Historical Walks through Montreal neighbourhoods

Black Montreal Experiences chronicles the presence and history of the Black Community of Montreal and its significant impact on local and international culture.

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Our guides bring to life the memory of our ancestors and leaders who founded the local Afro community

The history of black people in Canada remains a little known fact, let alone Canadian slavery, a subject not often taught in schools. Though it actually existed until the beginning of the 19th century, we are only just beginning to realize the existence of the practice in our society, the names of the slaves and their presence in history are confirmed by personal journals, travel accounts, judicial records, newspapers, official correspondences etc.

Old Montreal

Duration 1h30-2 hours
Meeting Point Place d'Armes Square
Price

$39.00 / per person

$49.00 / per person including t-shirt
(available in S-M-L-XL)

* Group pricing for 15 people +

The history of black people in Canada remains a little known fact, let alone Canadian slavery, a subject not often taught in schools. Though it actually existed until the beginning of the 19th century, Old Montreal holds the names of enslaved people of African descent, indigenous and their presence in history are confirmed by personal journals, travel accounts, judicial records, newspapers, official correspondences etc.

Highlights

  • Place Marie-Joseph Angelique
  • Public Square
  • St-Ann’s Market (Place d’Youville), etc.
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Little Burgundy

Duration 1h30 - 2 hours
Meeting Point Métro Georges-Vanier
Price

$39.00 / per person

$49.00 / per person including t-shirt
(available in S-M-L-XL)

* Group pricing for 15 people +

Until the 1950s, black men in Montreal worked for railway companies as porters and employees of sleeping cars. The city's then black community had settled in the Little Burgundy district due to its proximity to Windsor and Bonaventure train stations, the area between the Saint-Henri and Griffintown districts, north of the Lachine Canal in the southwest of the city.

Highlights

  • Union United Church
  • UNIA
  • Jazz Murals, etc.
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Custom walking tours

Black Montreal Experiences tailored to group of teachers, families, work activities, last minute trips, etc.

For people who want to discover more than the history, to experience the current social life of the Black community in Montreal.

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Group pricing
  • Discounts are available for group tours (for 15+ people)
  • Special pricing extended to schools and learning centers
  • Discover Black history of other neighborhoods
    Downtown (Ste-Catherine), Verdun, Côte-des-Neiges, NDG, St-Michel or Lachine
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About the founder

My name is Rito Joseph, self-taught, guest speaker and tour guide. I seek to gather culture, history, arts, and music on a single platform. I provide a unique way for people to deepen their knowledge of the Afro-descendant community and learn more about its ancestors.

During my talks, presentations, workshops and tours, I want to educate anyone interested in learning about the omitted or hidden parts of history, especially those who wish to bring a positive change in their community.

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Testimonials

" This tour was such a special treat. Rito was an excellent guide that knew all the public and hidden places that tell the story of Black people in the city throughout different neighborhoods. He was also very nice and engaged the group in conversation and stories throughout the tour. I finished the tour knowing a lot more about black history and the history of the city itself. "

Part of the Black Montreal Experiences, we explore Montreal’s connection and tradition to Black History

Joining Black Montreal Experiences is easy! All you need is a water bottle, comfortable shoes, a notepad, your smile and good energy