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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Xavier has a rounded knowledge of Quebec history and culture. I learned a lot from the tour and had a good time doing it. The host was extremely friendly and happy to answer questions and discuss topics. There is plenty of history to discover in Quebec and this tour was a good way to open the door to discover more on your own time. Thank you Xavier for your knowledge and personal insights!
By Hannah (Colorado) on Airbnb (2019) -
Une ballade à faire absolument. Xavier aime la ville et connait son histoire ainsi que celle de la province. On a appris énormément de choses sur l’histoire de la ville, de l’origine et de la sociologie de ses habitants et du coup comprenons mieux la dynamique de la ville et de la communauté francophone du Canada. Cerise sur le gateau, Xavier a de l’humour, ce qui est appréciable quand on traine des ados récalcitrants:) les nôtres (d’ados) ont d’ailleurs beaucoup aimé la visite alors qu’ils avaient traîné la patte pour y aller. Xavier a interagit, dès le début de la visite, avec eux et ils se sont donc sentis inclus d’entrée de jeu.
By Wassila (New York City) on Airbnb (2019) -
Awesome. Xavier really knows his stuff about the place. There are some guides who can't be bothered going the extra mile to give you a deeper knowledge on the place, but not Xavier. Thanks a lot for the crash course on Quebec, Xavier! It really enlightened us a lot.
By Xenia (Singapour) on Airbnb (2019) -
Everything was easy about this experience. Xavier communicated well about the expectations of the tour and the meet up place for the tour. He was very personable and made sure all the guests on the tour were taken care of. (We had a variety of needs on tour with an elder, a pregnant lady and restroom needs.) The information he provided really helped us understand the history and how to approach visiting Quebec City. Xavier also gave great recommendations.
By Rebekah (Fort Worth, Texas) on Airbnb (2019) -
Great tour, for most of my group travelling with me it was their first visit and this tour was perfect for first time visitors!!!! Xavier was a great host, very accommodating and instantly engaged with us to ensure we were having fun!
By Shelley (Mississauga, Ontario) on Airbnb (2019) -
It was an excellent tour. It inspired me to follow up, especially on the Catholicism/Protestantism relationship.
By Angela (Bristol, United Kingdom) on Airbnb (2019) -
Would definitely recommend Xavier! Great funny guide and I'm really happy we did it 🙂 If we come again we would also like to take another tour with him for sure!
By Dana (Jerusalem, Israel) on Airbnb (2019) -
Fantastic tour. This was our first trip to Quebec and we now have a much better understanding of the city and its history! Highly recommend Xavier!
By Abigail (Maine) on Airbnb (2019) -
Me encanto la experiencia.
By Yeka on Airbnb (2019) -
Great walk around the old city with all kinds of interesting facts and a broader overview of the history of the city. Very knowledgeable and covered a wide variety of topics.
By Kevin (New York) 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.