From the Parliament of Québec to Petit Champlain, explore the quaint streets of Old Québec, admiring the French, British and American influences. Discover why and how a small fur trading post became the capital of a modern democracy.
(Based on 104 reviews)
Quebec City, a UNESCO world heritage, is the cradle of the French civilization in North America. French founded a small fur trading post, where pioneers and missionaries gathered. The town grew and managed to become a city despite of threats, wars, epidemics and Winter. It used to be the main city of New France and later Canada. Due to its strategic position, it has the biggest defensive network of America with its fortifications, batteries, forts and citadel. It is still the capital of Quebec Province.
This is an introductory tour that focuses on history, culture and architecture. You’ll learn the main facts and see some of the highlights of the old city, Upper Town and Lower Town, without setting aside little stories and interesting details.
The tour begins at Parliament Hill in Upper Town and gradually makes its way downhill to Old Québec’s Lower Town. While the route is mostly downhill, it includes cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and a few staircases. It will suit most visitors with average mobility. Wear comfortable walking shoes and check the weather forecast so you can dress accordingly.
Highlights of the guided tour in Old Quebec
Each guide has its own itinerary, but you’re mostly going to see :
- Parliament of Quebec,
- Entrance of the Battlefields Park,
- St. Louis gate,
- Fortifications,
- City hall,
- Price Building,
- Cathedral-basilica Notre-Dame de Québec,
- Holy Trinity,
- Dufferin Boardwalk,
- Château Frontenac,
- Place royale.
Depending on the itinerary your guide chose, you might see :
- Grand Séminaire,
- Morrin Centre.
How to get there ?
The tour starts on time in front of the statue of the Indigenous fisherman located at the main entrance of the Parlement of Québec (Assemblée nationale).
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We have enjoyed seeing Quebec with Xavier. He shared fun snippets about the town and showed us places we would not have visited if had not gone on the tour. He gave us great suggestions for food to try in Quebec
By Haritha (Toronto) on Airbnb (2019) -
It was a beautiful day in Quebec and enjoyed our walk through Old Town with Xavier! The tour was very informative not only of the history of Quebec and..... more. The talk along the way made the walk easy and enjoyable. He was also personable and funny which kept my 3 teen daughters intrigued the entire time. We highly would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Quebec. If time allows, we would not mind his other tour-Old Quebec Women History. We left feeling we would like to return to Quebec in the future for a longer vacation to see more.
By Amy (San Francisco, California) on Airbnb (2019) -
For background, we’re from the US and are in Quebec for our honeymoon. We thought this tour would be a great way to learn about the city, and it definitely was! Xavier does a great job of sharing the history of the city and uses many of the buildings and monuments to tell the story. He gave us a chance to ask questions throughout which made it interactive, and he also personalized the tour to our backgrounds. Would highly recommend!
By Jennifer (Michigan) on Airbnb (2019) -
Xavier gave a wonderful, historic tour of Quebec in general as well as specific monuments, events & strategies in the development of Quebec City and the province of Quebec. The tour ended very much in the present at the parliament building and tied history to present day political and social viewpoints. He provided recommendations to local sites and eating spots. We immediately went to a recommended pub, Le Projet for poutine, craft beer and cider, and we happened upon a recommended restaurant, Saint Malo the next day! It was nice to share in his local connection to this Beautiful city and these fun eating spots!
By Annette (North Carolina) on Airbnb (2019) -
Such a satisfying walking tour! This 2-hour tour with Xavier will take you to the beginning of Quebec and see what/who has made this city so beautiful. It is not enough for 2 hours to know all the details of Quebec but it IS surely enough to learn interesting history and unique culture of the city. Xavier is very knowledgeable and is willing to interact with the people during the tour. Everyone was very focused on his explanation. He also has a sense of humor:) It is a slow and short tour so you won't get exausted. If you have just visited Quebec and you are looking for fun and meaningful experiences for a starter, this is it.
By Mia Miyoung (Seoul, South Korea) on Airbnb (2019) -
Had awesome time ! Xavier was able to answer all my questions! He even suggested places to eat and try new stuff, very friendly and I really enjoyed
By Bruno (Boston) on Airbnb (2019) -
A walk thru' Quebec, the town and its history, with a lot of social and architectural details. Highly recommended!
By Ingrid (Deutschland) on Airbnb (2019) -
A must-do experience for first-timers to Quebec City! An excellent introduction to the history and magic of this beautiful city. Xavier was knowledgable, friendly and full of fantastic recommendations. You must try the blood pudding! Thanks for an amazing tour Xavier!
By Cherie (British Columbia) on Airbnb (2019) -
Great tour. Interesting and informative
By Philip (Australia) on Airbnb (2019) -
I really enjoyed for this walking tour, I leant many histories about the Quebec city. Many thanks.
By Susan (Taïwan) on Airbnb (2019)
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.