Since 1995, I have been offering this bespoke private walking tour, crafted for guests keen to delve into Montreal’s rich Black heritage, jazz history, and vibrant communities. This journey takes you through the neighbourhoods of Little Burgundy, Saint-Henri, and Pointe-Saint-Charles, uncovering the profound contributions of Black Montrealers.
From the United States, the Americas, the Caribbean, the Maritimes, Africa, Asia, and beyond, Black Montrealers have enriched the city with diverse cultural legacies. We will examine the historical and social dynamics of these communities, exploring their impact on Montreal and Canada.
Learn how events such as the American War of Independence, the Civil War, and Prohibition shaped Montreal’s English-speaking Black communities before the 1930s. From interpreters and athletes to musicians, entrepreneurs, activists, and educators, this tour celebrates the remarkable individuals who helped build Montreal’s vibrant cultural fabric.
The tour typically begins at George-Vanier Metro Station and concludes at Atwater Market, or vice versa, depending on the time of year and schedule. It pairs beautifully with my tour of Old Montreal.