Red Light Walking Tour

For the first time this season, join us for a tour of Montreal’s historic Red Light District with Karen Herland! Come learn about this storied district in a walk through its landmarks and alleyways.

Sex work, especially in its most visible forms, tends to be recognized as a problem, requiring intervention and eradication. As a major transportation hub and port city, many sectors of Montreal’s economy were intertwined with the sex trade, even as police and politicians manipulated social responses (positive and negative) to the presence of a thriving Red Light District. From Maimie Pinzer to Harry Ship and through to the present day, this tour explores the social, economic, labour, cultural, racial, and gender history of Montreal through its former Red Light, which for decades thrived in the heart of Montreal’s burgeoning Jewish community.

This tour covers 150 years and 10 city blocks over 1.5-2 hours. The tour begins on the southeast corner of Boulevard René Lévesque and Boulevard St. Laurent and ends near St. Laurent Metro station. Please note that while the tour will be led in English, questions can be asked and answered in French. Reserve your spot here.

TICKETS:
Adults: $26
Ages 65+: $24
Students: $14
Ages 12 and Under: $8

Point of Departure: We will meet on the southeast corner of Boulevard René Lévesque and Boulevard St. Laurent. Please ignore the specific address of 1111 Boulevard St. Laurent, as this is only an approximation.

Weather Policy: In the event of light rain, the tour will go on as scheduled. If there is a strong warning of heavy rain and/or thunderstorms, the tour will be postponed. All registrants will have the option to attend the rescheduled tour.

Image: Carte des bordels montréalais où les soldats ont contracté des maladies vénériennes : rapport de l’Armée sur la situation croissante des maladies vénériennes à Montréal. 1944. Archives de la Ville de Montréal. P43-3-2_V41_E521-E610_ext5op. Domaine public.