Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

A comprehensive walk through Old Québec’s most historic sites, covering over 400 years of history in both the Upper and Lower Towns.

1. Stop 1 Pass by

   Museum about Canada's military history and key battles in Quebec City from early French settlement to 1776.

2. Stop 2 Pass by

   1893 Canadian Pacific Railway Hotel, a symbol of modern Canada, now operating as the Fairmont.

3. Stop 3 Pass by

   Boardwalk built after the creation of modern Canada, with Forts and Chateaux St-Louis beneath it, showcasing French governance history.

4. Stop 4 Pass by

   War monument commemorating the French and Indian War in Canada.

5. Stop 5 Pass by

   Historical site reflecting British Quebec City, built 20 years after U.S. independence, around 1783.

6. Stop 6 Pass by

   Fortifications added after the War of 1812 to defend against American threats.

7. Stop 7 Pass by

   Site of the French & Indian War's decisive British victory, leading to Quebec becoming British in 1763.

8. Stop 8 Pass by

   French and British ramparts built to defend this strategic outpost controlling the St. Lawrence seaway.

9. Stop 9 Pass by

   Legislature of Quebec, the only French-speaking province of Canada, with Quebec City as its capital.

10. Stop 10 Pass by

    First girls’ school in North America and a major museum of French art and Catholic education.

11. Stop 11 Pass by

    First hospital in North America, now a wellness center and museum, part of Quebec’s French heritage.

12. Stop 12 Pass by

    Upper Town, a UNESCO World Heritage zone packed with 400 years of history.

13. Stop 13 Pass by

    Lower Town, home to Place Royale, Petit-Champlain, and the Old Port district, rich with historic sites.

14. Stop 14 Pass by

    Founding Cathedral of Catholicism in French America, serving as a diocese extending from Quebec to New Orleans.

15. Stop 15 Pass by

    School for French Catholic missionaries, now part of Laval University’s School of Architecture and High School.

16. Stop 16 Pass by

    Iconic 1929 monument symbolizing resilience during the Great Depression, built by a Welsh family involved in tourism.

17. Stop 17 Pass by

    Site of Quebec’s founding in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, the birthplace of Canada, with continuous occupation since then.

18. Stop 18 Pass by

    High-end artisan shops in Old Port, part of a 1980s revitalization project.

19. Stop 19 Pass by

    Top museums showcasing Canadian history and Native American culture.

20. Stop 20 Pass by

    Sites of the 1775 failed American invasion, where leaders Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery were defeated.

21. Stop 21 Pass by

    One of the original gates on the French ramparts, rebuilt in a medieval style in 1875.

22. Stop 22 Pass by

    Stairs connecting Petit-Champlain and Upper Town, offering scenic views.

23. Stop 23 Pass by

    Military cannon platform added during King William’s War, defending against Boston-led invaders.

Meeting point & pickup

Hotel pickup included for all travelers

If your hotel is located in Old Québec, our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby 5 minutes before the scheduled tour time. For hotels outside Old Québec, we will contact you with a convenient meeting point.

How to get there

Pickup is available from 38 listed hotels. Exact pickup time will be confirmed after booking.

Cancellation & confirmation