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.

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. 

“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)

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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!

“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)

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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.

“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)

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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!

“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! 

“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)

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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.

“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)

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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.

“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)

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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.

“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)

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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!

“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) 

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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.

“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.

“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)

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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

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.

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Happy travelling!

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