Quebec has one of Canada's liveliest craft beer scenes, and Montreal is its capital, with microbreweries and brewpubs in nearly every neighbourhood. This three-hour guided tour is built around eight beer tastings, run in English for groups of up to eighteen. It starts at Le Saint-Bock, a brasserie artisanale on Rue Saint-Denis, and a guide leads the group between stops in the Latin Quarter area, explaining how beer is made, how Quebec styles developed and what to look for in the glass. The mix of venues, the number of tastings and the social format make it a good introduction for travellers who want to try local beer without researching bars, and the guide's recommendations can shape the rest of your drinking in town. The tour is strongly rated, with 4.7 stars from nearly fifty reviews. Check the booking page for what food is included, and plan to eat beforehand or afterwards, because eight tastings add up. The minimum drinking age in Quebec is 18 and you should bring identification. Dietary and alcohol restrictions should be raised when booking, and the tour is not for anyone who is pregnant or who should not drink.
Why Montreal for beer
The city's craft beer culture grew from the 1980s and 1990s, with Quebec brewers drawing on Belgian, British and German traditions and adding local twists. Places such as Dieu du Ciel! in Mile End are known well beyond the province. A guided tour is a way to taste several beers in a short time with context, rather than ordering a flight at a single bar. The Saint-Denis starting point is in the heart of the Latin Quarter, close to the Berri-UQAM metro station.
Practical advice
Eat a solid meal before you go, drink water between tastings and pace yourself. Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk between venues, and bring a light layer. Plan transport home in advance. Because the start time is set by the operator, check your date and confirm the meeting point. The tour works as an early-evening activity before dinner, or as a late afternoon plan after the museums close.
Who it suits
Adult groups, couples and solo travellers who like a social, relaxed tasting. It is not suited to children, to those avoiding alcohol or to anyone who wants a long sit-down at one bar. If beer is not your drink, the Women in Wine tour covers wine bars in a similar format. If you want a drink on a bike tour, the Old Town and Lachine Canal ride ends with a complimentary drink. Check when you book for the cancellation policy and the exact route.
To make the most of the tour, keep notes on the beers you enjoy, because the brewers and styles you meet will help you order with confidence for the rest of your trip. Quebec beer often shows up at depanneurs, the corner stores that sell it, so you can take home a bottle or two of a favourite for later. If you prefer a lighter evening, ask the guide for non-alcoholic suggestions, and remember that drinking and driving laws are strict in Quebec; plan to use the metro, a taxi or a rideshare afterwards.
What to expect
The experience
A three-hour English-language guided walk for up to eighteen with eight craft beer tastings, starting at Le Saint-Bock on Rue Saint-Denis.
Best time
Late afternoon or early evening, before dinner.
How long
About 3 hours.
Tips
Eat first, pace yourself and bring identification; the drinking age in Quebec is 18.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults who want to taste Quebec craft beer with a guide.
- Families
- Not suitable for children.
- Couples
- A relaxed social evening of tastings before dinner.
- Pair with
- Mile End bars, the Quartier des Spectacles and dinner on the Plateau.
- Time needed
- 3 hours.
Good questions
How many beers will I taste?+
Eight tastings over about three hours.
Where does it start?+
At Le Saint-Bock brasserie artisanale, 1749 Rue Saint-Denis.
How big is the group?+
Up to eighteen people, in English.
What is the age limit?+
The drinking age in Quebec is 18. Bring identification.
Is food included?+
Check the booking page for what is included, and eat beforehand.
