Step back in time to the 18th century, and the formation of Canada’s earliest Jewish community.
Step back in time and discover the earliest days of Jewish life in Canada dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries in Montreal’s Old Port. From the disputed “first Jew in Canada,” through epidemics, rebellions, and revolutions, meet the fur traders, politicians, and merchants who formed Canada’s first Jewish community. Explore how early Sephardic arrivals navigated the changing worlds around them, established Canada’s first congregation, and built a foundation for future Jewish immigrants to Montreal.
Click calendar availability to book your ticket. Food tour tickets must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
What to expect
- See the beautiful sites of Old Montreal, from Place d’Armes to Marché Bonsecours, and learn their unexpected connections to Jewish history.
- Watch the Old Port’s past come to life, as you learn about Canada’s early history and the complex role Jews played in it.
- Discover hidden stories on rarely-visited side streets and alleyways, as you traverse this historic neighbourhood.
- End the tour along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, which has inspired Jewish painters and poets for generations.
- Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides are university-level researchers and will answer your questions and lead discussions throughout the tour experience.
Additional information
What to bring
- All visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Tours will run rain or shine.
- All visitors should arrive with their own water bottles filled, and having already used the restroom; stops along the tour hold up the experience for everyone participating, and we want to make sure everyone enjoys the tour!
Special requirements
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Disclaimers
- The tour also does not include time for stops at businesses (unless there is an emergency)
- Tours can generally be made to accommodate different mobility and accessibility needs. Please inform the Museum of any relevant accessibility needs upon booking your tour.
- Note that Montreal’s sidewalks and roads are often under construction or poorly kept, which can further impact accessing our tours.
Cancellations
Cancellation Policy for public walking tours:
- Refunds are permitted with cancellation 24 hours or more prior to start time of tour. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour cannot be refunded.
- Should the Museum cancel the tour in the event of extreme weather (thunder, lightning, ice storm, heat warnings, etc.), a full refund will be given.
Exchange Policy:
- Exchanges are permitted with a minimum of 48-hours advance notice.
- All exchange requests cannot be guaranteed, and are dependent on availability.
Walk-in policy:
- Only pre-paid visitors will be allowed to attend our walking and food tours. Anyone who has not previously booked a ticket for a tour will not be allowed to attend a tour. Our guides will kindly ask you to leave the tour if you have not paid for a ticket.
- The Museum reserves the right to charge individuals or groups that bring extra unpaid guests with them.
- To book tickets in advance, please visit our website, call us at 514 840-9300, or visit our front desk during open hours.
- The Museum front desk at 4129 St-Laurent is currently open to the public from Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm.
