Discover the fascinating history of Old Lévis, a prosperous Canadian city in the XIXth Century. Located across the St. Lawrence river from Old Quebec, take the ferry and get off the beaten path to explore a peaceful and beautiful district.
Old Lévis is part of the Victorian era in Canada, from every point of view.
The built heritage of the historic district is a magnificent digest of the architectural styles of the second half of the nineteenth century.
The Victorian era is the culmination of the industrial revolution in the British Empire and the development of the railroad, while Lévis is home to the first industries in the country and a train station long before Quebec City.
This historic period is marked by the construction of the French-Canadian identity in an increasingly English-speaking country. Thanks to Mgr Déziel, the city of Lévis, by its name and its parish’s name, is part of this dynamic, while the English-speaking community is thriving.
Lévis is an important part of the British defensive system in North America and reminds us of the tensions of the time, especially the United States.
Old Lévis is also the birthplace of the largest movement of credit unions in North America and one of the strongest financial institutions in the world: Desjardins Group.
If this guided tour mostly focuses on the second half of the XIXth century, you’ll also learn about the local history before (Guillaume Couture, siege of Quebec City in 1759, Aubigny) and after the Victorian era.
You might see…
Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire, main church of Old Lévis, the Anglicane church, Collège de Lévis, Marcelle-Mallet school, Terrasse de Lévis, Desjardins House and the Avenue Bégin.
How to get there ?
In front of the main local church, Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire*, there’s a small park with the statue of Monseigneur Déziel on Rue Guenette. Meeting location is in front of this statue. The famous Maison Alphonse Desjardins is just steps away.
On foot from Old Quebec, take the ferry and climb up the cliff (via stairs or road). Then head towards Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire.
By car from the highway 20 (Jean-Lesage), take exit #325.
*Not to be confused with Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (Old Quebec, Place royale). The tour starts in Old Lévis and not in Old Quebec.
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Très intéressant pour ceux qui veulent en savoir plus sur les origines de notre belle ville.
By Sophie Lévesque (Québec) on Facebook (2018) -
Très belles expériences, avec 5 ado/jeunes adultes, comme touristes dans notre propre ville; nous avons ADORÉ nos visites du Vieux-Lévis et celle du Vieux-Québec portant sur la contribution des femmes. Nous connaissions déjà plutôt bien notre ville, mais avons appris plein de nouveaux trucs intéressants. Xavier est un guide non seulement compétent, mais aussi agréable et sans prétention. En plus, les tarifs sont raisonnables. Nous allons certes récidiver pour d'autres tours avec lui!!!
By Marc-André Roy (Québec) on Facebook (2017)Marc-André et sa famille ont également suivi le tour guidé Vieux-Québec: Mesdames & Mesdemoiselles
If you need help or if you didn’t find an availability that suits you, please contact us. We might add an availability for you if we can. It is also possible to provide a private tour.