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*** This experience and tour was provided courtesy of Quebec Cite Tourism. All opinions are my own.
All eyes are on us as our group moves through the streets of Old Quebec City. Jacques, our Cicerone Tours, Old Quebec Walking Tour guide’s garb attracts attention. He is dressed in historic attire as he regales us with stories about Samuel de Champlain, Lord Dufferin, and, of course, his character, Jacques Cartier.
Quebec City is a well-organized tourist city. Most of the walking tours, van tours, and bus tours meet at/near the Visitors Center. A central location calms logistical anxiety.
What makes Cicerone Tours Old Quebec Walking Tour distinct is that your tour is guided by an important figure from Quebec City’s history. Our tour is guided by the famous explorer and cartographer, Jacques Cartier. Who better to lead a group of curious tourists through the streets of Old Quebec than a celebrated adventurer?
The tour begins at the most recognizable landmark of Old Quebec, the Chateau Frontenac.
I listen carefully to glean any new information about the famous hotel. I feel like a Frontenac aficionado after taking Cicerone Tours’ Frontenac Hotel tour the prior day. Wildly loving tourism history I’m excited to learn every story I can.
Click here to read about Taking a Guided Tour of the Frontenac Hotel
Jacques introduces us to Samuel de Champlain, the father of “New France,” as we travel along Dufferin Terrace to Wolfe-Montcalm Terrace. We learn about the battles between France and Britain for control of Quebec City and how Canada finally became its own country.
During our Old Quebec Walking Tour, I’m highly aware of how little time there is to learn history in school. I’m entranced as Jacques tells us hundreds of years of history I never knew.
During one tour stop, Jacque tells us interesting information about modern day Quebec City, including the educational system, the real estate market, and how speaking French vs. English is viewed.
As tour attendees amble through the streets around Quebec City’s City Hall, we are shown the diversity between Quebec City’s past and present. There are benches and tables perfect for sipping a cup of coffee while watching the summer fountains.
In November and December, you can wander the Christmas Market.
Historic churches abound in Old Quebec City. We stop outside of several to hear their stories.
One of the best reasons to take a Cicerone Tours Old Quebec Walking Tour is the recommendations. As we listen to The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity’s background, Jacques lets us know that the church has a museum. He encourages us to visit while we are in the city. The next day we have extra time, so we step inside the church’s door. The Cathedral’s interior is impressive, and the museum is engaging.
Thank you, Jacques, for informing us about this experience.
As we stroll the narrow streets, Jacques also recommends some Old Quebec City restaurants. He is one of several tour guides during the week to passionately discuss the restaurant, Le Clan.
We can’t resist the fervor and make a reservation. The recommendation is worthy. Le Clan is one of the best travel meals we’ve experienced.
Quebec City is only one of two intact fortified cities in North America. There are plenty of views of the fortification during the walking tour, but to get the best scenery and history of the fortification, Jacques recommends a tour of The Citadelle of Quebec.
Click here to read about Visiting The Citadelle of Quebec
One of my favorite things to discover on walking tours is architecture. The Walking Tour of Old Quebec does not disappoint. I wonder if we’ve entered a time machine and have been transported back in time, when our tour guide, dressed in his historic finery, leads us through the entrance of The Seminary of Quebec.
I am captivated. The Seminary is my favorite piece of Quebec City architecture, after the Chateau Frontenac. The Seminary building used to house the oldest French-language University in North America. Due to expansion needs, Laval University moved. The University’s School of Architecture still resides in the Seminary Building. I can see how this building is a source of inspiration for aspiring architects.
The tour’s grand finale is Quebec’s Lower City. If you are unfamiliar with Quebec City’s layout, there is an upper city and a lower city. As I researched and worked out logistics before our trip, I found the upper and lower split confusing. It makes more sense once you are walking around in the city.
Jacques leads our group like a grand parade down the multiple flights of stairs to Quebec City’s lower city. He points out art embedded in the staircase walls. Something I’m sure I would have walked by without notice if not for the tour.
The lower level charms the instant your feet leave the stairs.
It’s also the most crowded part of the city. Jacques stops so we can get pictures of the famous Umbrella Alley (only available during summer).
The streets are narrow and packed with bodies, so Jacques leads us to Place Royale, where there is enough space for a group to gather. Movies are often shot in Quebec City’s lower level, as the streets resemble streets in Europe. Place Royale’s famous film claim to fame is being featured in Catch Me if You Can.
Our Old Quebec Walking Tour concludes at the lower-level funicular station. Here, Jacques bids us farewell.
Important Information
-Cicerone Tours’ Old Quebec Walking Tour lasts 2 hours.
Bring a bottle of water, especially if you are taking the tour during the warmer months.
-This is a walking tour. There is a lot of walking. Some of the walking involves inclines and climbing stairs. Wear your best walking shoes.
-The tour does not end in the same place it begins. The tour starts in the upper city and ends in the lower city. After the tour, you can return to the upper level by walking up the stairs or paying for a ride on the funicular. We chose the funicular. Even though there is a cost, the ride is enjoyable and the view is fantastic.
Conclusion
There’s something about a tour guide in a jaunty hat that makes you pay closer attention to his words. This is just one of the advantages of taking an Old Quebec Walking Tour with Cicerone Tours. Both of our Cicerone tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about history. Taking a tour with a costumed character may seem gimmicky or touristy, but taking a tour with a costumed historic figure makes the tour educational and entertaining.
I recommend taking a guided history tour when visiting cities and towns. It will open up a new world of people, places, and stories. The stories of Quebec City’s past and present should not be missed.
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