Montreal Queerstory Tour

The Montreal Queerstory Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich LGBTQI+ history and culture. Priced at $53.15, this 2-hour walking experience delves into the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals, exploring hidden bars, police riots, and significant protests. With a focus on supporting local LGBTQI+-owned businesses, participants gain unique insights into the diverse communities that have shaped Montreal’s vibrant landscape. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the city’s queer past and present, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of the LGBTQI+ community’s impact on the city.

Good To Know

• This 2-hour walking tour in Montreal explores the hidden history and diverse communities of the LGBTQI+ population, featuring stories of struggles and triumphs.

• The tour highlights local LGBTQI+-owned businesses and cultural institutions, providing recommendations to support the queer community in Montreal.

• Participants can learn about Montreal’s rich LGBTQI+ history, dating back to the early 20th century, including police raids, protest movements, and the hotel of vibrant queer spaces.

• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, departing from Métro Guy-Concordia and culminating at Beaver Hall Hill, ensuring easy access for all visitors.

• Traveler reviews praise the tour guide’s passion and knowledge, as well as the unique perspectives provided on the city’s LGBTQI+ past and present.

Tour Overview

The Montreal Queerstory Tour offers a deep dive into the LGBTQI+ community’s rich history in the city.

With a 100% recommendation rate from 15 travelers, this 2-hour walking tour starts at $53.15 and can accommodate up to 15 participants.

Guests will explore hidden bars, police riots, parties, and protests, learning about the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals.

The tour highlights local LGBTQI+ businesses and provides insights into Montreal’s diverse queer communities.

Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour departs from the Métro Guy-Concordia and ends at Beaver Hall Hill.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Highlights

Participants on the Montreal Queerstory Tour gain insight into the LGBTQI+ community’s history in the city.

The tour highlights include:

• Stories of the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals in Montreal
• Exploration of hidden bars, police riots, parties, and protests that shaped the local LGBTQI+ scene
• Recommendations for supporting local LGBTQI+-owned businesses and community organizations
• An opportunity to learn about the diverse queer communities, including gay men, lesbians, trans, and Two-Spirit individuals, and their contributions to the city’s history.

This unique tour provides a fascinating look into Montreal’s queer past and present, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the city’s LGBTQI+ heritage.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers on the Montreal Queerstory Tour meet at the Métro Guy-Concordia station, located at 1801 St Mathieu St, Montreal, QC H3H 2J4, Canada.

From there, the tour explores the city’s LGBTQI+ history, culminating at Beaver Hall Hill, Côte du Beaver Hall, Montréal, QC.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome.

It’s conveniently located near public transportation.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and confirmation is provided upon booking.

Accessibility and Additional Info

The Montreal Queerstory Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

It’s also located near public transportation.

Travelers should note that there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, and confirmation is received at booking.

The tour highlights:

• Insight into the LGBTQI+ community’s history in Montreal
• Stories of struggles and triumphs of queer individuals
• Exploration of hidden bars, police riots, parties, and protests
• Recommendations for supporting local LGBTQI+ businesses

Traveler Reviews

Reviewers have given the Montreal Queerstory Tour overwhelmingly positive feedback, with a 100% recommendation rate from the 15 travelers who’ve experienced it.

Travelers praised the tour guide, Thom, for his passion and deep knowledge of the LGBTQI+ community’s history in Montreal. The personal stories shared during the tour were highlighted as emotionally connecting and historically significant, providing unique perspectives on the city’s past.

The tour’s inclusion of diverse queer communities, such as gay men, lesbians, transgender individuals, and Two-Spirit people, was also noted as a strength.

Montreal’s LGBTQI+ History

Montreal’s LGBTQI+ community has a rich and storied history, dating back to the early 20th century. The city’s queer individuals have faced struggles, from police raids to social stigma, but their triumphs and resilience have shaped the LGBTQI+ landscape.

The tour explores:

• Hidden bars and underground parties that fostered community
• Protest movements that fought for equal rights
• Police riots that sparked calls for justice and visibility
• Vibrant queer businesses and cultural institutions

Today, Montreal’s LGBTQI+ community continues to thrive, with a diverse array of events, services, and advocacy efforts.

The Queerstory Tour offers a unique window into this captivating history, highlighting the experiences and contributions of queer Montrealers.

Queer Struggles and Triumphs

Queer individuals in Montreal have faced a long history of struggles, from police raids and social stigma to calls for justice and visibility. In the 1960s, the city’s LGBTQI+ community organized protests against police harassment, leading to the landmark 1969 decriminalization of homosexuality in Canada. Despite ongoing challenges, the community has celebrated triumphs, including the hotel of support services, pride festivals, and LGBTQI+-owned businesses that provide safe spaces. Today, Montreal is recognized as a hub of queer culture, with the tour highlighting these stories of resilience and progress.

Struggles	Triumphs	Impact
Police raids	Decriminalization	Increased visibility
Social stigma	Support services	Safe spaces
Calls for justice	Pride festivals	Resilience and progress

Supporting Local Businesses

The tour also recommends supporting local LGBTQI+-owned businesses that provide safe, inclusive spaces for the community.

These establishments are vital for fostering a vibrant queer culture in Montreal.

Some of the highlights include:

• Cafés Cléopâtre, a historic cabaret and nightclub with a rich LGBTQI+ legacy
• Boutique Oasis, a queer-owned bookstore and community hub
• Le Drugstore, a trendy restaurant and bar known for its welcoming atmosphere
• Piknic Électronik, an outdoor music festival that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking throughout the tour. Participants can expect to cover several city blocks to visit various historical sites and LGBTQI+ landmarks. Breaks are provided, and the pace is suitable for most travelers.

Can the Tour Be Modified for Private or Group Bookings?

The tour can be modified for private or group bookings. Travelers can inquire about customized options to accommodate their preferences, group size, and scheduling needs. Flexibility is offered to ensure an engaging and personalized experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, allowing participants of all ages to join. However, the content may discuss mature themes, so parental discretion is advised for younger travelers.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, it’s always worth checking with the tour operator as they may offer discounted rates for certain groups, though this isn’t guaranteed based on the information provided.

Can the Tour Be Conducted in Languages Other Than English?

The tour can be conducted in languages other than English, as the business aims to accommodate diverse travelers. However, the primary language offered is English. Visitors should inquire about availability of other language options when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The Montreal Queerstory Tour provides a captivating exploration of the city’s LGBTQI+ history and culture. Participants gain unique insights into the struggles and triumphs of the community, while supporting local businesses. With a focus on highlighting hidden stories, this tour is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the diverse queer experiences that have shaped Montreal’s past and present.