While prohibition and the temperance movement put a damper on the early 20th century in the United States and elsewhere in Canada, the booze kept flowing freely in Montreal and it quickly became known as “Sin City” and “Paris of the North”. Visitors flocked here to indulge in the notorious nightlife and raucous times. Whatever the vice or pleasure, it could be found in Montreal. Our cabarets and jazz clubs attracted talented musicians the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, amongst others. This history walking tour will enthrall you with stories about local institutions and the cast of characters that frequented them. Performers, mobsters, street workers, bookies, gamblers, and cops all rubbed elbows in the old Red Light District. Hear about the transformation of the district into the Quartier des Spectacles: home to Montreal's world-famous International Jazz Festival and other events. Join MTL Detours to learn about this entertaining era in the unique city of Montreal!
Posted By : mariejos_ec884
My colleagues and I loved our guided tour on the theme of "the city of sin and the golden age of Montreal". Our guide Isabelle made us relive this vibrant era on foot, in images and in music! A real interactive outdoor history lesson!
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Posted On : 2024-06-02 14:42:36 
Posted By : sherrysF4262GU
An excellent tour chockfull of information, so many wonderful interesting insights into seemingly ordinary buildings. Very much appreciated the final gifts at the end as well! One of the best walking tours I have ever been on.
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Posted On : 2024-05-04 18:58:03
Posted By : 1122diesel
Our tour guide was incredible.
So much knowledge and a deep understanding of many eras and moments in Montreal’s colourful history!
Will recommend to any friend who visits your beautiful city!
Well done!
❤️
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Posted On : 2024-05-04 16:22:44
Posted By : Jo_R
Great tour guide!!! So enthusiastic and full of insider info. I’m from Montreal and I learned so much about historical characters and shenanigans!!! From the jazz scene to prohibition and the renowned bank robber machine gun Molly! I would do it again!!!
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Posted On : 2024-04-24 19:47:52 
Posted By : suzakabruiserg
Very engaging and friendly guide. Tour was super interesting and filled with lots of history on Montreal's seedy underside.
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Posted On : 2024-04-08 12:14:51
Posted By : Kim_C
Super-unique tour all about Montreal’s ( somewhat) hidden history. The most knowledgeable and passionate guide helped it all come to life with the help of the MEM ( starting point of the tour), historic landmarks, photographs and even music from the era. Really interesting tour!
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Posted On : 2024-04-07 13:41:55
Posted By : petervI2920RZ
I had such a good time on this waking tour. I thought I knew a lot about the Sin City nature of Montreal, as there have been books on it etc., but the guide was so knowledgeable about the area there wasn't enough time for her to tell us everything she knew. Most of it was new to me, almost all of it. I'd recommend this to anyone, tourists and Montrealers alike, anyone who wants to know a bit more about this quartier and some of the rich history of Montreal.
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Posted On : 2024-04-07 11:49:32
Posted By : Daydream470531
Whether you are new to Montreal or have been living here your whole life: I promise that you will have an amazing time on this tour!! This is the third time I am doing a tour with MTL Detours, and, just as on the previous tours, I was blown away by the captivating stories about the MTL our guide Isabelle shared with us over the two hours we spent walking around the area. So much fun and so much I got to learn. Montreal is an amazing city, but after a tour like this, it is even more fascinating to me. Book the tour. Thank me later 😉
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Posted On : 2024-04-06 20:02:57
