In the Shadow of the Mountain explores the vibrant Jewish cultural life established in between Montreal’s Francophone and Anglophone communities from the 1910s to the 1960s. Visit the parks, streets, and alleyways at the foot of Mount Royal and discover Montreal’s Jewish poets—from literary icons like Leonard Cohen to lesser-known but internationally-appreciated Yiddish writers such as Jacob Isaac Segal and Ida Maze. Through the stories of writers, activists, and other idealists, this tour explores the dreams that Jewish immigrants had for their lives in the new world, and contrasts these utopian visions with the sometimes harsh realities they faced in this city.
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What to expect
- Trace the development of Jewish literature in Montreal from famous Yiddish poets J.I. Segal and Ida Maze to English writers A.M. Klein, Irving Layton and Leonard Cohen.
- See Leonard Cohen’s home in Montreal and other places he frequented.
- Stroll along Montreal’s historic and iconic boulevard St-Laurent and avenue Mont-Royal while you catch a glimpse of Montreal’s numerous murals and street art.
- Take a break from the bustle of downtown with a walk through Parc Jeanne-Mance, right across from the Mount Royal Park. (**Note: this tour does not go up Mount Royal).
- Visitors have the unique opportunity to gain insider knowledge on one of Montreal’s most vibrant neighbourhoods: Plateau-Mont-Royal.
- 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!
- The tour also does not include time for stops at businesses (unless there is an emergency)
Special requirements
Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Restrictions
- 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.
