About Activity
The goal is to help travelers understand contemporary Québec society through the key events, institutions, and cultural influences that shaped it. From New France and the British Conquest to religion, politics, and the emergence of modern Québec, the tour connects the city’s past with the province as it exists today.
The route is designed to be comfortable and is mostly downhill, beginning in Upper Town and gradually making its way toward Lower Town. Along the way, travelers see most of Québec City’s best-known landmarks while discovering the stories that connect them.
The licensed guide welcomes questions, and encourages discussion. Expect thoughtful storytelling, historical context, and a deeper understanding of both Old Québec and the society that grew from it.
Includes
- Professional local guide
- Small-group walking tour
Excludes
- Gratuities
- Drinks, snacks (optional)
Departure Point
- The tour starts in front of the Parliament Building (National Assembly), near the main entrance, beside the statue of an Indigenous fisherman located below the statue of an Indigenous family.
Several tours depart from this area, so please make sure you are joining Tours Accolade.
Return
- We end in Old Port in the Lower Town.
Stop At: Parliament Of Quebec Our meeting location (outdoor), home to Québec’s National Assembly, the Parliament Building is the centre of the province’s political life. Its richly decorated façade also presents key figures from Québec’s history.
Stop At: St. Louis Gate (Porte St. Louis) Saint-Louis Gate is one of the historic entrances through Québec City’s fortifications. It highlights the city’s past as a fortified colonial capital and its unique status as the only walled city north of Mexico.
Stop At: Morrin Centre The Morrin Centre became one of Québec City’s first English-language colleges. Today, it preserves a remarkable Victorian library and reflects the city’s complex English-speaking heritage.
Stop At: Edifice Price / Price Building Completed in the early 1930s, the Price Building is one of Old Québec’s most distinctive landmarks. Its Art Deco architecture and unusual height make it a striking symbol of the city’s modernization. A relevant spot to talk about Canadian economy.
Stop At: Cathedral Of The Holy Trinity Consecrated in 1804, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity was the first Anglican cathedral built outside the British Isles. It represents the growing British presence in Québec following the Conquest of 1759.
Stop At: Hotel De Ville De Quebec Located in the historic heart of the city, Québec City Hall has housed the municipal government since the late 19th century. Its imposing architecture reflects Québec City’s importance as both a historic capital and a modern urban centre.
Stop At: Notre Dame De Quebec Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec is the oldest Catholic parish north of Mexico and the spiritual heart of French Catholic Québec. Rebuilt several times after fires and wartime destruction, it remains closely connected to the city’s colonial history.
Stop At: Seminaire Du Quebec Founded by Bishop François de Laval, the Québec Seminary played a central role in education and the training of Catholic clergy. Its historic courtyard recalls the influence of the Church in the development of New France.
Stop At: Built as a luxury railway hotel in the late 19th century, the Château Frontenac has become the best-known symbol of Québec City. Its dramatic architecture dominates the skyline above the St. Lawrence River.
Stop At: Terrasse Dufferin Stretching along the cliff beside the Château Frontenac, Dufferin Terrace offers sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding landscape. Beneath the boardwalk lie archaeological remains connected to Québec’s earliest colonial governors.
Stop At: Place Royale Place Royale stands near the site where Samuel de Champlain established Québec in 1608. Once the centre of the colonial fur trade, it is considered one of the most important historic squares in French North America.
Public transportation options are available nearby Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Children must be accompanied by an adult Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough travellers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund A minimum of 2 people per tour is required Operated by Tours Accolade For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
Remarkable TourdavidsK9234OT
Xavier was our tour guide and has a tremendous depth of knowledge about the history of Quebec from its origins through the present time. This tour enabled an outsider like me to understand why the Quebec license plate says “Je me souviens”. My significant other was originally from Quebec and had been in Quebec politics in the 1970s and she also learned a lot. At the end of the trip she told Xavier that his communication and understanding were extraordinary. We highly recommend this Tour!
The French Canadian Perspective Tony_B
Xavier was a fantastic guide. Incredibly knowledgeable and informative and brings a unique perspective to the discussion of historical events, locations, and people. He is personable and easy to talk with. He left plenty of time for questions and follow up. I highly recommend booking a tour with Xavier! I learned so much.
