Historical Walking Tour of Montreal's Jewish Heritage by Museum of Jewish Montreal
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Good mobility needed for walking distances of up to 2 miles
Overview
Walk through Montreal’s Jewish neighborhoods on a private guided tour that uncovers stories of resilience, culture, and community from the early 20th century to the mid-20th century. Discover hidden gems and historical landmarks with expert guides.
Private Historical Walking Tour
Starting at $355 • Email to Book • Experience true Jewish history in Montreal!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating private walking tour through Montreal's rich Jewish history. Choose from three unique experiences that explore cultural life, literary legacies, and community resilience from the 1910s to the 1960s. Discover the stories of influential figures and the vibrant neighborhoods that shaped Jewish identity in the city.
We're excited to take you on your private tour!
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Duration
Our Historical walking tours are 1.5 - 2 hours
About Our Tours
In the Shadow of the Mountain - Walking Tour: 20 People Max In the Shadow of the Mountain explores the vibrant Jewish cultural life established in between Montreal’s Francophone and Anglophone communities from the 1910s to the 1960s. Visit the parks, streets, and alleyways at the foot of Mount Royal and discover Montreal’s Jewish poets—from literary icons like Leonard Cohen to lesser-known but internationally-appreciated Yiddish writers such as Jacob Isaac Segal and Ida Maze. Through the stories of writers, activists, and other idealists, this tour explores the dreams that Jewish immigrants had for their lives in the new world, and contrasts these utopian visions with the sometimes harsh realities they faced in this city.
Rabbis, Writers and Radicals - Walking Tour: 20 People Max A hub of Jewish culture in the 1920s, Mile End was home to cantors and community organizers as well as poets and politicians of all stripes. Mile End has been a centre of the Yiddish language for nearly a century, first with its left-leaning Jewish schools, libraries, and social clubs, and now with dozens of Hasidic synagogues, yeshivas, and storefronts. Our visit travels through the parks, streets, and back lanes of the neighbourhood, tracing the evolution of Montreal’s literary, musical, and culinary culture and exhibiting the diversity of Jewish life in this very diverse neighbourhood.
Making their Mark - Walking Tour: 20 People Max 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.
More info
You'll be prompted to choose what tour you'd like to do on the next page!
Accessibility
Please let us know on the next page if anyone in your group has accessibility issues.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking through varied city streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture the memorable sights and murals along the route.
Prepare for some outdoor exposure
Walks are mostly outdoors; wear sun protection or rain gear as needed.
Respect local neighborhoods
Be mindful of residents and other pedestrians during the tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons
- Squirrels
History
Montreal’s Jewish community contributed significantly to the city’s development, establishing vibrant neighborhoods and cultural institutions during the early 20th century.
Conservation
The tour promotes awareness of Montreal’s multicultural heritage and encourages respectful exploration of historical sites, supporting preservation efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in Montreal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Support your feet during the city walk to ensure a comfortable experience.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while exploring Montreal's streets.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Shield yourself from sun exposure during outdoor walking.
summer specific
Notebook or mobile device for notes/photos
Capture insights or memories from the tour.