Walking Tour – Quebec City – The Heart of New France

Immersing oneself in the rich history of Quebec City is an unforgettable experience. The self-guided walking tour of the historic Old Town, also known as ‘The Heart of New France,’ offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating past at one’s own pace. Travelers can download the On This Spot app and embark on a journey starting at Place Des Conotiers, where they’ll discover iconic landmarks like the Château Frontenac and the Citadelle of Quebec. As they stroll along the cobblestone streets, they’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by the 17th and 18th-century architecture that makes this living museum so alluring. What secrets might these ancient walls reveal?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best City Tours In Quebec City.

Key Points

• The self-guided walking tour explores Quebec City’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture.
• The tour starts at the southeast corner of Place Des Conotiers, providing access to the city’s iconic landmarks like the Château Frontenac, Notre-Dame Basilica, and Citadelle of Quebec.
• The tour is accessible through the On This Spot app, which offers interactive maps, historical context, and audio narration to enhance the walking experience.
• The tour is available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM between August 4, 2022, and June 30, 2025, allowing for flexible scheduling.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and the self-guided nature provides a flexible and self-paced exploration.

Meeting Point and Tour Details

The meeting point for the self-guided walking tour of Quebec City is at Place des Canotiers, located at 40 Rue Dalhousie in Quebec, QC G1K 4B2.

The tour is available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM between August 4, 2022 and June 30, 2025.

Participants will need to download the On This Spot App, either on Apple or Android devices, and start the tour at the southeast corner of Place Des Conotiers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Public transportation is available nearby.

Travelers are advised to be in good health, as the tour isn’t suitable for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Downloading the On This Spot App

To begin the walking tour, participants need to download the On This Spot app on their Apple or Android devices. This free app provides the necessary information and guidance for navigating the self-guided tour through Quebec City.

The app features interactive maps, historical context, and audio narration to enhance the walking experience.

Once the app is downloaded, users should locate the first stop at the southeast corner of Place Des Conotiers, which serves as the starting point for the tour. The app will then guide participants through the various landmarks and points of interest along the route, ensuring they don’t miss any of the highlights of the Heart of New France.

Starting at Place Des Conotiers

Once participants have downloaded the On This Spot app and located the first stop at the southeast corner of Place Des Conotiers, they’ll find themselves at the starting point of this captivating walking tour through the heart of Quebec City.

This historic square, situated along the St. Lawrence River, serves as the ideal launching pad for exploring the rich history and charming architecture that define the ‘Heart of New France.’

With the app’s guidance, visitors can enjoy the region’s fascinating past, uncovering stories and insights that bring the city’s iconic landmarks to life.

From this central meeting point, the self-guided tour invites travelers to embark on a journey through Quebec City’s most cherished historic districts and iconic sights.

Exploring the Historic Old Town

Leaving the riverside meeting point, participants enjoy the captivating ambiance of Quebec City’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its preserved 17th and 18th-century architecture.

They’ll stroll along cobblestone streets, admiring the charming buildings adorned with mansard roofs, ornate chimneys, and classic French-inspired facades. The tour guides them through the heart of this living museum, where the past seamlessly blends with the present.

Highlights include the iconic Château Frontenac, the towering Citadel, and the quaint neighborhoods that evoke a sense of stepping back in time. Throughout the experience, participants gain insights into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, leaving with a deeper appreciation for this captivating corner of Canada.

Discovering Significant Landmarks

As participants continue their journey through the heart of Quebec City, they encounter a series of significant landmarks that showcase the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. The iconic Château Frontenac, a grand hotel that has become a symbol of the city, stands tall, its distinctive architecture and impressive silhouette dominating the skyline.

Landmark	Description	Significance
Notre-Dame Basilica	A stunning example of French-Canadian religious architecture	Houses intricate wood carvings and impressive stained glass windows
Citadelle of Quebec	A historic fortification and the official residence of the Canadian monarch’s representative	Offers panoramic views of the city and the St. Lawrence River
Plains of Abraham	The site of a pivotal battle between the French and British in 1759	Serves as a public park and commemorates the city’s military history

Public Transportation and Accessibility

The walking tour of Quebec City is accessible to the public, with the meeting point located near various forms of transportation.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed. Visitors can reach the starting point via public transportation, as the meeting location is conveniently situated close to bus stops and other transit options.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with heart problems or other serious medical conditions, the self-guided nature of the experience allows for a flexible and self-paced exploration of Quebec City’s historic landmarks.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized and comfortable experience for all participants.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can secure their spot on the Quebec City walking tour through the ‘Reserve Now and Pay Later’ option, and they’ll receive a confirmation at the time of booking.

Participants enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, based on the local time. This flexible policy allows for last-minute changes in plans without any penalties.

The tour is a great way to explore the heart of New France, and the booking process is designed to be hassle-free.

Whether travelers have a tight schedule or want to keep their options open, the cancellation policy provides the peace of mind to fully enjoy the self-guided walking experience in Quebec City.

Tour Duration and Availability

This walking tour of Quebec City is available year-round, offering visitors the flexibility to explore the heart of New France at their convenience.

The self-guided experience runs from August 4, 2022, to June 30, 2025, with tours available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, allowing travelers to choose the most suitable time that fits their schedule.

Whether visitors wish to embark on the tour early in the morning or late at night, they can do so on any day of the week, ensuring that this immersive experience fits seamlessly into their itinerary.

The extended duration of the tour also provides ample time for visitors to discover the rich history and charming ambiance of Quebec City at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the self-guided walking tour. However, it’s recommended to check any restrictions on consumption or waste disposal at the tour sites.

Is There a Dress Code I Need to Follow?

There is no specific dress code for this self-guided walking tour. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and shoes. Casual attire is recommended for the relaxed, self-paced nature of the experience.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the self-guided walking tour. The tour encourages capturing the historic sights and scenery of Quebec City. However, it’s polite to be mindful of other travelers and avoid disrupting the experience for others.

Is There a Guided Version of This Tour Available?

No, this tour is self-guided. There’s no guided version available. Travelers must download the On This Spot app to follow the tour at their own pace. The app provides the necessary information and audio commentary for the self-guided experience.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Those With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but it allows service animals. Those with limited mobility may find the walking challenging. Alternative tours or transportation options may be available for visitors with accessibility needs.

Recap

The self-guided walking tour of Quebec City’s historic Old Town, ‘The Heart of New France,’ offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s captivating past.

With the On This Spot app, travelers can explore iconic landmarks, stroll along cobblestone streets, and discover the rich heritage of this 17th and 18th-century living museum at their own pace, making it an engaging and informative experience.