Downtown Montreal is set to host a massive chocolate festival, Le Salon du Chocolat, marking its first Canadian edition after some sweet success in Paris. From November 8 to 10, the event will turn the Grande-Place of the Complexe Desjardins into a cocoa lover's dream, complete with tastings, pastry workshops, and a unique chocolate fashion show where couture meets confectionery.
Around 15,000 visitors and participants from three cocoa-producing countries are expected to descend on the venue. The expo will feature over 200 industry professionals and 40 exhibitors of global renown, making it a heavyweight in the chocolate world.
Setting the (chocolate) bar high
A "Bean to Bar" experience will give attendees a comprehensive look at the chocolate-making process, including how beans are selected, roasted, ground, and crafted into artisanal chocolates, presenting a full lifecycle journey of chocolate. Meanwhile, children will find their calling in the "Little Choco" installation, where they can engage in sensory activities like touching, smelling, and tasting. Kids will also be able to craft their own chocolate creations.
At the "Chô Pâtissier" area, demonstrations by pastry chefs will transform melted chocolate into edible masterpieces. And for the gourmands, "L’Instant Douceur" awaits with exquisite chocolate creations from renowned creators. A variety of treats from soft cakes to fondant tarts will be available.
A model in a chocolate princess dress in front of a "Salon du Chocolat."Courtesy of Salon du Chocolat.
Glamour adds to the event's appeal with a full-on chocolate catwalk. Elaborate chocolate-made dresses will be displayed, combining style and sweetness, and showcasing the collaborative genius of local and international designers with skilled chocolatiers.
The Cacao Lounge, another elegant space, is dedicated to pairing chocolate and spirits. The tasting area lets you experiment with how different flavors of chocolate interact with wines, whiskies, and other liquors.
Here today, ganache tomorrow
You won't need a golden ticket to access the celebration of all things chocolate. Tickets are available for various experiences: from single-day attendance to full-weekend immersion. Prices start at $18 for kids and $25 for adults for one-day access, with family packages and group rates offering additional savings.
With a dip into the world of cocoa, one thing's for certain: attendees will leave with a sweeter outlook.
Salon du chocolat de Montréal
When: November 8 to 10
Where: Complexe Desjardins, 150, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Cost: Starts at $18/one-day early admission, $25/one-day regular admission
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