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 | Champ-de-Mars metro |
| Price | $35.00 / per person |
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.
Little Burgundy
| Duration | 1h30 - 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | Lionel-Groulx metro |
| Price | $35.00 / per person |
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.
Downtown
| Duration | 1h30-2 hours |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | Place-des-Arts Metro (Ste-Catherine Street) |
| Price | $35.00 / per person |
Ste-Catherine street witnessed popular films being screened in movie theatres. Scandals and segregation portraying to the Black Montreal community of the early 20th century. The birth of Montreal Jazz Festival, activism from a global perspective, and churches linked to a not so distant colonial past.
Highlights
- Movie Theatres
- Old Churches
- Activism
Verdun
| Duration | 1h30-2 hours |
|---|---|
| Meeting Point | De l'Église metro |
| Price | $35.00 / per person |
Verdun, an urban working-class community with a 1941 population of 67.000 residents, it was the third- largest city in Québec and the thirteenth-largest in Canada. In the early 20th century, it witnessed many black historical figures from Montreal and also some who immigrated here for professional purposes. Verdun’s black history embodies Black Professionals from different walks of life.
Highlights
- Black Professionals
- Activism
- Underground Culture
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.
See what's possible
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
