Quebec City Walking Tour Review: Historic Sites Travel Tips
Why Take a Quebec City Walking Tour
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I love taking a good walking tour to get to know a city. I usually try to do it on the first day to orient myself. On our trip to Quebec, I did it on the 2nd day, but it still helped us understand and love Quebec City even more. Quebec City is full of history. Walking with our excellent guide helped us understand the importance of the streets we were walking on. We appreciated the areas so much more.
I booked our Quebec City Old Town Classique Walking Tour with Funicular 2025 on Viator. I use them for many of my tours, especially if I am new to the area. Viator doesn’t do tours, but they promote tours. I like checking the reviews on their site. I also like the book now pay later option. I travel so much that I don’t like having all my money tied up in tours that are months away. The tour started at their building below. It was an easy 20-minute walk from our Hotel Pur in Quebec City.
HQ Services Touristiques
Where our tour started
Highlights from Our Old Quebec Tour
Our walking tour began in the charming Lower Town of Old Quebec and concluded in the historic Upper Town. Although our tickets included a ride on the iconic Funicular, it was unfortunately out of service that day. Thankfully, the tour company arranged a driver to shuttle us uphill—saving us from climbing the famously steep Breakneck Stairs!
From the Lower Town, you get a stunning view of the Upper Town perched above, with its European-style architecture and cobblestone charm. As our guide explained, the Lower Town reflects strong French influences, while the Upper Town carries more of a British colonial feel. French is spoken throughout the city, but as a major tourist destination, most locals were happy to switch to English when they heard my less-than-perfect French. I gave it my best shot, though!
City divided by a cliff
Historic Sites You’ll See on the Tour
As we walk across the city. Our tour guide, Anne, explained what we were seeing. First, we walked down streets with Antiques, then to Art. She provided us with the history of the area and kept everyone in our group of 7 engaged. She encouraged us to ask questions as we walked the city. Below is the Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. It is one of the oldest churches in North America. It was rebuilt in 1763 after the siege of Quebec.
Notre Dame Des Victories
One of the oldest churches in North America
Anne pointed out the different streets we traveled on and the influences on them based on when they were built. We had time to take photos along the way. If money were no object, I would have stayed at the Fairmont Château Frontenac. It was glorious. Here I am with it behind me. As well as the famous Rue du Petit-Champlain, the first commercial shopping area in North America. We are not big shoppers in our family, but even Finn and I could not resist visiting a few of the stores.
Don’t miss the lower part of the city
Where to Eat in Quebec City
I don’t believe you can visit Quebec City without visiting one of its famous sugar shacks. The one below had every product imaginable with Maple Syrup. I did bring home some maple syrup popcorn that quickly disappeared. I will have to buy more next time
Sugar Shack
Pick up all things Maple Syrup
If you are looking for a great introduction to Quebec City, I highly recommend this walking tour. We went back the next morning and explored the area in more depth. It was a perfect place to spend our last day in Quebec City. We finished up eating lunch on Rue du Petit-Champlain at Alphonse with Steak and Frites. They had a great midday lunch special! What a beautiful city! Thank you, Canada, for another amazing trip!
Last Meal
Steak and Frites
Final Thoughts
Our family is passionate about exploring the world using credit card points and travel rewards. This Quebec City adventure was no exception—we saved a ton thanks to strategic redemptions and travel hacks. Curious how we did it? [Click here to learn how we booked this trip with points.] You can also [check out our full Quebec City itinerary] for tips, highlights, and family-friendly recommendations.
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