Quebec City: Old Quebec Food Tour with Wine & Gin Pairing

Summary

Old Quebec flavors, laughter in stone lanes, poutine and maple taffy memories

You’ll wander Old Quebec’s winding lanes tasting everything from Lion’s Mane mushroom appetizers to creamy fudge and classic poutine (with proper cheese curds). Sip local wine or gin if you like, laugh with your guide over maple taffy mishaps, and hear stories from people who call these cobblestones home.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down one of those narrow stone streets in Old Quebec when our guide, Marie, waved us into La Buchette. I could smell mushrooms before we even sat — turns out it was Lion’s Mane, which I’d never tried. The texture was kind of meaty but soft at the same time. Marie explained how locals forage for them nearby; she had this way of making even the simplest food sound like a story. Duck carpaccio came next — honestly, I hesitated (raw duck?) but it was delicate and not what I expected at all.

I think my favorite stop might’ve been La Bûche. The pea soup was thick and a little sweet, and we all tried to pour maple taffy on snow without making a mess (I failed). Someone asked about “pâté chinois” — Marie laughed and called it Quebec’s answer to shepherd’s pie. There was this old couple beside us who started telling stories about growing up here; their French was fast but friendly. I kept catching the smell of woodsmoke from somewhere outside.

Later at Comptoir Boréal, we got half a croissant (still warm) with cream fudge that nearly stuck my teeth together. Maison Livernois had poutine — real poutine, not the soggy stuff you get elsewhere — with a gin pairing for those of us who wanted it. The gin tasted almost herbal? Or maybe that was just me trying to sound fancy. Anyway, by then the sky had gone that pale blue-grey you only see in Quebec winters. My fingers were cold but I didn’t really care.

I didn’t expect to feel so…connected? Like you’re walking through centuries but also just sharing food with friends. It wasn’t perfect — I probably butchered half the French words — but that made it better somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Quebec and taste local food

• Walk within Old Québec walls
• Sample traditional and modern dishes
• Taste wine and local gin pairing

Top questions

How long is the Old Quebec food tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several stops within Old Quebec over a few hours.

Are drinks included on the tour?

Yes, adult tickets include wine and a local gin pairing at select stops.

Is there vegetarian or vegan food available?

You should advise any dietary restrictions at booking; options may be limited based on traditional dishes served.

Does the tour include poutine?

Yes, you’ll get to try classic poutine at Maison Livernois during the tour.

Where does the tour take place?

The walking tour takes place entirely within Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec).

Is lunch included in the price?

The tour includes multiple tastings that together make up a full meal experience.

Are children allowed on this food tour?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap; alcohol is only for adults with appropriate tickets.

What if BEClub Bistro is closed?

If BEClub Bistro is closed (Sundays/Mondays), the group visits Hortus instead.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings such as Lion’s Mane mushroom appetizer and duck carpaccio at La Buchette; Québécois pea soup, pâté chinois, and maple taffy at La Bûche; cream fudge and croissant at Comptoir Boréal; brisket with mashed potatoes at BEClub Bistro or Hortus; classic poutine with optional local gin or wine pairings for adults—all guided by a local expert as you walk through Old Quebec’s historic streets.