As you probably know, Montreal is all about food (my kind of city!). From the famous Montreal smoked meat to Montreal bagel, this is a city for eating. And what better way to learn the food than to take a walking tour with Context Travel, and dig in deeply? We love Context Travel (I teach blogging to their students in the Transforming Youth Through Travel scholarship program), and have shared on Wandering Educators many of their available walks with docents all around the world.

So when we knew we were stopping in Montreal on our Epic Canadian Road Trip to Newfoundland this summer, I knew a Context tour was on the schedule. While Context has several tours in Montreal, let's be honest: I'm all about the food. So we headed to the north side of Montreal, and took the Made in Quebec: A Savory Stroll of the Marché Jean Talon tour.

And OH WHAT A TOUR. 

The only problem is that we had no kitchen, so all the produce was just for my imagination. We need to move to the market.

blueberry goodness - in many forms...

First: the tour was completely family-friendly, and mostly accessible to me in my wheelchair scooter. I did have to climb a few steps to get into some of the local shops around the market, including the Marché des Saveurs and into the bakery where we got yummy treats. 

Second: Our docent was Mayssam of the amazing site, Will Travel For Food. She knows her stuff. 

She introduced us to different people at the market, showed us items only grown in Canada, shared amazing treats (pain au chocolat! Smoked fish! GELATO! and a WHOLE array of Quebecois goodies at the Marché des Saveurs - watch for an article on that), and talked about meals she had made, food she loves, best montreal cafes, traditions and slow food and going local and OH, this bookstore at the market. This is the genius of Context Travel - finding people who are passionate about a topic - and sharing it with smart travelers. We saw colors that were so vibrant they seemed unreal. We talked with farmers and producers. We saw many food items I'd never heard of before. But above all, this was a feast for both the senses and our gustatory pleasure.

This tour? It far exceeded my expectations - and taught me a great deal about the food scene in Montreal. 

Highly, highly recommended! Come with us for a bit on the tour - here are about 1/50th of my photos. 

Pain au chocolat (swoon)

We were lucky enough to catch up with Mayssam, in between her travels and eating and cooking. Here's what she had to say...

Please tell us about the Context Travel Tour, Made in Quebec: A Savory Stroll of the Marché Jean Talon...

The Context Travel Tour, Made in Quebec, A Savory Stroll of the Marché Jean Talon, takes people on a complete tour of the market with a special focus on Quebec ingredients and products. Guests get to taste products such as fruit and vegetables that are at the height of the season and specialty items such as Quebec cheeses, charcuteries, ciders and ice wines. We also chat with the purveyors, who are the heart and soul of the market.

told you I love blueberries...

So many things grow in Quebec - from maple trees to lavender...

And crazy mushrooms!

How did you come to be a docent for Context Travel - and do this tour?

I'm a food and travel writer and blogger based in Montreal, and Context contacted me to lead a food tour in Montreal. I suggested the Jean Talon Market since I think it's a must for every food lover visiting Montreal. It also happens to be my corner store since I live two blocks away and know it inside out.

See those celery leaves? I could eat ALL of them, right now.

Pickled daisy buds, anyone?

What might people be surprised to learn about the Jean Talon Market?

It's one of the largest markets in North America and is open all year, rain or shine, or in the case of Montreal, whether it's plus or minus 35 degrees. It's much smaller in the winter and is somewhat closed off with temporary walls that make it a bit less chilly. 

Look at this fresh pear - they are only available for a FEW DAYS each year. It was the best pear I've ever eaten!

Garlic flowers!

Around every corner was a perfect still life.

What tips do you have for people visiting the market?

Don't eat before visiting the market! It would be a shame to miss out on all the grazing and tasting you can do at the market because you're already full. From Italian-style fritti (small fried fish) to bison sausages, grilled cheese sandwiches made with decadent Quebec cheeses, delicate macarons, generous lobster rolls and Portuguese egg tarts, there are so many eating options at the market, and I'm not even mentioning all the free tastings that take place every weekend.

Have you been to this market? What were your favorites?

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators

Note: We were invited as guests on this walking tour by our friends at Context Travel - thank you! We loved it!