Québec City Tour Overview
More than 400 years after its founding, Québec City remains one of the most distinctive places in North America. What’s its secret?
Discover for yourself the charm and dynamism of this UNESCO World Heritage site as you trace the history of Québec City from its founding as a small French settlement to a 21st-century cultural hub. Walk the cobblestone streets with a local historian who will tell the dramatic stories of the showdown between the English and the French on the Plains of Abraham in 1759, and the cliffhanging moments of the referendums on Quebec sovereignty in the late 20th century. Take in monumental works at the contemporary and Inuit galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts that show the visual connections and divisions between the Quebec of past and present. In this multifaceted journey through Québec City, you’ll explore what it means to be Québecois—and what Québec City means to you.
Lots of drama—the good kind
In the Saint-Roche neighbourhood, you’ll take in a performance at Le Diamant (The Diamond), a theatrical space created by celebrated director and playwright Robert Lepage. Lepage envisions Le Diamant as a place where “all forms of art converge to allow the culture and innovation from [Quebec] and beyond to shine.” Through seminar discussions and a walking tour, you’ll follow in the footsteps of detective novelist Louise Penny, whose works dramatize the changing dynamics of modern-day Quebec.
Guides who know their stuff
Your bilingual tour manager Suzanne has created and led tours in Canada for more than 10 years, including several to Québec City. An educator in French language and literature by training, Suzanne lived the province of Quebec for 25 years. She’ll help illuminate how Québecois see themselves and their relationship with Canada and the rest of the world. Bilingual specialist guides will provide rich context for Québec City’s standout sites and lesser-known gems while sharing their personal experiences of the city with you.
Warm summer days, cool summer flavours
June offers warm weather and long, long days, with free time to enjoy the city’s picturesque historic streets and gorgeous views over the St. Lawrence river from the Château Frontenac and other landmarks. Come evening, feast on delicious seasonal cuisine like lobster and crêpes with fresh berries—ideally on one of the lively patios beloved among Canadians for summer dining. Or cool down with fun ice cream flavours like avocado and chili-chocolate from one of the many ice cream shops in the historic centre.
Readings that take you deeper into culture and history
All Classical Pursuits tours include readings that we send directly to you, and that help you connect more deeply with the places you’ll see and the people you’ll meet on the tour.
Small groups, always
You may have seen tours of 35 or 40 people advertised as “small group.” Or even been on one of these big-bus experiences. Our tours are truly small, with a cap of 16. This means lots of face time with your guides and the chance to visit sites and restaurants that are off-limits to larger tour groups.
Accommodation
Unwind from the day at the peaceful Monastère des Augustines. Our hotel is former monastery run by the Augustinian sisters, who arrived in 1639. The historic building features bright, comfortable rooms and public spaces with a focus on relaxation and healing.
Readings
Michèle Lalonde’s “Speak White” and selected 20th- and 21st-century poetry
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
Image credits: Banner photo of Quebec at night: Wilfredor on Wikimedia Commons; Quebec City during the day, Pixabay; Aux Anciens Canadaiens, Yanhay on Wikimedia Commons; Creative Commons License 3.0 and Creative Commons License 4.0
