Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour
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Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour

Active
(40 reviews)
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

A must-do experience for North American visitors to Quebec City;
In-depth and fun historical overview of Old Québec, a unique historic district and World Heritage site featuring hundreds of history markers.

Most first-time visitors do not know to what a great extent Canada and US history are intertwined. Do you know the links between French Canada, Quebec and your part of the continent? There is no better place to discover these connections than in beautiful Quebec City.

Discover how early French settlers influenced by many continental events - Manifest Destiny, French & Indian War, Boston Tea Party, American Revolution, War of 1812 , American Civil War, Alaska Purchase, Canadian Confederation... - shaped Quebec and Canada.

During our 2.5-hour walking tour, discover sites in both Upper and Lower Town, highlighting the significant role played by Quebec City in the history of North America and in the creation of modern Canada.

Convenient meeting point: your Old Quebec hotel.

Available options

Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Guiding services

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1 Pass by

Museum about the military history of Canada and the great battles of Quebec City, from early French settlers to 1776.

2

Icon of modern Canada from coast to coast, 1893 Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel, now Fairmont.

3
Stop 3 Pass by

Memory of the Royal family and its representatives, this boardwalk was built in the wake of the creation of modern Canada. Forts and Chateaux St-Louis National Park showcasing the castle of the French Governors until the French & Indian War is located UNDER the boardwalk.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

War monument, memory of the French and Indians War in Canada.

5
Stop 5 Pass by

Memory of British Quebec City, built the year of the Louisiana Purchase, that is, 20 years after the U.S. Independence.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

Stronghold added to the Quebec City’s defense system after the War of 1812, facing the American threat.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Iconic ground battlefield of the French & Indians War in America. Unlike Yorktown VA or Chalmette Battlefield in New Orleans LA, here the British won the war defeating the French. Canada became British from the 1763 Treaty of Paris.

8
Stop 8 Pass by

French and British ramparts built to protect this strategic outpost that controlled the St Lawrence seaway up to the center of the continent.

9

Legislature of the Province of Quebec, the only French-speaking Province of Canada. Even though Montreal is its metropolis and most populated city, Quebec City is still the Provincial capital.

10

First school for girls in North America and world-class Museum about French Art and catholic Education. Within top 5 French heritage institutions of Old Quebec and Canada.

11

First hospital in North America and present-day world-class wellness center and Museum. Within top 5 French heritage institutions of Old Quebec and Canada.

12
Stop 12 Pass by

Upper town mainly refers to the Unesco World Heritage zone within the walls of Old Quebec. High density of historical sites covering 400 years of history.

13
Stop 13 Pass by

Lower town mainly refers to the Place Royale, Petit-Champlain and the Old Port district. High density of historical sites covering 400 years of history.

14
Stop 14 Pass by

Founding Cathedral of Catholicism in French America and head of a diocese as large as French Louisiana, from Quebec City to New Orleans.

15

School for French catholic missionaries sent over the continent to convert North America's French territories to Catholicism. Present-day School of Architecture of University Laval and High School.

16

Iconic monument built as a pulp and paper company's headquarter in 1929. Symbol of the Great Depression and resilience of a 6-generation Welsh family now involved in high-end tourism in Quebec City.

17
Stop 17 Pass by

Canada's “Jamestown” and ‘Williamsburg” on the same site: birthplace of Canada and site of a never-completed 1970s Museum District project. In 1608, Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City on this site, that has been continuously occupied since then.

18
Stop 18 Pass by

Within top 3 shopping areas of Old Quebec. A 1980s project led by two local architects who had a vision to open high-end artisan shops in devitalized Old Port area.

19
Stop 19 Pass by

Within top 5 museums of Old Quebec. History exhibitions about Canada and Native Americans.

20
Stop 20 Pass by

Sites of the 1775 failed "American" invasion of Canada, where both leaders - Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery - were defeated. Man-made zone reclaimed from water during the French, British and Canadian periods of Quebec City's history. Old financial district of Canada and present-day Art and Antique Shops district.

21

One of the 3 gates on the French rampart. Original military structures, featuring narrow openings with doors, were removed ...and then rebuilt to look like medieval structures, as part of Lord Dufferin's 1875 Quebec Improvement plan, influenced by the European historicist movement.

22

Stairs linking Petit-Champlain and Upper town.

23

Military cannon platform added to Quebec City's fortifications system during the King William's War in America, when Frontenac defeated invaders from Boston led by William Phips.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
17 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
23 reviews
5★
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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Quebec City

Quebec City is a historic gem in North America, offering a unique blend of European charm and North American culture. With its cobblestone streets, historic sites, and stunning architecture, it feels like stepping into a European city. The city's rich history, vibrant arts scene, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Quebec is the historic heart of the city with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and charming shops.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions may have fees

Château Frontenac

One of the most photographed hotels in the world, Château Frontenac offers guided tours of its historic interiors.

Historical 1-2 hours CAD 20-30 for tours

Montmorency Falls

A spectacular waterfall taller than Niagara Falls, offering stunning views and outdoor activities.

Nature Half day CAD 15-20

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poutine

Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, a Quebecois classic.

Snack Vegetarian options available with different toppings

Tourtière

A savory meat pie traditionally made with minced pork, veal, or beef.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Ziplining Winter sports Spa visits Wine tasting Strolling through historic districts Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the pleasant weather.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: French
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

EST (UTC-5), EDT (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Quebec City is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Jean Lesage International Airport • 13 km from city center
By train

Québec Gare du Palais

By bus

Québec Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, with frequent services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Coop Québec

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Petit-Champlain Saint-Roch

Day trips

Île d'Orléans
20 km from Quebec City • Half day to full day

A picturesque island with farms, vineyards, and artisanal shops.

Mont-Sainte-Anne
30 km from Quebec City • Full day

A popular destination for outdoor activities, especially in winter.

Festivals

Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) • Late January to mid-February Festival d'Été de Québec • Early July to mid-July

Pro tips

  • Learn basic French phrases to enhance your experience
  • Visit the city in different seasons for unique experiences
  • Explore beyond the historic district for local culture and hidden gems
  • Try local specialties like poutine and tourtière
  • Use the funiculaire to easily navigate the steep streets of Old Quebec
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 10
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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