Private Tour

Guided Tour and Tastings at Jean-Talon Market with a Food Writer

Overview

Available languages

English

French

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Enjoy a private and authentic market tour with host Mayssam.

Mayssam was born and raised in Lebanon, lived in New York City before finally settling in Montreal – her home for about 25 years now. In a few previous lives, she worked as an interior designer, a graphic artist and have even dabbled in catering. However in 2010, she reconnected with her true passions: food and travel, and has been a food and travel writer and blogger since.

- Private Jean Talon market tour tour with a local food writer

- Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Jean-Talon market, Montréal's largest farmers market

- Discover local produce while you eat your way through the Jean Talon market

- Get insight on the market's, the neighborhood's history and Montreal's food scene

- Enjoy 6-7 tastings, that may include pastries, seasonal produce, local cheese, ice cider (alcoholic), smoked fish, dessert, etc.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or preferences please advise at time of booking

Menu may vary depending on the season

Private, personalized experience

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Guided tour of Jean-Talon market with host Mayssam

6-7 tastings

All Fees and Taxes

Hotel pickup and drop-off

What To Expect

Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of Jean-Talon market, Montréal's largest farmers market, with a passionate food and travel writer. Mayssam lives just 2 blocks away and knows the market and its vendors really well. A visit to Jean-Talon market is unmissable when in Montreal, the ideal place to buy fresh local produce, cheese and meat from regional producers. On this 2 hour walking tour of the Jean Talon market, Mayssam will give you insight on the market's, the history and Montreal's food scene. You will also stop at her favorite stalls and stores, where you will do some tastings. You might visit a cheese monger, a smoked fish producer, an artisanal bakery, an ice cream parlor, a forager’s stand, a chef’s stall, and a few fruit and vegetable vendors. At the end of the tour, if you wish to buy some edible gifts or produce Mayssam can help you shop. Bring a tote bag, camera and walking shoes. Please note that during Oct-Apr, instead of visiting the outdoor market at Jean Talon, Mayssam will take you to Little Italy, which is the neighborhood the market is located in. You will walk around Little Italy, visit a pastry shop, an old school Italian café, and may grab a pizza, if time permits.

Sample Menu

main

6-7 tastings

Includes pastries, seasonal produce, local cheese, ice cider (alcoholic), smoked fish, dessert, etc.

Options

Market tour (afternoon)

Duration: 2 hours

Market tour (morning)

Duration: 2 hours

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Highly Recommend
Alexander K,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We booked a private tour of the Jean Talon Market with Mayssam so that we could get a tour of the market and food tastings to serve as lunch all wrapped into one. Mayssam met us outside La Librairie Gourmand as scheduled. She gave us a full tour of the market and its history as we walked around, several delicious tastings customized to our wishes, as well as recommendations and time for shopping. We had a great time and highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Mayssam!
We were so lucky to have Mayssam as our guide. She is fabulous. I’d give her 6 stars if that was an option.
Coastal00018460597,
May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Turns out it was only our group if 5 so essentially a private tour. Anyone who goes on a tour with Mayssam as a guide will be lucky. She knows the vendors at the market and it is clear they like her. I can’t say enough good things about the tour. We have done many food tours and this one with Mayssam was the very best of many good tours.
A perfect authentic experience with the most welcoming family and delicious lebaneese food!
Alex L,
Jul 31, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the most wonderful afternoon with Nohad and her family at their beautiful house. We were welcomed into their living room with some delicious appetizers and drinks. Then we went out to their beautiful garden together to pick some fresh produce for our meal. We then began our cooking session, working with Nohad and her son in the kitchen making Lebaneese Kibbeh, Felafel, Tabule Salad and many more. When we were done we sat down together for the most fun and delicious meal we had during our trip to Lebanon! Thank you Nohad, Mario and George for opening your heart and home and hosting us in such a warm way!