Old Quebec Walking Tour with Funicular: Lower & Upper Town

Two neighborhoods, one funicular ride, one guide who knows the stories.

This two-hour guided walking tour of Old Quebec starts at the Old Port and covers both Lower Town and Upper Town, with a funicular ride included to cross between them. You'll visit Place Royale, the Fortifications, Quartier Petit Champlain, Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin and Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica with a licensed local guide who speaks English, Spanish or French. The tour ends near Québec City Hall.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Quebec City Old Port5m
2. Quebec Lower Town50m
3. Upper Town50m

Explore Old Quebec with Funicular Ride

• Meet guide at 112 Rue Saint-Paul
• Discover Lower Town attractions
• Ride funicular to Upper Town
• Admire Upper Town landmarks
• End tour near Québec City Hall

The experience

The tour begins at 112 rue Saint-Paul in the Old Port, where you meet your guide for a short introduction before heading into Lower Town. From there you walk through the charming, narrow streets of Quebec's oldest quarter: past Place Royale, the Quebec City Mural, the Fortifications and into Quartier Petit Champlain, where stone buildings and cobblestones carry the weight of North America's first settlements. Your guide fills in the history and the stories as you move through these districts.

When you reach the base of the funicular, you hop on for a scenic ride up to Upper Town, with views of the St. Lawrence River opening up as you climb. If the funicular is unavailable on the day you go, the operator will arrange a cab ride or give you a ticket to use later at your discretion. Once you're in Upper Town, the second half of the tour takes you past Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin, Québec City Hall and Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica: the landmarks that define the skyline and the city's character.

The whole day moves at a walking pace with a moderate amount of activity, so comfortable shoes matter. The tour operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions you'll find. A 15–20% tip for your guide is strongly recommended at the end.

What’s included

• Two-hour guided walking tour with a licensed local guide.
• funicular entrance and ride included.
• visits to Place Royale, the Fortifications, Quartier Petit Champlain, Château Frontenac, Terrasse Dufferin and Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica.

Options for this experience

5 options

English8 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 18:00

French09:30 and 13:00

Departure for early birds (English)Available from 1 Apr 2027

See 2 more options

Departure at a later start time (English)Available from 1 May 2027

Spanish10:30 and 14:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 18:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by HQ SERVICES TOURISTIQUES

Is this one for you?Choose the time that fits your schedule (early morning, late start, or midday), since the two-hour length means you can pair it with other activities or meals without losing the whole day. The funicular ride is the pivot point that makes both neighborhoods accessible in a single tour, so you see the full picture of Old Quebec without backtracking or arranging separate transport.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In English, with 8 departure times. In French, at 09:30 and 13:00. In Spanish, at 10:30 and 14:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Lower Town and Upper Town on this tour?

Lower Town is the oldest part of Quebec City, built along the St. Lawrence River with narrow streets, Place Royale and the Fortifications. Upper Town sits on the bluff above it and holds Château Frontenac, the cathedral and the city's main civic buildings. The funicular connects them and gives you views of the river as you ride.

How do I get from Lower Town to Upper Town during the tour?

You ride the funicular, a cable car that climbs the cliff face between the two neighborhoods. If it's out of service on your date, the operator arranges a cab ride or gives you a ticket to use the funicular later on your own time.

Is this tour suitable for someone who hasn't been to Quebec City before?

Yes, the operator describes it as a Quebec City 101 tour designed to introduce first-time visitors to the city's top attractions and oldest neighborhoods in a single morning or afternoon.

How much walking is involved?

A moderate amount of walking, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 112 rue Saint-Paul in the Old Port and ends near Québec City Hall in Upper Town.