DEEP TOUR

QUEERSTORY Tour

with MontrealExpert

Discover the rich and vibrant history of Montreal’s LGBTQ2+ community

hours

CAN $ / person

people max

This immersive tour takes you on a journey through Montreal’s LGBTQ2+ past, exploring the struggles, triumphs, and transformative moments that have shaped the city’s queer history.

From the 1960s to the 1990s, Montreal's LGBTQ2+ scene thrived on the west side of town, and this walking tour will bring those pivotal decades to life. Your professional guide, renowned for his deep knowledge of Montreal’s LGBTQ2+ history, will lead you through the streets and landmarks where critical events unfolded. Picture Montreal during a time of activism and change: the rise of women’s liberation, the fight for gay rights, and the vibrant nightlife that characterised the era.

As you walk through these historic neighbourhoods, you’ll uncover the personal stories behind key locations, revealing how the LGBTQ2+ community navigated both triumphs and challenges. Learn about the first legal dances where men could freely dance with other men, a landmark moment in the struggle for equality. Discover the story of how a significant boycott led lesbians to organise for their rights and emancipation, marking a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ2+ visibility and acceptance.

The QUEERSTORY Walking Tour also delves into the darker chapters of Montreal’s queer history. Hear about the police violence and societal prejudices that queer individuals faced, and understand the gravity of what was once deemed "the worst of crimes." This tour will shed light on the resilience and courage of those who fought against these injustices.

This tour is more than just a historical recount—it’s a celebration of the progress and freedoms that LGBTQ2+ individuals enjoy in Montreal today. As you explore these historic sites, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the liberties and rights achieved through decades of activism and struggle.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the QUEERSTORY Walking Tour offers an eye-opening and educational experience that will change the way you see Montreal. Book your tour with Tours Montreal by Montreal Expert and immerse yourself in the powerful and transformative stories of Montreal’s LGBTQ2+ community. This is an opportunity to connect with the city’s history in a meaningful way and to honour the legacy of those who fought for the rights and freedoms celebrated today.

FAQ

Can I bring my kids?

Sure! Kids under 2 can join for free. If you have a stroller, please keep the weather and state of the sidewalks in mind. That being said, it is strongly recommended that the children be at least 12 years old, or maybe even older based on their maturity levels. This tour does explore some themes like sexuality, violence and others that might make some children and their guardians uncomfortable. It might also spark some interesting conversations. Please bear this in mind in making the decision whether or not to bring kids. You know your kids better than we do and we trust you’ll make the appropriate decision. Other than that, as long as your kids can keep up with the group, the more the merrier!

Can I bring my dog?

Please do! Your Guide might also bring his little doggy along in a carrying basket.

What if it rains / snows?

This is Montréal. Weather can be unpredictable and it does rain and snow quite often. That being said, it rarely poses a problem. Please come prepared with proper footwear, clothing and/or an umbrella. Check out our cancellation policy to learn more about what we do in case of severe weather.

Are there bathrooms along the way?

Yes, there are a few.

How much walking is there? What if I have reduced mobility?

We will walk approximately 3 km over the course of the entire tour and there are often places to sit along the way. If you prefer to calculate distance in miles, we’ll save you the energy of googling it: It’s 1.86411 miles. We spend most of the walk outside on city sidewalks. Keep in mind that the sidewalks can be icy or slushy in the winter, depending on the weather. The walking pace is fairly casual. If you think you might need extra time walking, you might want to consider booking a private tour. If you have reduced mobility or use a wheelchair, there are always ways to make this work, but please understand that some of the buildings we visit are old historical buildings that might not be fully accessible.

Highlights

Learn about the people that shaped the modern day queer liberation movement in Montreal.
Hear their personal stories, based on exclusive interviews.
Understand the cyclical nature of the advancement of civil rights.
See the locations where important moments in history took place.
Note how Montreal activists played a crucial role in the advancement of LGBTQ2+ rights.
Learn about how nightlife pioneers in Montreal shaped an era of clubbing.
Learn about North America’s first queer space.
Hear the devastating story of the man they once called “The colony’s first homosexual”.

Itinerary

Meeting point: 1801, boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest. Let’s meet on the corner of Maisonneuve Ouest and rue St-Mathieu, just outside of the St-Mathieu exit of the Guy-Concordia metro station.
Walk eastward through what is today the campus of Concordia University.
Visit some of the most important locations in Montreal’s LGBTQ2+ history.
Visit places where bars, bookstores and clandestine hangouts used to be.
Visit rue Stanley and rue Sainte Catherine Ouest.
Place Ville Marie esplanade.
Beaver Hall, also known as Paper Hill.
The tour ends near Square Victoria metro station, outside of where the famous Sex Garage party was raided.