Explore Montreal’s Jewish Heritage on the Plateau Walking Tour
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for anyone able to walk moderate distances on city streets and sidewalks, including seniors and families with older children.
Overview
Discover the Jewish immigrant stories etched in Montreal’s Plateau neighbourhood on a dynamic 1.5-hour walking tour featuring synagogues, culinary landmarks, and vibrant street art. Step into a living chapter of the city’s rich cultural history.
Making their Mark - Walking Tour (in English)
Discover the schools, synagogues, hospitals, and more that continue to leave their mark today.
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About This Adventure
Discover the rich tapestry of Jewish culture in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood, the heart of Jewish life from the early 20th century to the 1950s. Explore historic synagogues, schools, and culinary landmarks while learning about the immigrant experience that shaped the city. Engage with captivating stories that resonate through the streets today.
Experience Jewish culture in Montreal before the 1950's!
Duration
One and a Half to Two Hours
About
The epicentre of Jewish life in Montreal from the turn of the 20th century until the 1950s, today’s Plateau neighbourhood once teemed with tens of thousands of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe. Learn how they worked, worshipped, and supported one another as they built new lives in Montreal. Our visit uncovers the synagogues, schools, hospitals, and cultural organizations they established and that still leave a mark on Montreal society today. Immerse yourself in the Jewish stories held in the streets and buildings of this vibrant neighbourhood.
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
More info
- Learn about the foundations of Montreal’s Jewish community as you explore the eclectic Plateau neighbourhood, which was the epicentre of Jewish life in Montreal in the early 20th century.
- See the beautiful Bagg Street Shul. This heritage site is the last operating synagogue in the Plateau neighbourhood.
- Visit two iconic Montreal culinary institutions: Schwartz’s and Moishes.
- Stroll along bustling St-Laurent Boulevard while you catch a glimpse of Montreal's numerous murals and street art.
- Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides are university-level researchers and will answer your questions and lead discussions throughout the tour experience.
Accessibility Information
- Moderate walking (tour is approx. 2.2 km and lasts 1.5–2 hours)
- Please inform the Museum of any relevant accessibility needs upon booking your tour.
- Tours can generally be made to accommodate different mobility and accessibility needs.
- Note that Montreal’s sidewalks and roads are often under construction or poorly kept, which can further impact accessing our tours.
What to Bring
- All visitors should arrive with their own water bottles filled, and having already used the restroom; stops along the tour hold up the experience for everyone participating, and we want to make sure everyone enjoys the tour!
- The tour also does not include time for stops at businesses (unless there is an emergency)
- All visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Tour will run rain or shine.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour covers about 2.2 km on urban sidewalks, some uneven or under construction, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a water bottle
Staying hydrated is important as the tour lasts 1.5 to 2 hours with no scheduled stops for refreshments.
Dress for the weather
Tours run rain or shine, so bring rain gear or sun protection depending on the forecast.
Plan restroom use ahead
There are no official stops for restroom breaks during the tour to avoid delays, so plan accordingly before starting.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban songbirds frequent the leafy areas of the Plateau.
- Occasional sightings of squirrels in the neighbourhood parks.
History
The Plateau was the epicenter of Jewish immigrant life in Montreal from the early 1900s until the 1950s, shaping many cultural and social institutions in the city.
Conservation
The neighbourhood promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging walking tours to reduce vehicle use and preserve the local urban environment.
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Adventure Hotspots in Montréal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for walking over varied urban surfaces and uneven sidewalks.
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the 2-hour walking tour.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layered clothing for variable spring weather keeps you comfortable.
spring specific
Rain jacket or umbrella
Summer showers can happen anytime; being prepared keeps the tour enjoyable.
summer specific