From the Château Frontenac to the Parliament of Quebec, explore the quaint streets of Old Quebec (Upper Town), full of 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, without setting aside little stories and interesting details.
To avoid steep streets, the walking tour stands in Old Quebec Upper Town and Parliament Hill and will suit most of people. Just wear good shoes and check weather forecast to dress accordingly.
Highlights of the guided tour in Old Quebec
Each guide has its own itinerary, but you’re mostly going to see :
- Château Frontenac,
- Dufferin Boardwalk,
- Holy Trinity,
- Cathedral-basilica Notre-Dame de Québec,
- Price Building,
- City hall,
- Fortifications,
- St. Louis gate,
- Entrance of the Battlefields Park,
- Parliament of Quebec.
Depending on the itinerary your guide chose, you might see :
- Grand Séminaire,
- Augustines,
- Ursulines,
- Morrin Centre.
How to get there ?
At the corner of Côte de la Montagne and Rue des Remparts, there’s the Montmorency park. On Rue des Remparts‘ side, there’s a statue with Louis Hébert, Marie Rollet and Guillaume Couillard.
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Xavier is warm and friendly. He has a great deal of historical and present day knowledge of Quebec. We left the tour having a wonderful experience and having an understanding of Quebec.
By Craig (Minnesota) on Airbnb (2019) -
Xavier was college professor knowledgeable about the history of Ville Québec and Nouvelle France. I learned a great deal. Moreover he was personable, friendly and funny. Worth every nickel of the price
By Randy (Virginia) on Airbnb (2019) Xavier was the perfect Quebec City tour guide. He has a vast knowledge of the history of France, Canada and most importantly, Quebec. And he took the time to answer all of our questions. We know a lot more about this civilization than we did before. Merci, Xavier.
By Robert (Virginia) on Airbnb (2019)Great Tour. Got interesting insights in the special culture of Quebec and the history of Quebec City. Xavier was an extremely friendly, knowledgeable and open host.
By Eckhard (Deutschland, Germany) on Airbnb (2019)Great tour of upper old town. Xavier was full of knowledge and we learnt a lot and we really enjoyed his perspectives.
By Susie (Boston, Massachusetts) on Airbnb (2019)Xavier was very friendly and genuinely enthusiastic about the history of Quebec and the giving us the lay out of the upper town. He even made an effort to learn everyone’s names! Dogs are also welcome! I enjoyed it as an overview tour. Good to get you started if you don’t have much time! Thanks
By Melanie (Auckland, New Zealand) on Airbnb (2019)The walking tour with Xavier was really fun and educational. Although I'm Canadian, I learned a lot more about French Canada than I previously understood! Xavier told the history of Quebec and Quebec City in a fun, informative way, allowing the guests to interact. He was easy going and friendly. Well worth the time and money.
By Diane (Toronto) on Airbnb (2019)Had a great afternoon with Xavier learning about the history of Quécbec City. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate. He encouraged us to ask questions. Highly recommended tour!
By Belinda (Australia) on Airbnb (2019)Excellent experience with Xavier I highly recommend this activity, very knowledgeable and patient with me and my mother.
By Emmanuel (Costa Rica) on Airbnb (2019)Xavier shared his deep understanding of and passion for the history of Old Québec in such an engaging way that the two-hour tour seemed to fly by. His narration cohered across the well-ordered stops and he invited and incorporated points of personal interest to us (especially religious history) with finesse. He was genuinely attentive to our comfort and checked in at points to ensure we were enjoying the experience—which we definitely were!
By Seth (Boston, Massachusetts) 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.