Quebec City Walking Tour: Old Quebec with Licensed Guide

Walk through four centuries of Quebec in one afternoon

A three-hour walking tour of Old Quebec with a licensed guide in English or French, covering the upper and lower town from 1608 to today. The tour includes entry to paid attractions, a funicular ticket, and stops at Dufferin Terrace, Holy Trinity Basilica, Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica, Petit Champlain district and Place Royale. The route covers about four kilometers at an easy-to-intermediate pace, with small climbs expected due to Quebec's terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Walking tour of historic Old Quebec

• Stroll through upper and lower Old Quebec
• Visit Dufferin Terrace
• Tour Holy Trinity Basilica
• Visit Notre-Dame-De-Quebec Basilica
• Explore Petit Champlain district
• See Place Royale
• Use funicular ticket

The Experience

Your first afternoon in Quebec City, or your chance to go deeper into a place you thought you knew—this tour threads through the upper and lower town on foot, starting with the streets that shaped the city from its founding in 1608. A licensed guide walks you through the architecture, military history and religious landmarks that built Quebec, stopping at Dufferin Terrace for the overlook, then down into the Petit Champlain district and Place Royale, where the earliest settlers landed. The funicular ticket is included, so you ride it instead of climbing the steep section on foot.

The route runs about four kilometers and takes three hours, with the pace set for easy-to-intermediate walking. Quebec sits on a hill, so expect small climbs as you move between the upper and lower sections of the old city. You'll visit Holy Trinity Basilica and Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica, and entry to paid attractions is covered in the price. A private guide is yours for the full tour, or you can join a group—you choose at checkout.

What’s included

• Licensed guide in English or French.
• entry to paid attractions.
• funicular ticket.
• walking route through Old Quebec covering Dufferin Terrace, Holy Trinity Basilica, Notre-Dame-de-Quebec Basilica, Petit Champlain district and Place Royale.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Frontenac Tours

Is this one for you?Most walking tours of Old Quebec move fast through the highlights and leave the history to plaques on the walls. This one pairs the same landmarks with a licensed guide who connects the architecture, military past and religious story—so you understand why each place matters instead of just passing through it. Book the private option if you want to set your own pace; the group tour works if you prefer company and a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the upper and lower town in Old Quebec?

The upper town sits on the cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River and holds the military and religious heart of the city, including the basilicas and Dufferin Terrace. The lower town, reached by funicular or steep stairs, is where the first settlers built Place Royale and the Petit Champlain district, the original commercial and residential core.

How much walking and climbing should I expect on this tour?

The tour covers about four kilometers at an easy-to-intermediate level. Quebec's terrain means small climbs between the upper and lower sections, but the funicular ticket is included so you can ride down instead of walking the steepest part.

Are meals included in the tour price?

No meals are included unless stated otherwise in your specific tour option. You'll have time to stop for food on your own during the three hours, especially in the Petit Champlain district where restaurants and cafés line the streets.

Can I book a private guide instead of joining a group?

Yes. Frontenac Tours offers both group and private tours. You choose which one suits you at checkout, and either way your guide is licensed and certified in English or French.

What happens if I'm not comfortable with the walking or the climbs?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the terrain and pace. If you have concerns about fitness or mobility, contact Frontenac Tours before booking—they can advise on whether the route works for you or suggest alternatives.