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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Highly recommended tour of the Upper part of Old Town Quebec City. It’s a great way to get to learn the history of the city, the architectural influences over the different time periods and how the city was formed. Xavier was a fantastic guide, and with a small group (8 people), it was really easy to ask questions and learn about the town. Xavier’s perspective was really unique and his knowledge of the town was amazing. I definitely recommend this tour as a great way to get your bearings around the city, and as a guide to explore the different sights in further detail.
By Adarsh (Atlanta, Georgia) on Airbnb (2019) -
I highly recommend this tour. Xavier was an incredible guide. If you’re looking to learn the history of the city and how this influences the culture and the architecture this tour is for you!
By Elizabeth (Maine) on Airbnb (2019) -
It was an amazing historical walking tour with Xavier. I really enjoyed it. Thank you very much! 🙂
By Hyera (California) on Airbnb (2019) -
Xavier was an amazing tour guide. He had so much knowledge about the history of Quebec City. It was well worth the experience. Definitely recommend
By Miguel (Australia) on Airbnb (2019) -
The tour was great! We really enjoyed meeting Xavier and learning more about the history of Quebec City. We went on the tour on our first day in the city and it helped us to get oriented. Highly recommend!
By Renee (Massachusetts) on Airbnb (2019) -
It was a wonderful tour in a beautiful city on a perfect day. Xavier did a great job. He’s very personable, knowledgeable and engaging. It was well worth the time and money. Highly recommend this tour
By Robert (Delaware) on Airbnb (2019) -
Very interesting tour...would recommend it!
By Karen (Colorado) on Airbnb (2019) -
I really enjoyed the tour, and it was slightly customized and tailored to the topics of our group’s interests. I would recommend to others!
By Luyang (Boston) on Airbnb (2019)Sometimes when the group is small enough, the content is tailored a little bit. If you’re looking for a real tailored tour, check our private tours!
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Xavier was a wonderful tour guide and an absolute expert about the history of Quebec City (and Quebec, for that matter). I began the tour with almost no knowledge regarding Quebec City and finished with a real sense of insight. He did an excellent job highlighting some major cultural themes and reiterating them throughout the tour. Overall I was very impressed and would recommend his tour to anyone interested in history.
By Libby (Oregon) on Airbnb (2019) -
After chatting for a few minutes, Xavier tailored our tour specifically for our interests. He has a deep respect for history and culture beyond what is traditionally presented. We appreciated his inclusion of the history of First Nation and women. We highly recommend any tour Xavier offers.
By Rebecca (Oregon) on Airbnb (2019)Sometimes when the group is small enough, the content is tailored a little bit. If you’re looking for a real tailored tour, check our private tours!
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.