(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Montreal's Sin City Era + Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours

11 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 11 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Montreal, Canada

Loading Options

90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

While prohibition put a damper on the early 20th century in the USA 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, 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. Join MTL Detours to learn about this era in the unique city of Montreal! Note that portions of this tour goes through off-the-beaten path and non-touristy areas.

What's Included

  • A list of recommendations of things to see/do/eat in Montreal curated by MTL Detours founder Lesley
  • MTL Detours, founded in Montreal, is a 100% locally owned + operated small independent tour company
  • Exclusive small-group of only 10 people
  • Gratuities - tips are optional but very appreciated
  • Hotel pick-up or drop-off. All guests must make their way to our meeting location on their own.
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2X 3K2, Canada

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Rue Sainte-Catherine
Montréal, QC H2X 2A3, Canada

Tour will end in the vicinity of Place des Festivals in the Quartier des Spectacles.

What To Expect

Saint Laurent Boulevard

Meet your guide near the intersection of St. Laurent Blvd./Ste. Catherine St., right in the heart of Montreal's old Red Light District. Explore the surrounding vicinity and hear the fascinating stories of the illicit activities that used to mark this area of town.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Quartier des Spectacles

Explore the Quartier des Spectacles - Montreal's Entertainment District. Following prohibition, the booze flowed freely in this area and it became a hotspot for cabarets and nightclubs. Hear the riveting stories of Montreal nights from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Minimum age to attend is 18+ years old.
  • This tour is owned and operated by MTL Detours Walking Tours mtldetours.ca - the same team behind the bestselling "Explore Old Montreal" walking tour.
  • Most of the tour is walking or standing with limited places to sit.

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Montreal’s Sin City Era + Golden Age Walking Tour by MTL Detours?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-124208P8

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
11 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 11 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
11
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Culinary Walking Tour of Old Montreal

Private Culinary Walking Tour of Old Montreal

New To The Site!
 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$226.99

Old Montreal Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

Old Montreal Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

1
 2 to 3 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$167.52

Enchanting Old Montreal , A private walking tour with Ruby Roy
Likely to Sell Out

Enchanting Old Montreal , A private walking tour with Ruby Roy

3
 3 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Instant Confirmation
from
US$410

Paranormal Investigation Tour in Sainte-Antoine Cemetery

Paranormal Investigation Tour in Sainte-Antoine Cemetery

2
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$24.68

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio
Likely to Sell Out

Beyond the Basilica Non-Touristy Walking Tour by Spade & Palacio

 2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$56.14

The Original Old Montréal Walking Tour by Guidatour

The Original Old Montréal Walking Tour by Guidatour

 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$27.69

Montreal: Guided Electric Boat Cruise with Onboard Drinks

Montreal: Guided Electric Boat Cruise with Onboard Drinks

 45 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$26.94

Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
Likely to Sell Out

Montreal Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

 3 to 4 hours  Free Cancellation
from
US$76.71

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • A list of recommendations of things to see/do/eat in Montreal curated by MTL Detours founder Lesley
  • MTL Detours, founded in Montreal, is a 100% locally owned + operated small independent tour company
  • Exclusive small-group of only 10 people
  • Unique parting gifts
  • Local, certified guide with the mandatory city guide permit
  • Gratuities - tips are optional but very appreciated
  • Hotel pick-up or drop-off. All guests must make their way to our meeting location on their own.

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with mobility restrictions or other impairments
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Minimum age to attend is 18+ years old.
  • This tour is owned and operated by MTL Detours Walking Tours mtldetours.ca - the same team behind the bestselling "Explore Old Montreal" walking tour.
  • Most of the tour is walking or standing with limited places to sit.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.