walking tours in quebec city

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• Walking Tours in Québec City

Thinking of taking a guided walking tour of Québec City? You’ll certainly have your pick of styles and themes. From foodie or spooky tours to classic city tours and tours led by historic figures, there are plenty of ways to discover the city’s architectural and historical treasures with a guide. Read on to learn more!

Guided Walking Tours of Old Québec City

Québec City is best explored on foot. The whole city is supremely walkable, but that’s especially true in Old Québec, with its concentration of charming little streets and historical buildings. When you’re on foot, it’s easier to slow down and see the details, pop into a shop, and simply admire the surroundings.

As the birthplace of French North America and the only walled city north of Mexico, Old Québec City is a living museum, full of history and surprises. And there’s nothing like a walk with an experienced, enthusiastic guide to get a better understanding of the place, dive into the past, and pick up fascinating stories and informative tidbits. There are a number of local companies that offer historical and themed tours:

Cicérone Tours

With their eye-catching historical figures in long capes and traditional hairstyles, Cicérone Tours gets you off the beaten path and takes you on a delightful trip back in time. If you’re in Québec City in December, don’t miss their special Magic of Christmas tour.

HQ Services Touristiques  

In addition to offering classic group guided tours including a funicular ride, HQ Services Touristiques  offers a 5-course gastronomic and historical tour to live a unique experience among the best restaurants in Québec City.

Ghost Tours of Québec and Les Promenades fantômes

Explore Old Québec City by lantern and learn about the murders and mysteries that haunt the city’s past. These spine-tingling tours are perfect for a fun evening with friends or to get your teenagers excited about history.

Ghost Tours of Québec

• Les Promenades fantômes

Tours Voir Québec

Make your way to the Tourist Info Centre in front of Château Frontenac, where you’ll find a guide ready and waiting at the Tours Voir Québec counter. This company specializes in historic tours of Old Québec, with all its fascinating details and hidden treasures.

À la Rencontre des Filles du Roy   

See Québec through the eyes of a 17th-century Fille du Roi , or King’s Daughter, and learn more about the daily lives of the colony’s first settlers.

Bury Your Dead Tours

The many fans of Québec author Louise Penny’s mystery novels are invited to visit Old Québec in the company of her famous and captivating Chief Inspector Armand Gamache .

Conciergerie du terroir

In addition to offering private guided tours of Old Québec, Conciergerie du terroir specializes in tailor-made epicurean trips.

Explore Québec 

Along with a passionate local guide, you will discover the essential role that nature, geography and climate have played in the history of the city . 

Québec 1608 Tours

History buffs, you'll be delighte by the Québec 1608 private tours . Their circuits will certainly enlighten you on the history of Québec City and Canada as well as on the links between American and Canadian history.

Québec Discovery Tours

Let yourself be charmed by the architecture, history and culture of the city during a private tour along with an experienced guide from Québec Discovery Tours .

Tours Accolade

Think you know Québec City? See it from a new angle, such as women in history or military history, as you explore a specific theme on an exclusive tour. Tours Accolade also offers personalized tours based on your genealogy, as well as a multisensory tour for the visually impaired.

Tommy Byrne - Guide touristique & historien

Take a personalized guided tour with this seasoned historian who loves his hometown.

Tour guidé Samuel Dubois

Samuel Dubois offers visitors to experience Québec City like a local and uncover its lesser-known secrets. Humour and fascinating anecdotes await you.

Self-Guided Walking Tours in Québec City

Québec City is also nice to visit at your own pace. Mix it up by setting a tour goal, like trying every set of stairs or seeing every mural , monument , or public artwork . All are part of Québec City’s distinctive vibe and add a unique touch to any self-guided visit . If you’re short on time, use the Red Bus to travel quickly from one sight to the next.

Whether you’re travelling solo, as a pair, or with friends or family, take the time to discover the city’s fabulous heritage on a rally or self-guided tour.

Self-guided tours from Tours Voir Québec

Enjoy walking alone? The self-guided tours from Tours Voir Québec are a great way to visit the city at your own pace while learning more about the sights. All you have to do is download the app (which you can use offline) and follow your phone’s GPS.

GeoRallies at Îlot des Palais

Explore Old Québec City with a GPS and a roadmap as you search for answers hidden in caches on an Îlot des Palais GeoRally . It’s fun for the whole family—even tricky teens! There are a number of rallies perfect for exploring the history, archeology, and architecture of Old Québec.

Walking Food Tours

Québec City is also a food mecca! Food tours are an increasingly popular way to get a feel for the city through its food scene. They take you to restaurants, fine food shops, and craft breweries to sample local, artisanal fare and find out what makes Québec cuisine special. Mouth-watering options abound : get a real taste of Québec City!

Québec City Walking Tour Map

Looking for a self-guided walking tour ? We have prepared a 2-day itinerary that allows you to visit the main attractions of Old Québec in any season. That being said, we truly recommend a guided tour to discover the fascinating history of Québec City!

More Guided Walking Tours and Themed Tours

Lieu historique national des Forts-et-Châteaux-Saint-Louis

Promas service d'animation

Tour Guidé Samuel Dubois

Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site

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11 Best Quebec City Walking Tours + Self-Guided

Are you looking for the best Quebec City walking tours + a self-guided option? Look no further! 

Strolling through the streets of Old Quebec City will bring you into a European fairytale. Around every corner, you’ll find winding cobblestone roads, quaint cafes and adorable shops. Old Quebec is perfect for those who love history, food, and the arts.

I’ve explored dozens of cities on foot and know what to look for in guided and self-guided walking tours.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning for another visit, these 11 best walking tours of Quebec City are sure to work for you.

Table of Contents

1.  Private Walking Tour in Old Quebec by Tours Accolade 

⭐ 5/5 (19 reviews)

The Private Walking Tour in Old Quebec by Tours Accolade is one of the best guided walking tours in Old Quebec. 

Walking through Old Quebec is one of the most fun things to do in Quebec City and you can tour the city like a local with a private tour of Quebec’s capital. Pack some snacks and water and get ready to enjoy incredible views and photo opportunities on this 3-hour private walking tour . 

Customized to suit your needs and great for groups. So call up your friends and family! You will find the best experience: history, beautiful scenery, food suggestions, and more. Note, entrance fees are not included. 

Duration: 3 Hours 

• Professional local guide
• Hotel pickup
• Private walking tour
• Tailored itinerary

Size of Tour: You and your group

“Our guide was delightful and very informative. We loved this tour for our families as it gave us the ability to go at our own pace. The old city is very beautiful, and the history is good to know when walking about.” – Sheila R ( see more reviews )

Book Private Walking Tour in Old Quebec by Tours Accolade ➜

2. Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City 

⭐ 5/5 ( 146 reviews )

The Combo Historical and Food Tour of Old Quebec City is the best way to explore the city’s history and culinary delights in one go. 

This 3-hour small-group Quebec City walking tour will take you through the many winding cobblestone streets. Learn history of the area while savouring some of Quebec City’s best eats. 

A well-paced food and walking tour , includes one course and a drink from each stop, featuring an amuse-bouche, charcuterie platter, a flambé dish, farm-to-platter delicacies, and dessert. And if you are looking for vegetarian options, put your request in when you book.

Just prepare how you are going to get home after this fun tour in advance, as you won’t be able to drive after indulging in adult beverages. There’s plenty of food included , so bring your hunger!

Duration: 3 Hours

• 6-8 history stops, depending on the interests and pace of the group 
• Professional guide 
• Alcoholic Beverages 
• Dinner 
• 1 funicular ticket 

Minimum Age: 18

Size of Tour: 10 people maximum

“A delightful informative and exquisite culinary experience. Our guide/owner Emily, made this a wonderful experience. If we had more time, we would have taken her fat tire bike tour. The food exceeded our expectations.” – Anni G ( see more reviews )

Book Combo Historical and Food Tour of Old Quebec City ➜

3. The Best of Quebec Walking Tour

⭐ 5/5 ( 1 reviews )

If you want the highlights and hidden gems of the city, The Best of Quebec Walking Tour is for you. 

This 2-hour private tour will take you through the most charming places in Quebec City. 

From hearing fascinating facts and legends about its history and discovering hidden stories tucked away in its streets and buildings, this is truly one experience not to be missed. 

So if it’s your first time visiting or you want to explore the best of the city, this walking tour of Quebec City is perfect for you.

Duration: 2 Hours

Included: Professional local guide services

“Our guide, Sophie, was very friendly, enthusiastic, and informative. Our kids who are 12 and 10 were just as interested as we were. We learned a ton and fell in love with the city at the same time!” – TripAdvisor Traveler ( see more reviews )

Book The Best of Quebec Walking Tour ➜

4. Private Tour: Quebec City Walking Tour  

⭐ 5/5 ( 351 reviews )

Learn Quebec’s rich history and culture on this Private Tour: Quebec City Walking Tour .

Start in the Upper Town district, and visit the historic Old Port, Chateau Frontenac, Place Royale and more. Enjoy a 2.5-hour tour with your friendly local guide , who will tailor it to your interests or lead you around as they best see fit. 

Discover this city like never before on this private walking tour of Quebec City!

Duration: 2.5 Hours

Included: Private local guide

Size of Tour: 2 people minimum with only your group

“Our guide, Marie, was outstanding. She is a wealth of interesting information about old Quebec City. Marie wove the history, people and modern times together is ways that kept us engaged throughout our 2.5 hour tour. She was personable, kind and funny without being campy. A real professional!” – Lauren T ( see more reviews )

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5. Old Quebec City Private Walking Tour: History and Nature 

⭐ 5/5 ( 18 reviews )

Experience the rich history and culture of Quebec City on this Old Quebec City Private Walking Tour: History and Nature . 

This 2-hour tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the oldest part of Quebec City.  Walk through a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a friendly local guide who will tailor the experience to your interests. 

On this private Quebec City walking tour , you’ll explore the city’s historic Upper Town district and visit iconic sites like The Old Port, Chateau Frontenac, Place Royale and more. 

Learn facts about how nature has shaped both culture and history in this beautiful part of Canada.  Plus how to survive winter in Quebec ! 

• Quebec and Canada History with a knowledgeable local guide 
• Quebec History in relation to world events from the XVI century
• A new experience of history learning about its relation with geography and climate
• The tour covers the upper and lower town historical district
• Hotel pickup if in Old Quebec

“We learned so much history about Quebec City and Canada in general. Judith was very helpful letting us know good spots to eat dinner and get croissants and coffee!” – Chris J ( see more reviews )

Book Old Quebec City Private Walking Tour: History and Nature ➜

6. Quebec City: Historical Walking and Tasting Tour 

⭐ 4.7/5 ( 14 reviews )

The Quebec City: Historical Walking and Tasting Tour is the best walking tour to immerse yourself in the city’s fascinating history while enjoying some delicious, local delicacies. 

With a professional guide leading you, this 2.5-hour Old Quebec walking tour will take you through both Upper Town and Petit-Champlain borough. While offering up tastings of locally produced goods like cheeses, sausage, vegetables, drinks and maple taffy! I couldn’t get enough of the maple taffy – a classic Canadian treat!

If you’re ready for the best of Quebec City’s history and food in one tour, grab your good walking shoes and get ready to climb the hills of Quebec.

Language: English

Included: Walking tour of Old Quebec with 3 tasting stops

“Great to get you oriented around for the city. Chantelle our guide was super knowledgeable, with a fun and warm welcome” – Mhairi, United Kingdom ( see more reviews )

Book Quebec City: Historical Walking and Tasting Tour ➜

7. Quebec City: Private Tour with a Local

⭐ 4.7/5 ( 159 reviews )

Get picked up at your hotel and find the best-kept secrets with this Quebec City: Private Tour with a Local . 

With this customized experience, you will explore the city for 2-6 hours with your own personal guide and get to know all of its secrets. 

Do this tour on your first day to get off the beaten path as you discover what makes Quebec City unique. By the end of your journey, you’ll feel more comfortable navigating around town and confident in finding some great places! 

Discover where to shop and eat, get tips and tricks on how best to navigate around town, and see places you wouldn’t see on a self-guided tour . 

Request a time to best fit into your plans . Attraction entry fees are not included.

Duration: 2-6 Hours

Languages: English, French, and Spanish

Starting Point: Customizable within the city centre

Included: Local guide with a customized private tour

Minimum Age: 3 years old and up

Size of Tour: Only you and your group

“The private tour was great. My guide was relaxed & casual, which I appreciated. He was very knowledgeable, especially regarding history, which particularly interests me. We covered a lot of ground, without it feeling rushed. He also offered suggestions for things I could explore on my own, based on what he learned about my preferences. Highly recommended!” – GetYourGuide Canadian Traveler ( see more reviews )

Book Quebec City: Private Tour with a Local ➜

8. Old Quebec City Food & Drinks Tour / Day Experience

⭐ 5/5 ( 172 reviews )

A Old Quebec City Food & Drinks Tour / Day Experience is a great food and walking tour combination . Two of my biggest passions!

This 3-hour small group tour takes you on a journey of discovery, from old-world to modern, with plenty of delicious stops along the way.

You’ll walk through some of the best sites within the UNESCO-listed walls of Old Quebec and enjoy tasting menus, fresh pastries, traditional Québecois desserts and more.

Plus, your knowledgeable guide will share stories behind all these amazing foods. Enjoy wine and gin pairings for each of your food stops.

Included: 

• La Bûche – A 3-course tasting with a Québécois pea soup, pâté chinois, and maple taffy 
• Chez Paillard – Discover the true french-style bakery and taste the best croissant in town
• Chez Boulay Comptoir Boréal – Enjoy a traditional Québécois holiday dessert: sucre à la crème
• BEClub Bistro – Wild boar rillettes. Adult tickets receive a local wine ( 2oz glass)
• Maison Livernois – Poutine! Adult + Alcohol tickets receive a Québécois gin pairing

Size of Tour: 8 people maximum

“Very fun and informative. Our guide Sam was very knowledgeable, upbeat and friendly. We got to sample a nice variety of foods unique to the Canadian culture.” – Kim A ( see more reviews )

Book Old Quebec City Food & Drinks Tour / Day Experience  ➜

9. Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour with 1 Funicular Ticket included

⭐ 5/5 ( 62 reviews )

The Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour with 1 Funicular Ticket included is one of the top walking tours in Quebec.

This 2-hour tour is filled with fun, surprise and insider tips as you walk through some of the city’s best attractions . 

From Fairmont Le Château Frontenac to Place Royale, this tour will give you a unique perspective on one of North America’s oldest cities. 

Your ticket includes a ride on the funicular that connects Upper Town and Lower Town. You don’t have to climb all those stairs! 

So dress for the weather and get ready to discover why Old Quebec City has captivated visitors from all over the world!

• Licensed Local guide
• 2 Hours Guided Walking Tour
• Funicular Entrance

Size of Tour: 15 people maximum

“My husband and I like to start a visit to a new city with a walking tour. This tour was a perfect introduction to Quebec City with a very knowledgeable and fun local. We met our guide, Guy, in the oldest part of Old Quebec City. We spent two hours walking around the lower and upper parts of the city and learning about the history, people and fun stories that bring a city to life. You can tell that Guy really enjoys giving tours and telling people about Quebec City. The funicular ride is a fun experience. My husband I learned so much from Guy. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who is looking for a fun way to learn about Quebec City.” – Jennifer F ( see more reviews ) 

Book Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour ➜

10. Walking Tour Through Quebec City’s History 

⭐ 4.5/5 ( 117 reviews )

Experience one of the best Quebec City walking tours and explore 400 years of history on the Walking Tour Through Quebec City’s History . 

This 2-hour small group experience is an incredible way to get a glimpse into the past. Your local guide dressed in period costume will take you on a journey through Old Quebec City. 

Se one of the only walled cities in North America, visit historical spots including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Québec and Dufferin Terrace and learn about Quebecois history firsthand . 

Keep in mind that Quebec City walking tours involve many stairs and hills so they may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.

Included: Professional local guide

Size of Tour: 20 people maximum

“Our guide was knowledgeable, and witty and conducted an excellent tour. We had fun and learned a lot about Quebec’s history.” – Roger C ( see more reviews )

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11. Quebec City Walking Tour 

⭐ 5/5 ( 2038 reviews )

The Quebec City Walking Tour is a classic walking tour through Old Quebec City. 

On this 2-hour tour, you’ll get to experience both Upper Town and Lower Town for an entertaining and informative visit. 

Your guide will be a licensed professional, as they explain all there is to know about this historic city. 

Highlights include Place Royal, Chateau Frontenac, Basilica Notre-Dame and more.

Included: 2-hour guided walking tour with a licensed and professional guide

Size of Tour: 14 people maximum

“Jacques gave the best tour! Couldn’t have asked for a better guide. We learned so much about the rich history of Old Quebec. It was chilly, but totally worth it!”  – Vivian D ( see more reviews )

Book Quebec City Walking Tour ➜

What to Know About Walking in Old Quebec

Old Quebec City contains a series of hills, similar to San Francisco but much smaller in scale. Divided into lower Old Quebec and upper Old Quebec by the Cap Diament escarpment, you will want to visit both.

Be prepared to walk up and down hills while walking around Quebec City. 

Although you will be walking on cobblestone roads, it’s nothing like the infamous cobblestone of Portugal in cities such as Lisbon or Porto , and is much nicer on your feet.

What to Pack for Your Tour of Quebec City

• Comfortable walking shoes – in a city of cobblestones and hills, good shoes are needed
• Camera – to capture the city’s beauty
• Phone – loaded with offline maps or data plan to bring this Quebec walking tour map with you
• Water bottle – to stay hydrated, plan to stop at cafes if you don’t bring a beverage
• Backpack or purse – to carry around your items during the tour

Walking Tour Quebec City – Old Quebec

One of the best ways to experience Old Quebec City is by foot. Whether you choose a guided or self-guided walking tour, these are the must-visit spots.

Place des Canotiers

Place des Canotiers is a beautiful public square where you can experience some of Old Quebec City’s rich history firsthand. Located along the Saint Lawrence River, it was originally built as a destination for sea freight to dock in the early 1900s. 

Cruise liners still dock at Place des Canotiers, but the public square’s main purpose has evolved into a gathering place for locals and tourists to enjoy. For beautiful views of the square, river, and city, climb the staircase to the top of the belvedere before you leave.

Place Royale

Place Royale has an extensive history back to 1608 when Samuel de Champlain founded the City of Quebec. The architecture of the square is reminiscent of buildings you might find in France or Britain, making it a charming location on this self-guided tour of Quebec City. 

Home to Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, the oldest church in North America which was erected in 1688. Enjoy a hot beverage and a pastry with a beautiful and historic view at Cafe La Maison Smith’s adorable patio.

Rue du Petit-Champlain

One of the most picturesque locations on this Old Quebec City walking tour is Rue du Petit-Champlain . Rue du Petit-Champlain is a gorgeous cobblestone street in Old Quebec City remaining essentially unchanged since its construction over 400 years ago.

Rue du Petit-Champlain is significant for being the home of the oldest commercial district in North America, Quartier du Petit Champlain. The iconic street is full of cafes, shops, murals, and historic architecture.

Montmorency Park National Historic Site 

Montmorency Park National Historic Site is a site once used as a meeting place for the Parliament of the Province of Canada in the mid-1800s. 

Several monuments throughout the park educate visitors on the site’s historical significance. Within the park, you will see cannons and amazing views of the Chateau Frontenac and St.Lawrence River.

Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral

Originally built in 1647, Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral has undergone many transformations from military attacks. It burnt down in the British siege in 1759, and again in 1922 before being rebuilt. 

Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica-Cathedral is considered the precursor toother Catholic churches throughout Canada and the United States . A beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, its a must-visit location on this self-guided tour of Quebec City. 

Quebec City Hall Garden

As other locations on this Old Quebec City walking tour, the grounds of City Hall have an extensive history. The original building on the grounds was the site of a Jesuit college and later a barracks for British forces in the late 18th to the mid-19th century. In 1877, the original building was demolished and in 1894, construction began on the City Hall building that stands today.

The gardens are lovely to stroll through any time of year and get decorated for holidays including Halloween and Christmas.

Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site of Canada

The Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site is another location on this self-guided walking tour of Old Quebec City that highlights the city’s extensive military history. Walking through the fortifications, you’ll be in awe of the massive stone walls and military buildings that remain intact from the 1700s. 

There are gates at Saint-Jean and Saint-Louis. Climb to the top of the Saint-Jean Gate and look over one of Quebec’s prettiest streets, or pause for a while on the grass atop the gate and have a picnic.

Place d’Armes

Another must-visit spot on this tour of Quebec City is Place d’Armes. A historic public square that many consider the heart of Old Quebec City. Located near several tourist attractions and historical sites, it’s a popular destination for visitors to Quebec. 

In the middle of the park is an imposing Gothic fountain that commemorates the arrival of the Recollet Fathers in Quebec in the 1600s. Large trees provide ample greenery and shade throughout Place d’Armes, making this an excellent spot to kick back and relax for a bit. 

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac

Right next to Place d’Armes is the next destination on this Old Quebec City walking tour: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is a beautiful hotel that has been in operation for over a century. Located atop Cape Diamond, Le Chateau Frontenac offers sweeping views of Dufferin Terrace and the Saint Lawrence River. 

Over the years, many celebrities have stayed at Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, including Queen Elizabeth II and Leonardo DiCaprio! It is said that Le Chateau Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world, and you cannot deny the hotel provides a stunning backdrop for photos.

Even if you are not staying at the hotel, plan to visit the lobby or hotel bar to see the interior of this incredible hotel, like I did.

Dufferin Terrace

A walking tour of Quebec City wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Dufferin Terrace. Dufferin Terrace is a large open boardwalk offering scenic views of the St. Lawrence River. One of the best parts is that it’s beautiful to visit year-round. During the summer, the boardwalk comes alive with crowds of visitors, street performers, and fireworks displays.

Wintertime is a great time to visit if you want to try tobogganing! It goes so fast and it’s so much fun!

Dufferin Terrace is also home to a secret hidden gem: take the staircase at the far end of the terrace, and you will find the governor’s promenade which will eventually lead you to the Plains of Abraham.

Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace

Pierre-Dugua-De-Mons Terrace is a beautiful park overlooking the city and the river below. With access from Dufferin Terrace, both spots are easy to visit as you embark on your Old Quebec City walking tour. 

The terrace takes its name after Pierre Dugua de Mons, a French man who was instrumental in the founding of Quebec. In the early 1600s, he instructed Samuel Champlain to build a trading post at the site that would later become Quebec City. The views from the top are sure to impress, making this a great spot to visit any time of year. 

Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine

Although Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine may be small, don’t take its size for granted. What the park lacks in size, it more than makes up for with amazing views. Located near the old city center, Parc du Bastion-de-la-Reine offers sweeping views of Quebec, including some other destinations on this self-guided walking tour: Quebec City.

You can see the Fortifications of Quebec National Historic Site, Dufferin Terrace, and the Chateau Frontenac from this small but mighty park. I paused here for a while to soak in the beauty of Old Quebec. A perfect place for a picnic with a view.

La Citadelle de Quebec 

Located atop Cape Diamond, you will find La Citadelle de Quebec, the next destination on this Old Quebec City walking tour. La Citadelle de Quebec is a large military installation, home to over 300 years of history. The walls form a unique star shape, and the strategic location of the site offers impressive views of the city and the Saint Lawrence River.

The museum inside features exhibits to educate visitors about the 22nd Regiment. La Citadelle de Quebec is an impressive structure that history lovers are sure to enjoy.

Plains of Abraham

Last but certainly not least, on this self-guided tour of Quebec City is the Plains of Abraham. Plains of Abraham is an expansive public park situated atop a battlefield, the former site of the 1759 Battle of Quebec. A significant event marking the official start of British rule in Quebec once they defeated French troops. 

Though French influences remain throughout the city, the Battle of Quebec cemented the city as a key component of the British empire. Today, the Plains of Abraham is a beautiful park containing monuments to the battle as well as playgrounds and gardens for visitors to enjoy. 

With over 200 acres, you do not have to walk through the entire park. During my visit, I walked through the beginning of the park and then later drove through the rest of the Plains of Abraham.

When you finish exploring the Plains of Abraham, you have completed this walking tour of Old Quebec.

FAQs about Quebec Walking Tours

Is quebec city a walking city.

Quebec City is a walkable city, and on foot is the best way to experience Old Quebec. Through an Old Quebec walking tour, you will see everything you would miss while driving. If you have a car with you, plan to park it in one spot for the day and walk around.

For the ultimate walking tour of Quebec City, combine this tour with my tour of the prettiest streets in Old Quebec .

This iconic neighbourhood is the closest place I’ve found that makes me feel like I’m back in Paris .

How Long Does the Walking Tour Last?

Tours of Old Quebec can take from 2-6 hours. A self-guided walking tour of Old Quebec can take as long as you wish. Walking to all the sites without stopping can take about an hour. Add as much time as you prefer for stopping at each location.

During my walk, I divided the list into two days, spending about 30 minutes at each stop, but it is possible to see everything in a single day. 

Old Quebec City Walking Tour Map

Here is a walking map of Old Quebec City for you with all the stops on this tour, if you like visuals:

Final Thoughts: Best Walking Tours in Quebec City

Old Quebec City is a unique area to explore, and embarking on a self-guided or guided walking tour is a great way to experience the city.

Whether you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, to see Quebec’s most beautiful streets, or have sightseeing tips from someone who knows their way around town, these walking tours provide an entertaining and informative journey through Old Quebec City. Every corner is full of history.

So add a walking tour to your Quebec City itinerary and get ready for a fun-filled day exploring Old Quebec.

Happy travelling!

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• How to Spend 3 Days in Quebec City
• The Best Old Quebec City Walking Tours
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• Fun Things to Do in Quebec City in Summer
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Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

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THE 10 BEST Quebec City Walking Tours

Walking tours in quebec city.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour with 1 Funicular Ticket included

2. Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City

3. Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City

4. Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal

5. Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City

6. Old Quebec City Private Walking Tour: History and Nature

7. Private Tour: Quebec City Walking Tour

8. Historic District of Old Quebec walking tour (3h)

9. Old Québec & French Canada Private History Walking Tour

10. Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour with Funicular Included

11. Historical Tasting Old Quebec Walking Tour

12. Quebec City Shore Excursion: Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour

13. Quebec City Shore Excursion: Private Walking Tour

14. Walking Tour Through Quebec City's History

15. Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide Quebec

16. Guided Winter Walking Tour in Old Quebec City

17. Goat Hiking, Beaver Dam Visit and picnic in Quebec forest

18. APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide

19. Quebec City Tourist Tour

20. Guided tour « from the bee to the bottle » with tasting - English

21. Old Quebec City: A Day of Culinary Delights

22. Quebec City Shore Excursion: Grand Walking Tour of Quebec City

23. Private Walking Tour in Old Quebec by Tours Accolade

24. Old Town Quebec Outdoor Escape Game: The European Charm

25. A Grand Walking Journey in Quebec City

26. Christmas Magic in Old Quebec

27. Custom 4 Hour Tour with a Private Driver in Quebec

28. Full day Tour with Private Driver in Quebec

29. Beautiful walking tour of Old Québec

30. Quebec Local Fashion Designers Shopping Tour With A Stylist

What travellers are saying.

• Quebec City Walking Tour
• Amazing Old Quebec City Classique Walking Tour with 1 Funicular Ticket included
• Old Quebec City Food & Drink Tour / Day Experience
• Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City
• Quebec City and Montmorency Falls Day Trip from Montreal
• HQ Services Touristiques Inc.
• Nomad Tours Québec
• Tours Voir Quebec
• Tours Accolade
• Sunny Tour Guide
• Il Etait une Fois Kebec
• Xavier Your Private Guide
• A Free Tour of Quebec
• Cicerone Tours
• Quebec 1608 Tours

A walking tour of Québec City

Dec 16, 2019 • 5 min read

The Fresque des Québécois tells the story of Québec City’s history. Image by MANIN Richard / hemis.fr / Getty

Founded in 1608, Québec City is North America’s oldest walled city and the cradle of French civilization in the New World. It’s also a walker’s dream: compact, picturesque and brimming with European charm.

This tour reveals Québec ’s rich and colorful history, taking you down narrow cobblestone streets, past mansard-roofed houses, across the legendary Plains of Abraham and alongside the mighty St Lawrence River. The route is roughly 6km, 1 hour 20 minutes of walking. 

Grand perspectives on the river

For a palpable sense of Québec City’s dramatic setting, step onto the [1] Terrasse Dufferin , a magnificent 425m-long boardwalk perched atop Cap Diamant, a 60m-tall cliff with bird’s eye views of the St Lawrence River. From this vantage point, it’s easy to understand why the Algonquins (North American indigenous people) called this place kébec (where the river narrows) and why French explorer Samuel de Champlain chose this strategic site for New France’s first permanent settlement in 1608. Look for the statue of Champlain and the nearby excavations of his second fort, which stood here from 1620 to 1635.

Nowadays it’s the [2] Château Frontenac that rules these heights. With fabulous turrets and multiple wings graciously complementing its spectacular setting, this audaciously elegant structure is the world’s most photographed hotel and the uncontested jewel of Québec City's skyline. Completed in 1893, it was one of the Canadian Pacific Railway's series of luxury hotels built across Canada. Over the years, it's hosted luminaries such as Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, who gathered here for the Québec Conferences during WWII, as well as Alfred Hitchcock, who featured the Frontenac in the opening scene of his 1953 mystery I Confess . Other illustrious guests have included King George VI, Princess Grace of Monaco and Paul McCartney.

Plains of Abraham: where Québec’s history turned

Follow the boardwalk southwest and climb via the Promenade des Gouverneurs up onto the grassy expanses of the [3] Plains of Abraham , site of the pivotal September 13, 1759, battle in which British general Wolfe led his men in a sneak attack up the cliffs, catching the French unprepared and precipitating Britain’s takeover of New France. The Plains are now a historic park and a recreation paradise, threaded with cycling, skiing and walking trails and used as the prime venue for Québec City’s annual winter carnival.

As you cross the Plains, look on your right for the [4] Citadelle , a massive, star-shaped fort built by the British in the 19th century to defend against American invasion and a possible revolt by the local French-speaking population (that's why the cannons point not only at the river, but at Québec City itself!).

Inside the old city walls

Enter the picturesque heart of the Old Upper City via [5] Porte St-Louis , an impressive gate first erected in 1693 (though the current incarnation dates from 1878). To your left, backed by Québec’s old city walls, is the [6]Parc de l'Esplanade, once used for 18th- and 19th-century military exercises. Continue along Rue St-Louis, pausing at the corner of Rue du Corps-de-Garde to look for a cannonball embedded in a tree (supposedly since 1759). Number 47 Rue St-Louis is where France’s legendary General Montcalm spent his final 24 hours, after being shot by the British during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham.

At 34 Rue St-Louis, look for the traditional Québécois restaurant [7] Aux Anciens Canadiens , housed in a 1676 home whose steeply slanted roof was typical of 17th-century French architecture. Turning left onto Rue des Jardins, you'll pass a sculpture by Jules Lasalle honouring the nuns who came to Québec and educated both French and First Nations girls at the adjacent [8] Ursuline Convent . Bear gently right to reach the elegantly handsome [9] Cathedral of the Holy Trinity , modeled on London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields Church. Dating to 1800, it was the first Anglican cathedral ever built outside the British Isles, with pews made of oak imported from Windsor Castle's Royal Forest.

A block further on, look on your right for [10] Basilique-Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Québec , an imposing cathedral that got its start as a small Catholic church in 1647 but has been rebuilt repeatedly to repair damage from fires and battles, including the British-French conflict of 1759. Next door, a gate leads into the grounds of the [11] Québec Seminary , founded in 1663 as a place of religious education; it's also where American officers were locked up after their unsuccessful siege of Québec in 1775-76.

Detour briefly down Côte de la Fabrique to Rue St-Jean, where you can break for a snack at one of Quebec’s best boulangeries, [12] Paillard – its shelves brimming with fresh-baked croissants and other French-inspired delights. From here, make your way back to Rue des Remparts and follow the town walls to a fine overlook of the Lower Town waterfront.

Exploring the Lower Town

Descend along Côte de la Canoterie, which for centuries was the main link between the Upper and Lower Towns (and classes); Hope Gate stood here until 1873 to keep the riffraff from entering the Upper Town uninvited. At the foot of the hill, turn right onto Rue St-Paul, the heart of Québec's antiques district, where you can browse for your very own piece of Québécois history. One block over, take a peek at Rue Sous-le-Cap, Québec City’s narrowest street and a former red-light district.

Follow Rue Sault-au-Matelot and Rue Notre-Dame along the base of the cliffs to the [13] Fresque des Québécois , a marvelous 420-sq-meter trompe-l'oeil wall painting, where you can pose for the requisite photo alongside historical figures like Jacques Cartier and Samuel de Champlain. From here it’s a short walk to [14]Place-Royale, Québec City’s original town square and home to North America’s oldest stone church, the diminutive [15] Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires , dating from 1688 and named for French victories over the British.

Finish your grand loop with a two-minute funicular ride back up to Château Frontenac, or enjoy one last steep but scenic walk up the evocatively named [16]Escalier Casse-Cou (Breakneck Staircase). Either way, you’ll enjoy lovely views over the [17] Le Quartier Petit-Champlain , North America’s oldest commercial district, replete with boutiques housed in 17 th - and 18 th -century buildings.

This article was first published in November 2015, last updated December 2019.

This article was first published November 2015 and updated December 2019

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• Guided Tours

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Old Quebec City

• June 16, 2019

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan

Quebec City, one of the oldest cities in Canada, is a favourite destination among those who want to wander down cobblestone streets lined with stone tin-roofed houses. Established in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain , Quebec City began in what is now known as Petit-Champlain and Place-Royale , before moving up to the top of Cap Diamant — which gave the settlers a better view of the Saint-Lawrence River, and thus a better chance of defending themselves against possible enemies — and stretching into what we now call Vieux-Port.

The beauty of a self-guided tour is that you have complete control: start whenever you want, choose which points of interest to spend time and which ones to skip, and take as many café breaks as you want — we’ll mark cafés on the tour map as well as wifi hotspots!

This self-guided walking tour of Quebec City will take you through Old Quebec City, which is perched atop Cap Diamant, then down the cap, into Vieux-Port, Place-Royale, and Petit-Champlain, before returning you to the starting point.

let the self-guided walking tour begin!

Starting point: fairmont château frontenac.

1, rue des carrières

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on Jun 12, 2019 at 3:48am PDT

Designed by Bruce Price, an American architect, Château Frontenac was built in 1893; as one of the château-style hotels built for the Canadian Pacific Railway ( Fairmont Banff Springs ,  Fairmont Château Laurier , and Fairmont Château Lake Louise were also built as part of this initiative ). Sitting atop Cap Diamant in Quebec’s Uppertown (also known as Old Quebec City), Fairmont Château Frontenac stands tall and majestic as though it is protecting the city from invasion — which makes sense as the Saint-Louis Fort once stood just in front of the hotel’s current location.

Start your tour outside the château, on rue du Fort, making your way to Monument Samuel de Champlain, which stands on Dufferin Terrace, in front of the château. This is an LGTBQIA2S+ safe space.

monument samuel de champlain

dufferin terrace

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guides Canada (@urbanguidesca) on Aug 5, 2017 at 3:54am PDT

Created by the French sculptor, Paul Chevré, and architect, Paul Alexander le Cardonnel, Monument Samuel de Champlain (the founder of Quebec) stands on Dufferin Terrace, just in front of the Fairmont Château Frontenac.

In January 1896, a contest took place to find an artist to create a monument of Samuel de Champlain. Artists submitted sketches and models (there were 11 sketches and 14 models in total) of their proposed vision for the monument, which were then judged by a committee. The winner, a young sculptor from France, Paul Romain Chevré was awarded $30,000 to create the statue of Samuel de Champlain — which was placed on Dufferin Terrace in September 1898. The base upon which the statue stands was created by Paul Alexander le Cardonnel using stone similar to that of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

instagram stop!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guides Canada (@urbanguidesca) on Aug 3, 2017 at 4:14am PDT

• Instagram a shot of the monument from a distance with Château Frontenac in the background, or move up close to admire some of the finer details — look close enough and you’ll notice that crown resting upon one of the angels resembles the old fortress.
• Capture a shot of Dufferin Terrace and Fairmont Château Frontenac.
• Stand along the railing to Instagram a shot of Petit-Champlain, which is located at the bottom of Cap Diamant, with the Saint-Lawrence River in the distance.

rue haldimand

(point of interest)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guides Canada (@urbanguidesca) on May 1, 2017 at 10:55am PDT

Leaving Dufferin Terrace, walk past Au 1884 (the gazebo), up the stairs, and into Jardins des Gouverneurs. Here, in the centre of the garden, you will find a monument erected to honour General James Wolfe & Marquis de Montcalm ; one English, the other French, both died during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759 (which only lasted 15 mins).

From the top right corner of Jardins des Gouverneurs, you’ll see rue Haldimand, a short street with a steep hill, the houses on this street date back to 1823 — owned by a couple of mayors, legislative councillor, a lawyer, a notary and a judge. To be honest, we just love the houses and the fine details that can be found when we look closely.

• Take time to admire the fine architectural details on the houses along rue Haldimand – the ornate knobs are our favourite!

terrasse pierre-dugua-de-mons

(viewpoint)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guides Canada (@urbanguidesca) on Feb 29, 2016 at 8:25am PST

A popular spot with visitors in spring, summer, and fall, Terrasse Pierre-Duga-de-Mons is a small terrace situated above Dufferin Terrace. A small terrace with a little flower garden and bench seating, a bronze bust of Pierre Duga de Mons (sculpted by Hamilton MacCarthy in 2007) rests in the centre.

Pierre Duga de Mons, a French explorer who travelled to the new world on a couple of occasions at the beginning of the 17th century, before entrusting his lieutenant, Samuel de Champlain to establish the colony of New France — known today as Quebec City.

• Walk up to the top of the grassy hill for one of the best views of Château Frontenac, the Saint-Lawrence River, and Old Quebec City. It’s a classic postcard shop — and one of our favourite places to go for sunset picnics.

instagram stop

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guides Canada (@urbanguidesca) on Jul 3, 2017 at 5:21am PDT

After Instagramming your classic postcard shot of Quebec, following the path along the top of the Citadel, making your way to back to rue Saint-Louis, then continuing on the next point of interest on rue Donnacona — of course, you may want to make a couple of Instagram stops along the way, here are some suggestions:

• Visit La Citadelle, a military fortress that is over 300 years old, and still active! Instagram the changing of the guard in summer, or a cool shot of the fortress walls and guns.
• Visit the ramparts and fortifications of Quebec on rue Saint-Louis, climb the stairs at the wall to get a shot from above.
• Walk down rue Saint Louis to rue de Corps de Garde where you’ll find a cannonball lodged at the base of the tree– it’s said to have landed there during the Battle of Québec in 1759, OR placed here on purpose to keep horse-drawn carriages from bumping the tree.
• Instagram some of the unique doors on rue Donnaconna or Monastère des Ursulines de Québec.

cathédrale holy trinity

(31, rue des jardins)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on Jun 16, 2019 at 7:35am PDT

The first Anglican church to be built outside Britain, The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is the seat of the Diocese of Quebec City. Built between 1800 and 1804, the cathedral is British-Palladian – in architectural style – and fashioned after London’s Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. The cathedral’s tower has eight bells, the heaviest being 840 kg and the lightest being 297 kg. The cathedral is also home to a silver communion set which was ordered by King George III.

• Take time to admire the intricate details inside the cathedral: the ornate ceiling, the antique wooden pews, the beautiful stained glass windows. There are so many beautiful details to photograph, and admire.
• Want to know more? Consider taking a guided tour of the cathedral with a local historian. Book a tour here .

(15, rue des jardins)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on May 6, 2019 at 5:01am PDT

As much as we love to walk around and explore this beautiful city, sometimes we like to take a mini-break to enjoy a café au lait, espresso, or chocolat chaud ; a fresh pastry or macaron is also a must. One of our favourite spots in Old Quebec City is La Maison Smith.

A new café in Upper Town (the original location is down in Place-Royale), La Maison Smith is small with seating for roughly twenty-two people. The focus is on their extensive counter, which holds delightfully delicious pastries made by Paillard as well as macarons and cakes made locally, and gourmet sandwiches. This is an LGTBQIA2S+ safe space.

My recommendation: café au lait or chocolat chaud and a warmed croissant avec amandes (almond croissant).

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on Apr 25, 2019 at 3:45am PDT

• After your café break stop by Notre-Dame de Québec: admire the gorgeous details inside, the old wooden spiral stairs, stained glass, and more!
• Wander down rue Saint-Famille, then exploring the quiet streets of rue Garneau and rue Christie.
• Chez Temporel (women-owned + LGBTQIA2S+ safe space) on rue Couillard has been a favourite among local artists for years — and appears in the book Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny.
• From rue Couillard wander onto rue Hébert, looking for the fine architectural details that seem to pop when you pay close attention.
• Turning left on rue des Remparts, take time to Instagram the cannons along the city wall, or admire some of the unique architecture on the houses across the street.

rue sous-le-cap

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on Apr 30, 2019 at 3:39am PDT

As you walk along rue des Remparts the road will fork, stay right. Turn right onto Côte du Colonel Dambourgès, a charming cobbled street. As you reach the bottom of the hill, Sous-le-Cap will be on the right.

Known as the oldest and narrowest street in Quebec City, Sous-le-Cap is a skinny street/alley that runs behind many of the buildings along rue Saint-Paul. In the beginning, the street was nothing more than a dirt track running along the base of Cap Diamant, not far from the banks of the St. Lawrence River (yes, the river was once very close to the cap).

Easily one of our favourite spots on this self-guided tour of Quebec City!

• Wander down rue Sous-le-Cap and Instagram a shot of the wooden staircases and terraces that span across the street.

place-royale

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on May 10, 2019 at 4:08am PDT

Follow rue due Sault au Matelot, turn right onto Côte de la Montagne, then an immediate left on rue Notre Dame. Welcome to Place-Royale. From the beginning of the street, you’ll face La Fresque des Québécois, a fresco mural spanning the side of one of the stone buildings in Place-Royale, which was commissioned for Quebec’s 400th anniversary.

At one end of the square, you’ll see Notre-Dame-des-Victories, one of the oldest churches in Canada — you may recognize it from one of the final scenes shot for the movie Catch Me If You Can with Leonardo DiCaprio. The square is also home to Boutique Métiers d’Art du Québec, a shop selling products made by Québec artists, and the original La Maison Smith café.

• Instagram a shot of the stairs beside La Maison Smith, or find a unique angle to photograph the old stone house.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on Jun 5, 2019 at 2:31am PDT

• Walking through Place-Royale to Quartier Petit-Champlain, walk down the small hill to Cul-de-Sac, from this point you’ll have a unique shot of Petit-Champlain with Château Frontenac standing majestically in the background.
• Wander down rue Sous le Fort (just before Cul-de-Sac) and Instagram the Batterie Royale or some of the fieldstone houses along the street.
• Stand at the corner of rue Notre Dame and rue Sous le Fort for a shot of Petit-Champlain, the funiculaire track rising to the top of Cap Diamant, and a portion of Château Frontenac.
• Take a detour to the Quebec-Levis ferry and ride it across the St Lawrence River (and back) for a classic shot of the Quebec skyline.

petit-champlain

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Urban Guide Quebec (@urbanguidequebec) on Jun 3, 2019 at 2:57am PDT

Continue this self-guided tour of Quebec City with a walk along Boulevard Champlain, stopping in Fudgerie for a sweet snack, and photographing the Cul-de-Sac or the boulevard before reaching the stairs leading to the beginning of rue du Petit-Champlain.

One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Quebec City, Petit-Champlain was revitalized in the 1960s (it had, over time, been taken over by warehouses and become a kind of slum) when the city made the decision to restore it to its glory days, making it a tourist destination. Today Quartier Petit-Champlain is a charming neighbourhood filled with boutiques, historically restored houses, and gourmet restaurants.

• Keep your eyes open for pieces of street Banksy-esque street art, or take the classic shot of rue du Petit-Champlain with the stairs of lower in the far distance. There are many Instagram-worthy stops, including Escalier Casse-Cou , the oldest stairs in Quebec City!!

ending point: fairmont château frontenac

1, rue des Carrières

After exploring and Instagramming your way down rue du Petit-Champlain take the funicluaire ($4 CAD) up the cap to Dufferin Terrace. You have now completed this self-guided tour of Quebec City and back at the starting point.

If you’re still up for exploring wander through the inside of Château Frontenac to admire its Great Gatsby-like feeling — we are suckers for royal blue and gold accents. They have a tour as well!

• Feeling hungry? We highly suggest enjoying gourmet poutine or delicious burgers at Le Chic Shack , located just below Musée du Fort.

Pamela MacNaughtan

Hello, I'm Pamela! I'm a travel and food writer, chocolat chaud addict, an anglophone who prefers life in Quebec. When I'm not working on Urban Guide Quebec, I am writing about Quebec City, travelling, updating guidebooks, and writing freelance! There's a good chance I'm planning my next Quebec road trip, got tips?

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The first and only free walking tour of Quebec city

A free walking tour of quebec / tours guidés samuel dubois.

Have you ever taken a walking tour?

Travel on a budget or just looking for a great activity in the city? Take a free tour of Quebec city. Rated as Traveller's Choice 2023. Walking tour is the best way to learn about a city!  Don't just visit Quebec City – truly experience it with our acclaimed walking tours! You will get a closer look to the history with a funny certified local guide!

For those who like to know fun facts and anecdotes while visiting a city. Québec is probably the most charming place of the continent!

Get off the beaten path

We have a lot of tourist attractions, but Québec is more than just the Frontenac Castle. The town is filled with hidden gems and unique places to discover!

Not a boring tour

During the tour you will laugh (at least three times!). It is made to be one of the highlights of your trip!

What to expect?

My name is Samuel Dubois, and I’ve been living in Quebec City since I was born! When I travel, I love taking walking tours. I think it’s the best way to start off a trip and learn about a city through the eyes of a local tour guide.

After a one-year course at the College Merici in Tourism, I received my tour guide license. I am now ready to guide you to where tour buses won’t take you!

As soon as you step into the old part of town, you will without a shadow of a doubt fall in love with the charm of the city. As one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec is replete with secrets that most locals have no knowledge of. I am offering to personally guide you through these well-kept secrets and into the rich history of Quebec in a humorous, fun-fact-filled manner. Believe me, you will not find another history-savvy comedian by trade offering a free tour of this kind. By experience, I know tour guides can sometimes be monotonous Debbie Downers, and that is exactly why I’ve devised this humorous historical tour! If you are planning a visit to Quebec, make sure to inquire about an authentic, one of a kind tour.

Over the year my work has been featured on Radio-Canada, Star Tribune, BBC2. I've received 3 certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor and 4 travellers choices with a lot of 5 stars reviews.

Be my guest you will see by yourself!

Samuel Dubois

Each booking will help the community  

When booking the free walking tour, please note there's a nominal fee of 4$ (tx included) This fee is not only vital for the upkeep and enhancement of my website and booking system but also acts as a guarantee for your reserved spot while helping to minimize no-shows.

By participating in the tour, you're not just embarking on a journey through our city's rich history and culture but it also making a meaningful contribution to our community. 0.75$ of the fee is directed towards supporting a local nonprofit organization I proudly endorse called La Bouchée Généreuse in Limoilou.

​ La Bouchée Généreuse, addressing food insecurity and inequality, aiding over 1,000 families.  

Your contribution helps newcomers and impacts those in need. Remember, not everyone has the opportunity to travel, and tourism can be a way to give back. Thank you for joining us and making a difference!

If for some reason the booking dont work wr ite me back!

Book a tour

More tours here.

 Free Old Québec city tour

Tour time 2hrs / Tips are welcome Language: Engl ish Booking fee 4$ *  If for some reason the booking dont work write me back!  

As soon as you step into the old part of town, you will without a shadow of a doubt fall in love with the charm of the city. As one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec is replete with secrets that most locals have no knowledge of. I am offering to personally guide you through these well-kept secrets and into the rich history of Quebec in a humorous, fun-fact-filled manner

Tour time 2hrs / Tips are welcome Language: Engl ish Booking fee 4$ *  

* Booking fee 4$  This fee is n ot o nly vital for the upkeep and enhancement of my website and booking system but also acts as a guarantee for your reserved spot while helping to minimize no-shows. Please note that the booking fee is not part the donation to the guide at the end of the tour.

Free tour of Old Québec -ENGLISH TOUR-

Meeting point infront the fountain of tourny (Booking fee of 4$ taxes...

Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun

Quebec like a local -ENGLISH TOUR-

Meeting point infront of train station gare du palais Booking fee 4$ (...

Quebec city Untold

Discover the secrets of Quebec City with 'Quebec City Untold

1 hr 30 min

Tour gratuit du vieux Québec en Français

Frais de réservation 3.48$+txs

Tour privé / Private tour

Jusqu'à 8 p 180$ +15$ par personnes additionel / Group up to 8 people ...

    Be Amazed    

Somes reviews.

Star Tribune Anne Stein

We met the No. 1-rated walking guide in the city, Samuel Dubois. He’s a Quebec native — with bushy beard and red-and-black wool plaid shirt — with a wonderful sense of humor!

Tripadvisor review Paul H

Our guide Samuel was extremely eloquent and entertaining and whilst hitting the highlights of Quebec also delivered against his promise of showing us facets of Quebec we would not see on a coach trip. We found the tour nicely easy-paced and very interesting and certainly appreciated the local flavour that Samuel brought.

Tripadvisor review Maciu Selina

This was my favorite walking tour and guide in Canada. Despite the bad weather conditions, Sam made the tour extremely enjoyable. He was knowledgeable, I learned a lot about the city and on top of that - Sam had a great sense of humor. I can strongly recommend!

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Quebec City

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• Things to Do
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Walking Tours in Quebec City

The many pleasures of walking in picturesque French Québec are easily comparable to walking in similar quartiers in northern European cities. Stone houses rub shoulders with each other, carriage wheels creak behind muscular horses, sunlight filters through leafy canopies, drinkers and diners lounge in sidewalk cafes, childish shrieks of laughter echo down cobblestone streets. Not common to other cities, however, is the bewitching vista of river and mountains that the higher elevations bestow.

In winter especially, Vieux-Québec takes on a Dickensian quality, with a lamp glow flickering behind curtains of falling snow. The man who should know—Charles Dickens himself—described the city as having “splendid views which burst upon the eye at every turn.”

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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The Heart of Old Quebec City - Audio Tour

Immerse yourself in the historical heart of old quebec on this self guided audio walking tour..

AUTONOMOUSLY USING THE GPS TECHNOLOGY OF YOUR OWN PHONE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE TAKEN TO THE RIGHT PLACE, AT THE RIGHT TIME.

The visit can be done at any time, without regard to the date and time reserved., please take a moment to read the important notes below.

Complete download instructions will be given to you in your confirmation email.

PLEASE ALSO NOTE: • You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. • When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. • Remember to bring your own headphones

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20 Best Things to Do in Quebec City — Poutine and Nordic Spas Included

Here's how locals recommend exploring the French-Canadian destination.

Steeped in old-world elegance, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, and it has the historical sites to prove it. From the cobblestoned streets of Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) to myriad bakeries turning out buttery croissants, visitors to the French-Canadian metropolis have ample opportunities to learn about its history and to partake in time-honored traditions.

Home to lively festivals, innovative restaurants, and green spaces that serve as year-round playgrounds, the city also makes for a great weekend getaway, one with a dose of European flair (without the transatlantic flight). With the help of the city’s top concierges and tour guides, we’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Quebec City.

Related : The Best Times to Visit Quebec City, According to Locals

Take a walking tour of Old Quebec.

Founded in 1608 by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the Historic District of Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the continent’s only fully walled city north of Mexico. Head to the tourist information center in Upper Town, across the street from the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac , to join a historic walking tour with Tours Voir Québec . Or book a private adventure with Tours Accolade , which offers tours based on your genealogy and multi-sensory excursions for the visually impaired.

Explore Quartier Petit Champlain.

Immerse yourself in 17th-century New France by strolling around the Petit-Champlain and Place Royale area. “Explore the oldest stone church north of Mexico, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (built in 1687); grab a coffee at Smith Cafe , and continue your exploration along Petit-Champlain, one of the oldest commercial streets in North America — often voted among the most beautiful streets in Canada,” says Geneviève Guay, head concierge at Auberge Saint-Antoine .

Marvel at Montmorency Falls.

At 272 feet, this gorgeous waterfall is about 100 feet higher than Niagara Falls, and there are plenty of nearby activities to try, too, including zip lines and via ferrata routes, plus a suspension bridge, cable car, and cliffside boardwalk with panoramic views. The best part? It's just a 15-minute drive from the city center.

Have a picnic at the Plains of Abraham.

The site of a battle in 1759 , the Plains of Abraham is now a giant urban park enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. “The Plains is the perfect place for a glass of wine and gourmet picnic in the summer sun,” says Simon Bovoli, director of concierge service and luxury experiences at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. “I always recommend that visitors stop at one of the city's gourmet bakeries or fresh produce vendors to purchase all of their picnic essentials and find a spot with a view of the river or near a local busker to enjoy.”

Peruse the world’s largest collection of Quebecoise art.

Art lovers will want to carve out at least a few hours to visit Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec , which houses more than 40,000 works from the 17th century to the present day. Be sure to find the noteworthy collection of Inuit art housed in the stunning Lassonde Pavilion.

Discover the city’s military history at Artillery Park.

This park features 18th-century French army barracks and is a must-visit for history lovers. Don’t miss the Arsenal Foundry (a giant model of Quebec in the 19th century) and the Dauphine Redoubt, where you’ll find guides in period costumes speaking in character. “It’s not often included in the walking tours of the city, or even the bus tours that are offered, but it’s a fascinating place covering the history of the French and British troops in Quebec City from 1712 to the end of the 20th century,” says Christian Gingras, a local guide with Tours Voir Québec.

Appreciate the view from the St. Lawrence River.

For one of the best views of Quebec City, get on the river via commuter ferry — the boat to Lévis leaves every 30 minutes and only costs a few bucks. After the 15-minute crossing, you can stroll along the waterfront in Lévis. “In the winter, it’s also a great experience to see the blocks of ice being crushed and pushed around by the ship when you’re on the bridge of the ferry,” says Gingras.

Learn about the area’s Indigenous cultures.

Travelers don't have to go far to immerse themselves in the province's rich Indigenous cultures. Just 20 minutes from downtown, Wendake is the cradle of the Huron-Wendat Nation and offers numerous ways to learn about its traditions. Join a craft workshop at the Huron-Wendat Museum , go on a night walk through an illuminated forest with Onhwa' Lumina , see traditional dance performances, hear stories at the national Ekionkiestha' longhouse, or sample delicious First Nations cuisine at Restaurant La Traite .

Have afternoon tea at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

This property is said to be the world's most photographed hotel , and it’s easy to see why. Perched on a clifftop, Quebec City’s grand dame hotel dates back to 1893 and boasts beautifully preserved decorative features. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth popping in to gaze up at the chandeliers in the lobby and indulge in a leisurely afternoon tea at the Champlain Restaurant , which dates back to 1893.

Stroll along Dufferin Terrace.

This wooden boardwalk sits beside the Château Frontenac and offers one of the most beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding area. Walk along the promenade, relax on a bench, and enjoy live music from buskers in the summer, or head down the locally loved toboggan run in the winter.

Sample small-batch maple syrup.

Quebec is the world’s largest producer of maple syrup, so travelers would be remiss not to sample the province's liquid gold. The sugaring season typically runs from the end of February to the beginning of May, but you can also taste quality maple syrup at local markets and restaurants year-round. “It is a backbone of our cuisine at the restaurant, and also a staple food you can find in every single household in Québec City,” says Tim Moroney, chef-owner of Restaurant Alentours . “If you want to nerd out, go for a syrup — maple, birch, and bourbon-aged — tasting at Domaine Small .”

Attend the Quebec Winter Carnival.

Every February, Quebec City hosts one of the world’s largest winter carnivals — a tradition that has been going strong since the 1950s. The 10-day celebration includes night parades, ice canoe racing, musical performances, and activities like snow bathing and tobogganing. But one of the major highlights is watching artists carve extraordinary snow sculptures.

Hit the trail in Jacques-Cartier National Park.

Only a 45-minute drive from downtown, Jacques-Cartier National Park is a spectacular glacial valley sliced by a stunning river. There are more than 60 miles of trails to traverse, or you can kayak or canoe. And while the park is beautiful year-round, it is particularly stunning at the end of September and the beginning of October when the fall foliage in Quebec hits its peak. “Les Loups Trail rewards you with a spectacular view of the entire valley from its summit,” says Guay.

Relax at a Nordic spa.

After all the walking, head to one of Quebec City's many Nordic spas to soak in thermal waters. There are several options right in the heart of Old Quebec, including the architecturally stunning Strøm Nordic Spa and Sky Spa ; the latter boasts a year-round rooftop patio and a view of the St. Lawrence River. Prefer to recharge in nature? Head to Sibéria Station Spa to enjoy hot pools and saunas nestled in the forest.

Sample poutine, a regional staple.

A trip to Quebec City wouldn’t be complete without trying poutine, one of Canada’s most iconic dishes. For a local take on the dish — French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy — head to La Souche Microbrasserie , which Moroney describes as “a beautifully raw neighborhood brewery” and a “true local hangout” in one.

Catch a live show.

Thanks to several bar de chansonniers (bars with folk music) and concert venues, it’s easy to rock out in Quebec City any time of year. Guay suggests that true music fans should visit in the summer, when the city hosts several festivals. In early July, Le Festival d'Été brings together hundreds of artists for 10 days of music. The Cigale festival brings live performances to the beaches of Baie de Beauport, just minutes from downtown Quebec City, in August.

Visit Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré shrine.

The oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico and one of five shrines in Quebec City, this site lures architecture lovers with its intricate features. Stained glass, stone, and wooden sculptures decorate the Catholic basilica , and there are paintings and mosaics to see as well. In the summer, a river shuttle connects Old Quebec to the shrine, making it easy to explore the site and its scenic surroundings.

Explore the island of Ile d'Orléans.

Ile d'Orléans is a bucolic island just 15 minutes from Quebec City by car, and it's a favorite among gourmands and history lovers. Home to vineyards, orchards, strawberry fields, and centuries-old buildings, you can easily spend a full day visiting wineries here and loading up on homemade jams, chocolates, and other goodies. For the best views, locals recommend a fall visit. “As the vines turn to red and gold, sit back and enjoy a glass of locally made wine with the views of Montmorency Falls and the colorful Côte de Beaupré in the background,” says Frantz Noël, co-owner of tour agency Conciergerie du Terroir .

Tour the largest British fortress in North America.

Sitting at one of the highest points in Quebec City, the Citadelle of Québec is a vital component of the city’s fortifications. It’s still an active military base, so you must join a tour to explore its buildings, which date back to the 1800s. The site often offers seasonal events, such as musical performances and changing of the guard ceremonies, so it’s a good idea to check the website before planning your visit.

Sleep in an ice hotel.

For a one-of-a-kind overnight experience, head to Hôtel de Glace , a hotel built with 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 tons of snow. Located at Village Vacances Valcartier, just 20 minutes from downtown Quebec City, this architectural wonder welcomes guests for tours and overnight stays from January to March. The temperature of the rooms hovers around 23 degrees Fahrenheit (even when it's -22 degrees Fahrenheit outside), and guests can warm up in hot tubs, saunas, insulating sheets, and arctic-grade sleeping bags. While you’re there, hit the ice skating paths and massive snow slides for a true Canadian adventure.

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Idyllic Quebec City & Historic French Canada

Immerse yourself in Quebec’s Charlevoix region, an enchanting landscape of lush forests and rolling hills along with fjords, headlands and bays. It’s here that the grand resort tradition of villégiature was born. Get to know quaint villages that have inspired artists for generations and savor the innovative farm-to-table cuisine that has redefined the area.

• Witness the old-world charm and European roots of Quebec City as you stroll down its cobblestone streets
• Scout for the elusive beluga whale and other marine mammals in the krill-rich waters of the St. Lawrence River
• Hike within the wondrous Charlevoix Crater, which spans 34 miles in diameter and was formed by a stray meteorite, and learn about the historic event that shaped the region
• Taste the agricultural bounty that fuels Charlevoix’s emerging farm-to-table movement

Start/End Quebec City

Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

We recommend flying into Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). Another option is to fly into Montreal (YUL) and travel to and from Quebec City by train, bus or rental car.

Please note that trip start and end locations are subject to change and can vary by departure. A Travel Planner, complete with trip details specific to your chosen date, will be sent to you at time of booking or soon after and will be viewable in your Backroads account.

* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Sense the joie de vivre as we meet in historic Quebec City, then set our course for Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve, where the plains and the mountains meet • Hit your stride as we follow trails and boardwalks through a landscape of coastal marshes and grasslands • Climb to stunning views of the St. Lawrence River • Climb aboard a private zodiac with a naturalist on an exciting whale-watching excursion • Get acquainted with boreal forest trails and arctic and alpine tundra along the winding Colline de L'Anse à la Barque Trail • Climb to the crest of a hill for views of Saguenay Fjord • Feel like royalty as you settle in at our historic French-style castle hotel.

Nestled majestically between sea and mountains, this "Castle on the Cliff" combines quiet countryside charm with five-star elegance. (pool, spa)

Find inspiration in Baie-St-Paul, the cultural and artistic hub of Charlevoix, where galleries, artists’ studios and boutiques line the narrow streets • Journey along the St. Lawrence Route, a scenic byway considered one of the most picturesque stretches of road in Quebec • Learn how the landscape of Charlevoix was shaped millions of years ago by a chance encounter with a rogue meteorite • At Parc des Grands Jardins, climb a beautifully maintained trail through forests of conifer and yellow birch to Lac Georges • Enjoy stunning views before continuing through a forest thick with evergreens to Mont du Lac des Cygnes • Delight in our stay at a modern and unique hotel envisioned by the co-founder of Cirque du Soleil.

Situated in the heart of Baie-Saint-Paul, the jewel of Charlevoix, this modern hotel features an eco-friendly design and décor that pays tribute to the surrounding landscape and the region's cultural heritage. (pool, spa)

Journey to the urban energy of Quebec City, so named for the Algonquin word kébec meaning “where the river narrows” • On a dynamic guided walking tour, learn historical highlights of the only North American walled city north of Mexico.

For more than a century, this luxurious landmark hotel's majestic setting, opulent lobby and magnificent common rooms have preserved the elegance and glamour of a bygone era. (pool)

Our trips range in activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between. Several routes are offered each day so you can choose your perfect amount of activity. Learn more

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• All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
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• Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
• On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
• Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
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Not Included: Leader gratuities, transportation to and from your Backroads trip start & end locations, and on-your-own meals & activities.

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We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

To access the very best hiking routes, we'll often start and end our routes with strategic shuttles via bus, van, boat or train. Expect shuttle times of 1–2 hours most days.

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Local Quebec City Tours

#1 Quebec City Food Tours

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Walk through quebec city’s neighborhoods with an expert guide, bringing you to the best sights, bites, and sips in the city..

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Old Quebec City Food & Drink Tour

5 stops. 8 different food and drink tastings. Enough for a hearty and satisfying lunch! Come hungry!

3-hour walking tour and a 1.7-KM walk | $124.95 CAD + taxes & fees – Includes Wine & Local Gin pairing or Craft Mocktails.

Discover and taste your way through the oldest and most European-like neighbourhood of Quebec City. Sample varied dishes ranging from traditional to modern and get a feel for what it is to be Québécois! Adult tickets include wine and a local gin pairing as well.

Evening Old Quebec City Food Tour

Discover Old Quebec’s rich history and culinary scene during an elegant evening experience.

Tour available by private request only | 128.95 CAD + ticketing fees, tips and taxes.

Old Quebec is full of history and culture. Wine and dine your way through the area and introduce your group to its unique culinary scene rooted in both tradition and innovation. Contact us by completing the  PRIVATE TOUR REQUEST FORM and get the full personalized experience.

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After Cirque du Soleil’s daring, high-wire comeback, its CEO is aiming for new heights

Stéphane Lefebvre shifted anxiously in his sky-blue suit jacket and scanned the crowd waiting for the world premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s Echo under the Big Top at Montreal’s Old Port. It was April of 2023, and the Canadian circus troupe was mounting its first new big-tent show since its COVID-era bankruptcy. Lefebvre, the company’s chief executive, was as nervous as if he were one of the acrobats about to dance across a cube suspended over flames rising from below. Probably a lot more nervous.

The CEO had a lot at stake. A $30 million production , Echo had taken three years to develop. And the future of Cirque and its 4,200 employees, including clowns, musicians, acrobats, seamstresses, and creative directors, was riding on the show’s success.

The COVID-19 pandemic—which had forced Cirque to abruptly shut down its productions in Las Vegas and dozens of cities around the world—was a disaster for all live-performance–based businesses, but it couldn’t have come at a worse time for the glitzy, avant-garde acrobatics company, which was in the midst of a rapid, chaotic expansion.

Cirque was larded with $900 million in debt from a 2015 leveraged buyout led by private equity group TPG , which owned 60% and had pushed a relentless growth agenda: more massive shows, in more markets, all while swallowing up other live-performance companies such as Blue Man Group. TPG’s investment thesis was that Cirque’s enormous name recognition and valuable intellectual property meant it could generate a lot more revenue at a time in which Cirque’s top line was stagnating.

But the ambitious strategy left the company stretched thin. Then COVID pushed it over the edge. Over the course of one week in March 2020, Cirque, which had been steadily if modestly profitable, saw its annualized revenue go from $1 billion a year to zero. Its 44 active productions, including several about to premiere, were shut down. Theaters, and the whole company, went dark for the next 16 months. The company laid off 95% of its staff, and by June of 2020 Cirque had sought bankruptcy protection.

Even before COVID dealt its blow, Cirque du Soleil’s story was following a trajectory that is now familiar across industries: A strategy of fast growth focused on scale, scale, scale drives up a company’s value, then it crumbles when that pace proves unsustainable, or leaves the company precariously vulnerable to shifts in the market. Think of what happened to Peloton, the at-home fitness company that boomed during the pandemic but also built manufacturing sites it later didn’t need because of dwindling sales; or unicorns like Bird and Allbirds , whose scooters and eco-friendly shoes, respectively , turned out to be niche markets. As rising interest rates ended the era of cheap money and plentiful investment, all too often these balancing acts have come crashing back down to earth.

Cirque’s death-defying maneuver

For Cirque du Soleil, the fall from grace was especially painful. After 36 years of growth from the circus’s humble beginnings as a troupe of artsy misfits in Quebec, the irreverent, bohemian company had become a household name globally, with its premieres attracting the likes of Barack Obama and Paul McCartney. Cirque’s revenue of about $1 billion just before the pandemic was a staggering amount for what’s essentially a theater company. (By comparison, all of Broadway combined took in $1.6 billion in 2019.)

In its pre-COVID era, Cirque was producing extravagant new shows at a breakneck pace and embarking on an aggressive expansion of its permanent theaters abroad. It had reportedly been looking into making a Hollywood movie based on its O show, as well as a reality show built around aspiring Cirque acrobats. At its height, the company employed 5,000 people and was valued at $1.5 billion. Post-COVID, it wasn’t clear that Cirque, a major source of pride for Quebecers, would hold on to its headquarters in Montreal—or whether it would even emerge from bankruptcy protection.

It did. But by the time the company was purchased by a group of its creditors led by Catalyst Capital Group in a fire sale in November 2020 , it was clear that the company had to pivot.

Lefebvre and his boss, Daniel Lamarre (who had been CFO and CEO at the time of bankruptcy and were made CEO and executive vice chairman, respectively, a year later), vowed that Cirque would rise from the ashes. And they decided that while the company still had to grow, the only way to do so sustainably was to go back to its roots—as a traveling circus operating on a more modest, human scale.

Instead of trotting out a massive new production every year, the company would mount new tentpole shows every other year, while creating a slate of smaller, less expensive dinner theater and cabaret productions to take on the road—in part to become less dependent on Las Vegas, where it earned about half its revenue. Beyond the stage, the company would engage with only a few carefully chosen collaborations: a documentary, video games, performances at corporate retreats. And its leaders have vowed that post-bankruptcy, Cirque has no plans to make additional acquisitions.

The key to pulling off this reinvention, Lefebvre says, is to keep Cirque tethered to the irreverent artist-first culture that made it a popular ticket worldwide for decades. “We needed to get the creative spirit back at the center of this company,” Lefebvre tells me at Cirque’s headquarters in Montreal. “If you don’t have the right creative team empowered to work their magic, you won’t get there.”

His approach appears to be working. The credit ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service estimates that Cirque’s revenue had climbed in 2023 back up to the $1 billion mark it had hit before COVID shut it down. Still, the agency said in a research note in March that it expects “revenue growth to moderate” and hover at just above $1 billion, the high-water mark it has long struggled to exceed, for at least the next two years. After the near-death experience of bankruptcy, Cirque is charting a post–scale-era course for itself that other companies might be well advised to pursue—a model of sustainable growth that doesn’t overextend a business or exhaust its employees.

From street buskers to Vegas sensations

Cirque du Soleil got its start in Baie-St-Paul, a popular resort town an hour’s drive east of Quebec City, in 1984, after the government of Quebec gave a grant to a ragtag group of street performers known for their stilt walking, led by Guy Laliberté, a fire-breather. In exchange for the $1 million ($1.3 million Canadian-dollars) grant, the group, then called Les Échassiers (the stilt walkers), was asked to perform at celebrations of the 450th anniversary of the arrival of French settlers in Canada. That exposure and money allowed Cirque to develop more elaborate shows and go on tour—and to venture beyond its home base.

Business savvy combined with artistic flair—a balance between the left and right brain—was built into Cirque’s DNA from the very beginning. Laliberté , now 64 , is an eccentric with a bohemian heart who had famously busked through France as a student, playing his grandfather’s accordion. But he was also the son of a prominent executive at Alcan, the giant aluminum company based in Montreal.

Cirque’s spectacular acrobatics paid homage to circus traditions going back centuries, while spinning them into a new art form. The shows ditched the animal acts and disconnected stunts of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus tradition and offered an elevated, story-driven form of theater, with original new age music, dialogue in a made-up language, and outlandish costumes. The plotlines each addressed some specific aspect of human existence but were broadly relatable enough to play well to audiences anywhere: Alegría, in 1994, was about the struggle of young people to renew a society. Quidam, in 1996, grappled with the feeling of being a nobody, and Kooza, from 2007, centered on a group of misfit characters looking to carve out a place for themselves.

By the late 1980s, Cirque had built some buzz with a show in Santa Monica. That caught the attention of casino moguls—and in the early 1990s, Cirque came to dominate Las Vegas. The arrival of Cirque’s elegant yet edgy shows proved integral to Sin City’s transformation from a mecca for gambling and vice to a hub of high-end entertainment. (The typical ticket price for a permanent Cirque show is $113, while a touring show’s tickets go for $86.)

Major casino developers including MGM and Wynn built large venues for the shows, and Cirque produced hit after hit after hit. Indeed, Cirque’s water-centric O production, performed in a 1.5-million-gallon pool at the Bellagio, has been a fixture in Vegas since 1998, and a cash machine that has raked in $2.6 billion in ticket sales—and still fills 94% of its seats. The troupe’s ode to the Beatles oeuvre, Love, has also played to full houses since 2006, though it will close this summer.

Too many tricks

In 2015, Laliberté sold all but 10% of his majority stake in the company, and over the next five years, while Cirque was owned by a group of investors led by TPG, Lamarre and Lefebvre were under orders to aggressively grow and professionalize Cirque. There was even some chatter of a Cirque IPO before COVID struck. (TPG declined to comment for this story.)

The two men—CEO and CFO at the time—take responsibility for their role in Cirque’s financial woes, and concede that they bought into the private equity firm’s strategy. But both say that the pressure from accelerated growth took a toll on the artists who make Cirque shows dazzle. “I want to be careful with the words I am using, but clearly a change of culture happened,” Lefebvre recalls. “We went from a place of close cooperation to worrying about ‘Let’s build it quickly, let’s prime the pump.’” In other words, it became harder to keep the suits at bay.

Cirque’s growth had slowed in the early 2010s, and there was a sense that its formula was at risk of getting stale, that some of the buzz was gone because of a certain sameness, show after show: acrobats, clowns, new world music, and outlandish costumes. For any arts-based company, creative renewal remains a perennial challenge, especially given the pressure to grow. “There is this pitfall that at some point people start to think, ‘I’m watching the same thing over and over,’” says François Colbert, a professor of management of cultural enterprises at business school HEC Montréal. “The Cirque has to find the right balance between taking creative risks and not having flops.”

2019 was a hectic year for Cirque: It launched six new shows, large and small, the most ever in a single year, all while trying to create its first permanent China show in Hangzhou. That year, Cirque endured a rare flop, illustrating the perils of straying too far from its successful formula: R.U.N., modeled on live-action thrillers, featured scenes of simulated torture that were way too much for Cirque-goers looking for death-defying acrobatics rather than meditations on the human potential for depravity. One online reviewer said he was “horrified” by the torture, adding that the show was “a confusing cheesy mess until the end. Nothing makes sense.” The show was shut down by COVID and never reopened.

In addition to creating more of its own shows, Cirque’s owners and brass were trying to turn Cirque into something of a studio that would create spectacles for other entertainment companies as well. And Cirque wanted to expand its division handling corporate events such as team-building retreats for clients like Adobe . (It still offers bespoke productions, such as the show recently performed at the pre-wedding celebrations of Indian industrialist Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, at which pop star Rihanna also performed; or the occasional custom-made outfit, like the Halloween costume designed for model and TV star Heidi Klum in 2023.) Adding to the company’s stress, Cirque made a number of acquisitions, notably performance-art company Blue Man Group in 2017 and later, kids entertainment firm VStar, as well as magic-show creator The Works—despite never having been a portfolio company. (Cirque says Blue Man Group is now doing “very well.”)

The TPG strategy could have ultimately worked if not for COVID, Lamarre and Lefebvre say now. Indeed, much of their current strategy echoes that previous private-equity–driven playbook, albeit at a more measured pace. But paradoxically, the pandemic that almost killed Cirque du Soleil may have also saved its soul.

Two ‘suits’ among the clowns and acrobats

Lamarre, a media and PR executive who joined Cirque in 2001 and became CEO in 2006, working hand in glove with Laliberté, acknowledges the awkwardness of being a “suit” in a company full of clowns and artists. It’s a well-known story at Cirque that Laliberté found Lamarre a bit stiff initially, so he assigned him his own clown, Madame Zazou, to follow him around to staff meetings for a few months and act like a court jester to get him to loosen up.

Lefebvre himself is a bit of a suit who spent 19 years as a finance executive at an aeronautics firm before joining Cirque. Now, as he builds what he is optimistically calling Cirque’s “second golden age,” he too has struck up a friendship with Laliberté, who is a business icon in Quebec and has remained a colorful character, even traveling to the International Space Station in 2009 as a space tourist (wearing a red clown nose during liftoff).

Laliberté no longer holds any formal role or stake in the company—in a stroke of good timing, he sold his 10% stake in Cirque just weeks before the COVID lockdowns—but he has taken on the mantle of Cirque’s patron saint, sharing his impressions of Cirque productions while they are in development. When Lefebvre first spoke as CEO with the founder in 2022, he pledged to be a good steward for a company whose international success is a major source of pride in Quebec: “I will do everything I can to look after your baby, or die trying,” he recalls telling Laliberté.

That was a promise that might have felt necessary because Lefebvre, 56, doesn’t come off as the circus ringleader type. A slim, athletic man with a full head of hair who favors blazers, he attends about 10 Cirque shows a month but says he avoids micromanaging the artists who make Cirque’s magic. “My contribution is never about, ‘I think the red costume should be blue.’ That would be the biggest mistake,” he notes. (Lamarre made the same point: “The show is the star,” he says, like a mantra.)

Lefebvre doesn’t have his own clown, but Madame Zazou still sometimes appears at all-staff meetings to bring levity and keep the workforce grounded in the company’s foundational culture.

A new, more agile Cirque starts a new era

On a cold February morning at a campus about six miles from downtown Montreal, Cirque’s sprawling headquarters, which bears the slogan “Le soleil se lève à nouveau” (“The sun is rising again”), is humming with activity: acrobats trying new moves in its massive gymnasium, seamstresses creating costumes, and performers applying makeup themselves. While a work-from-home policy and smaller headcount have made the complex less bustling, it’s clear that the Cirque has some pep in its step again.

It’s a testament to Cirque’s strong culture and the loyalty it has earned that it managed after the bankruptcy to quickly hire back dozens of its seamstresses, shoemakers, and mask makers—70% of those artisans—to resume shows in 2021. That year, Cirque started reopening its Vegas blockbusters; O and Mystère returned, supported by an ad campaign proclaiming: “Intermission is over.”

Staying true to its culture is essential to Cirque in its next chapter, observers said. “DNA doesn’t change, but it adapts, and this team has integrated Cirque’s DNA,” says the Montreal-based corporate historian Louis-Jacques Filion, who has studied Cirque extensively.

Cirque’s trainers even persuade me to take a spin in a cerceau, a large hoop to which I am fastened as I’m promptly lifted 60 feet into the air, as well as an exhilarating ride in the German wheel. For the latter, I had to practice shifting my weight to give the wheel momentum, something that deepened my appreciation for the incredible core strength these performers possess.

The new post-COVID strategy for the company is coming into focus: Cirque is preparing for an upcoming country-music-themed show titled Songblazers that will launch in Nashville in July then travel to other U.S. markets. It is planning to build a permanent theater in London and will begin construction on one in Hawaii later this year. “The phones keep on ringing, and people want to work with Cirque,” says chief financial officer Emmanuelle Leclerc-Granger.

Long before any pushy investors showed up, the Cirque had been trying to figure out how to generate extra revenue beyond pure ticket sales. Under new owner Catalyst Capital, managing director Gabriel de Alba says Cirque will be given time to rebuild carefully—but he is eager to say that the brand has not been fully tapped, echoing TPG’s view that there’s still room to grow the company’s brand and offerings.

Cirque has to proceed gingerly and not flood the zone with new shows—partly to avoid jeopardizing quality and originality, but also to maintain the scarcity that is necessary for Cirque to thrive as “the luxury-identified experience” de Alba says it is.

De Alba is keenly aware that there is a lot more competition out there for entertainment dollars, particularly in Vegas, where Cirque still hosts six permanent shows: In that city, there are a lot more sports offerings, as well as fine-dining and entertainment options, than when Cirque first took it by storm in 1993. And others have built upon Cirque’s success, including several new small circus companies, such as Spiegelworld.

Artistic freedom, within reason

In the nearly three years since Cirque reopened, business has rebounded quickly. Moody’s has upgraded Cirque three times. (Its debt is still junk-rated, and in its most recent credit opinion in March, Moody’s maintained this rating, citing slow growth after that fast post-COVID rebound.) More crucially, Cirque sold 11 million tickets to its shows last year, compared with 10 million the year before the pandemic.

Still, despite the Chapter 11 filing, Cirque remains saddled with $550 million in debt, meaning it has to tread carefully. And therein lies Cirque’s tough balancing act: Caution and risk aversion can be anathema to creativity.

“If you have a great show, you’ll have a great business,” Lamarre has liked to tell Cirque’s owners over the years. “So I say, let our creators do what they do best, but within a sandbox, and in that sandbox they have total freedom.”

In his 2022 book, Balancing Acts, Lamarre wrote that Cirque audiences wanted “acrobatics, acrobatics, acrobatics.” But today, he insists that audiences will accept other elements . ”It’s not just acrobatics they want: What people are looking for is human performance,” he says. There are signs that Cirque is starting to figure this out: Mad Apple, resident at the New York–New York in Las Vegas since 2022, is a mix of cabaret, dancing, and humor, and is playing to 80% full houses, on par with historical averages.  

After the 2020 trauma, Cirque is determined to become less reliant on live performances. Later this year, it is premiering an IMAX-like movie theater experience called Cosm, and it is planning various TV projects, potentially including a reality show. It has also been testing the waters of video games in partnership with virtual reality platform Roblox , via Cirque du Soleil Tycoon, in which players can create their own Cirque show. The video game, along with a social media influencers group, is part of a big push to attract a younger audience: The average Cirque-goer is 42.  

What’s more, de Alba says, there has long been an untapped opportunity to get more out of visits to its shows than the $113 price tag. De Alba says Cirque has typically earned an average of just $2 in additional revenue per visitor per show, from such ancillary sources as T-shirt sales and drinks, compared with the $30 average at rock shows. So at the Montreal premiere of its Kurios this spring, the updated return of a production first shown in 2014, Cirque will begin testing an idea similar to the preshow VIP meet-and-greets that have proved a boon for the concert industry: early access to the front-of-stage with treasure-hunt–like activities and perhaps a glass of prosecco.

It is also testing out licensing efforts, such as the recently announced partnership with whisky maker Macallan, which involves a small-scale Cirque show just for Macallan’s estate in Scotland.

As much as these licensing deals can help diversify Cirque’s revenue, its bread and butter business will be live entertainment for a long time to come, and there is ample reason for optimism.

In Montreal, Echo was a box-office hit, selling 300,000 tickets, a sales record in its hometown, a year after Cirque’s Kooza had also broken records for the company there. Echo  has since visited Atlanta, Miami, and the Washington, D.C., area to similarly large crowds.

Days before the official Echo premiere last year in Montreal, hundreds of Cirque employees were given an exclusive preview of the new show, as is the company’s longtime custom. The Cirque staff gave their colleagues an ecstatic three-minute standing ovation, recalls Lefebvre. But the real test would come with the premiere before a paying audience.

After the curtain call at the debut, Lefebvre hugged his performers and exhaled. “Everyone under the Big Top at the moment felt a sense of pride and relief,” he says. “Knowing that we were officially back.”

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