Montreal tour guide Misha Pelletier, who operates without official certification, faces challenges beyond just sharing the city’s history with her clients. She describes instances of feeling “harassed” by certified guides at the World Trade Centre in Montreal’s Underground City, with tensions rising around the popular statue of Amphitrite.
According to Pelletier, there is a palpable sense of superiority among certified guides due to their badges, creating an atmosphere of unease and division. She is part of a group of independent guides, including the newly-formed Association des guides indépendants de Montréal (AGIM), advocating for changes in Montreal’s tour guide certification regulations.
Montreal, one of the two Canadian cities requiring guide certification, imposes strict requirements that independent guides argue create barriers to entry and limit diversity in the industry. The current certification program at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) is limited in capacity, with long gaps between offerings and steep fines for those operating without a license.
Pelletier and AGIM are calling for the city to reconsider these regulations, especially in light of the postponement of the ITHQ certification course until 2027. This delay has sparked concerns among independent guides who feel overlooked and excluded from the official system.
Gustavo Trindade, another uncertified guide with AGIM, highlights the challenges faced by individuals who possess relevant experience but are hindered by rigid certification criteria. Trindade, with a tourism and hospitality background, emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and flexible approach to guide certification.
Donovan King, an AGIM member and owner of Haunted Montreal, stresses the importance of incorporating Indigenous perspectives and history into guide training. He advocates for a revision of the certification process to better reflect the diverse cultural heritage of Montreal and address controversial historical narratives.
The debate surrounding Montreal’s tour guide certification system is ongoing, with stakeholders engaging in discussions to explore potential reforms. As the industry grapples with issues of accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity, the future of tour guiding in Montreal remains uncertain.
