Mo on the Go: My First Montreal Bagel at St-Viateur Bagel

There are certain food experiences that you just have to try when visiting a new city, and for Montreal, it’s the bagels. Now, I’ll be honest—this trip to Montreal was my very first time in the city (and spoiler alert: it won’t be my last). As soon as I booked my flight, I started making a list of what I needed to see, eat, and experience. Funny enough, one of those recommendations actually came while I was already in the air. On my Air Canada flight from Toronto to Montreal, the in-flight entertainment featured the iconic St-Viateur Bagel, a Montreal staple that’s been around since 1957.
Now, if you know me, then you know bagels are in my DNA. Just like my mama, bagel places hate to see us coming—we don’t play around when it comes to a warm, chewy, perfectly baked bagel. So, when I landed in Montreal, I knew there was no way I was leaving the city without experiencing St-Viateur for myself.


A Line Worth Waiting In
The morning I decided to go, I quickly learned I wasn’t the only one who had St-Viateur on my must-try list. The line was wrapped around the block, filled with both tourists and locals who knew this was the spot. I ended up waiting almost 45 minutes before it was my turn to step inside. Normally, I’m not a fan of long lines, but this one felt different—like part of the experience, part of the pilgrimage to bagel heaven.
And let me tell you: the wait was absolutely worth it.


The Montreal Bagel Difference
If you’re used to New York–style bagels, Montreal bagels are a little different—and dare I say, better. They’re a touch smaller, denser, and have that sweet, wood-fired flavor that makes every bite memorable. At St-Viateur, the bagels are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked fresh in a wood-fired oven right in front of you. Watching the bakers move with such precision and passion made me appreciate the craft even more.
When I finally had that first bite, it was everything I had hoped for and more. Crispy on the outside, warm and chewy on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness—it was a 10/10, no hesitation. Honestly, I could have eaten two or three right there on the sidewalk, but I tried to pace myself.


What I Ordered
Because you know I had to do it right, I went for not just one, but two bagel experiences.
✨ First up was the everything bagel with chive cream cheese—a classic choice, but let me tell you, St-Viateur elevated it to another level. The seasoning blend on the bagel paired perfectly with the tangy, herby cream cheese, and every bite just melted in my mouth.
✨ Next, I couldn’t leave without trying something that felt truly “Montreal.” I went for the sesame seed bagel smoked meat sandwich—and wow. The sesame bagel itself was soft yet sturdy, holding all that juicy, smoky, perfectly seasoned meat together like it was made for it (which, let’s be honest, it was). Add in mustard, and I was in foodie heaven.
Both were completely different experiences but equally amazing. It was the kind of meal that made me want to sit for a moment, take a deep breath, and just say, “Yes, this is why I travel.”


More Than Just a Bagel Shop
What I loved most about St-Viateur wasn’t just the food—it was the vibe. The shop has this old-school, no-frills energy that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a piece of Montreal’s history. Everyone in line seemed excited, chatting about their favorite flavors or how often they come back. It wasn’t just a food stop; it was a community.


First-Time in Montreal, But Not the Last
As I mentioned, this was my very first trip to Montreal, and this bagel experience sealed the deal that it won’t be my last. St-Viateur gave me the kind of food memory that sticks with you—the kind you tell friends about, the kind you write home (or in this case, blog) about. Montreal itself is such a vibrant, multicultural city, and moments like this reminded me why travel is so special.


Boss Babe Travel Takeaway
Sometimes the best part of traveling is slowing down and savoring the small things—like standing in line for almost an hour just to try a legendary bagel. For me, St-Viateur Bagel wasn’t just about the food; it was about being present, enjoying the culture, and saying yes to experiences that might seem simple but end up being unforgettable.
So if you’re heading to Montreal, add St-Viateur Bagel to your itinerary. Trust me, it’s worth the wait, worth the hype, and absolutely worth the carbs. And as for me? I’ll definitely be back for round two on my next trip.