TRAVEL LIKE A FOOD WRITER
MONTREAL with AMY ROSEN + JENN SMITH NELSON
OCTOBER 20-24th, 2025
Small-group adventure for your tastebuds
This exclusive 5-day curated culinary adventure in Montreal promises an immersive experience in the city’s renowned food scene while exploring some of its unique cultural offerings.
Join host, acclaimed food and travel writer Amy Rosen, alongside guest co-host, Jenn Smith Nelson, an award-winning travel writer and photographer, for a journey through Montreal’s singular culinary landscape. A city steeped in French and global influences; Montreal is known for its inventive spirit. The city is awash in restaurants, from bustling food trucks to farm-to-table tasting menus and everything in-between. Local legends, like poutine, smoked meat sandwiches and bagels are there for the taking, as are vibrant ethnic cuisines, fruits and vegetables, cheeses, and locally made products at the Jean-Talon and Atwater markets.
With its thriving café culture, award-winning chefs, and commitment to both tradition and innovation, Montreal is an essential destination for all food lovers.
This tour is limited to 10 guests.
DATES: OCTOBER 20-24, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
STARTS AT
USD per PERSON
JOIN US OCT 20-24, 2025 FOR THIS EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE!
Day 1: Discover Old Montreal + Downtown
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 brunch at a foodie-favourite spot offering twists on classic breakfasts in Old Montreal. Later, walk along the port before unwinding at Bota Bota, a floating spa on the St. Lawrence River, with an invigorating and relaxing water circuit.
Meals: Brunch, L, D
Accommodation: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Includes: Guided Tour (and Entry to the Basilica), Entry to Bota Bota Spa
Day 2: Traditional Flavours + Cultural Exploration
Enjoy breakfast classics at a retro local hotspot and then 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 flavours. Sampling the market’s endless offerings or pick up some souvenirs to take home.
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, L, D
Accommodation: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Inclusions: Entry to Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and Garden of Lights Festival
Day 3: Little Italy + Mount Royal + Writing Inspiration
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.
Enjoy lunch at a Mediterranean-inspired resto before heading to Mont-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. Take in the sights and a reflective writing session atop Mont-Royal and as you take a scenic walk along the Lachine Canal, soaking in views of the water and industrial architecture.
TBD pre-dinner drinks in the Saint-Henri neighbourhood. Dinner unfolds in one of Montreal’s most beloved Italian restaurants, a vibey space fueled by wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas and natural wines. Or, TBD, 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)
Day 4: Bakeries, Deli, Street Art, & Farewell
Visit a famous bagel shop in Mile End, witness the traditional bagel-making process and taste the world-famous fire-baked beauties. Spend time focusing on Montreal’s bakery culture and street art. Embark on a casual boulangerie and deli tour, visiting some of the city’s best over discussions with Amy on the significance of iconic foods and the city. Nibble on flaky croissants and inventive pastries while Amy leads a discussion on the art of critiquing baked goods.
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
Day 5: Departure Day
Thank you for joining us! We hope you leave this magical city inspired to eat, cook, bake and especially write! Safe travels, or as they say in Montreal, bon voyage!
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PRICING: The price of the trip is $3250 CAD or the equivalent in USD.
PHYSICAL FITNESS: Please note that this is a primarily a WALKING TOUR, however Uber costs will be covered, if needed, and passes for the Metro have been included.
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of the world, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: Required (responsibility of the traveller)
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
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.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable.Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
JOIN OUR FINISTERRA TRAVEL COMMUNITY
Stay up-to-date with us when you sign up for our newsletter.