Founded in 1968, the ITHQ is located in the heart of Montreal, a few steps from the Sherbrooke metro station. The institute offers one-year professional diplomas, technical college diplomas and a bachelor’s degree that has competitive admission.
With 100 teachers, including professional chefs, the school offers courses in professional baking, fine cuisine, Italian cuisine and a new program in vegan cuisine. ITHQ is one of the rare institutions to offer a wine-waiting program, training generations of sommeliers each year. The college has many partnerships with chain hotels such as the Marriott, the Fairmont and Club Med; students can access paid internships that lead to full-time positions after graduation.
For hands-on training on campus, the institute houses one bar, two restaurants and one four-star hotel, all run by students. The ITHQ also advocates for sustainable development by selecting only local foods and eco-friendly management of fish and seafood supplies. In 2020, the institute won the Clé Verte prize for its green initiatives.