This Winter Walking Tour is the perfect way to discover Old Quebec’s history, its architecture and its charms in the midst of winter. Enjoy the quaintest Nordic city of North America thanks to breaks to warm up during the guided tour.
(Based on 361 reviews)
Sorry, this tour is scheduled, but online bookings are temporarily not available on our website.
The tour is likely available to book on some platforms, contact us and we’ll let you know how to book.
You’ll discover magical places eatilled with a rich history in enchanting sceneries. You’ll learn the main facts and see the highlights of Quebec City’s historical center. Like the famous Place royale, Château Frontenac, City Hall and cathedrals (Catholic and Anglicane). Because this tour is seasonal, provided during winter only, we’ll focus on the influence of the cold season on historical events, local culture and architecture.
The Winter Walking Tour stands outside, in the quaint streets of Old Port & Petit Champlain (Lower Town) and Old Quebec (Upper Town), but we’ll make warm breaks inside buildings.
To tease you, here are some winter topics : Bonhomme Carnaval and the biggest winter carnaval of the world, impact of the ice bridge on the economy, ice canoeing, siege of 1775 with Benedict Arnold…
Important notice :
- The Musée de la Civilisation don’t sell any tickets for the Winter Walking Tour, they only greet us to meet each other and start.
- Please wear warm clothes, warm socks, warm shoes. Even if we do warm breaks, we’ll spend most of the time outside. Winter here is very cold and windy. Ski suits are useful and you should consider something warm like this.
How to get there ?
The Musée de la Civilisation has two entrances: one on Dalhousie Street and the other one on Saint-Pierre Street. The meeting location is inside the museum, nearby the boutique and Saint-Pierre entrance.
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What a great experience! Such a great way to better experience and understand the place I was visiting. Xavier was wonderfully attentive to the needs of all the participants, even reading their body language. He was great at remembering everyone's names and pointed out things on the tour that specific people might relate to. He was even watching out for cars and that we stood so as to hear him and still let people pass by on the sidewalk. And his thorough and complete knowledge of Quebec, its history, people and culture did not disappoint. I will always take this kind of tour now when I visit a new city and hope all my future guides will be as good as Xavier.
By Angela (New York0 on Airbnb (2019) -
Xavier was wonderful, knowledgeable, and really cared about every individual on the tour. He has a deep understanding about the culture of Quebec and what makes it special and unique throughout its history. He also had great answers for curveball questions. During our winter tour he picked perfect times to seek shelter for warmth while also showing historic places at the same time. He even brought warming packs for people who got chilly. still, it is definitely recommended to bundle up for your tour, wear hats gloves and thick socks with boots for sure.
By Ryan (Maine) on Airbnb (2019) Xavier had a genuine passion for Quebec City that came through in his tour. He shared his deep knowledge of the area mixed in with his personal connection to it. He creatively added unique touches that applied to individual members of the tour, such as pointing out the teacher monument for the teachers among us. He thoughtfully gave us hand/foot warmers and made sure we were warm enough throughout the tour. I appreciated his approachable, laid back yet professional manner. I highly recommend his tour for a deep understanding of this beautiful city.
By Karissa (Maine) on Airbnb (2019)I've taken a lot of walking tours in different cities and Xavier's tour is one I will remember. First, Xavier gave us historical background delivered in a way that was interesting and easy to digest (he doesn't just rattle off facts that you could get from a book). More like a sociologist/historian than a guide, he wove the history into the culture of the Quebecois. Finally, he has an amazing ability to remember the names and backgrounds of everyone on the tour, is incredibly present and personally connects with everyone....and he is fun! I will definitely take one of his tours on my next visit to QC.
By Diane (Connecticut) on Airbnb (2019)We loved our tour with Xavier. He is knowledgable of the topic and is good at connecting with people. He remembered names of everyone in the group (this might be his superpower) 🙂
By Liana (Toronto) on Airbnb (2019)I recommend this tour as the first thing to do in Quebec. Xavier is very entertaining guide with deep history knowledge. He also has personal connection with Quebec culture. During the tour Xavier will recommend places to explore and dine-in, be ready to take notes. Prep a list of places to ask if you should attend them.
By Nick (Seattle) on Airbnb (2019)Xavier es una persona muy simpática, fue bastante claro en todas sus explicaciones y muy paciente para explicar ciertos términos que no lográbamos entender en inglés. Conoce muy bien la ciudad, por lo que nos enseñó calles, atajos, entradas etc, que por nuestra cuenta no hubiéramos conocido. Gracias por todo Xavier!
By Kary (Mexico City) on Airbnb (2019)A wonderful historic tour. Xavier is consummate in his instructions and plans which I very much appreciated because we were walking on one of the coldest days. It is a wonderful way to learn about QC.
By Stacy (Texas) on Airbnb (2019)Xavier made sure to be very thorough about the weather conditions for the tour. Making sure that you are well prepared to be able to enjoy this personable and very informative tour. The tour itself was amazing and just magical. Places that you can’t find your own and history that changes the way you see the city!! Can’t wait to come back and do a tour in the summer or spring with Xavier!!!
By Wendy (Ohio) on Airbnb (2019)Such a great experience! We took this tour on our first day in QC and that was as a good decision. Xavier took us to some wonderful spots and was genuinely concerned with our comfort and took the time to tell us so much. He provided great contact before the tour about the weather-it was a beautiful, cold day. Now we know enough to come back to some of the places that interest us the most to spend more time. He is truly passionate about his city and his tour was awesome. You simply have to spend a couple of hours with him!!
By Sean (Texas) 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.