025.

Meet guest co-host, Jenn!
Joining Amy Rosen on this immersive culinary journey will be Jenn Smith Nelson, Finisterra’s newest Worldy Girly and an award-winning travel writer, photographer and author, with work published in renowned outlets such as enRoute, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Canadian Geographic and explore. On this adventure, Jenn will offer insights into capturing a sense of place by sharing her expertise in photography, helping guests understand what makes a compelling image and how to visually enhance their storytelling.

CONTACT NUMBERS

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Emergency Contact Number in Canada - 

Jenn - +1 306 737 5403

Keri (Finisterra Travel) - +1 604 505 2472