Red Light Walking Tour

Join us in welcoming back Professor Karen Herland for a special walking tour of Montreal’s historic Red Light District!

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.

Tickets are $23 general admission and $12 for students, plus applicable taxes. Please note that event capacity is limited – purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment!

All tour group participants must wear a mask for the duration of the walking tour and maintain social distancing.