History of Levis and Tasting at the Ostara Market

Discovering Levis: A Heritage Walk Coupled with Tasting at Ostara Market

This 2-hour guided tour in Quebec’s Levis offers an engaging way to explore the city’s past while tasting local flavors. Starting at the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, you’ll get a glimpse of the influence religion has had over 400 years of Canadian history. Next, the walk takes you past the Musee de la Maison Alphonse-Desjardins, where outside explanations reveal the importance of the Desjardins movement, founded by Alphonse and Dorimène in 1900. The tour continues along Avenue Bégin, showcasing the beautifully renovated heritage homes and the stories of wealth and prosperity from a century ago. Finally, a visit to the Côte du Passage brings history to life with the ferry route connecting Lévis and Quebec City.

But what truly makes this experience stand out are the tastings at the Ostara Market. Each week, a different farmer prepares a unique dish, paired with a drink like sparkling water, apple juice, cider, or berry wine. It’s a genuine taste of local craftsmanship and farm-fresh produce. We especially appreciated the chance to enjoy this informal, flavorful ending in a lively market setting, which gives a real sense of the local community.

One consideration is that the tour involves some walking over uneven surfaces; the church has a ramp, but inside areas might be less accessible. Also, since the tour is limited to about 15 people, it maintains a cozy, personal feel, but early booking (especially for the first two Sundays) is recommended to secure a spot.

This tour suits those interested in Quebec’s history, local culture, and authentic food experiences. If you’re a curious traveler eager to see a side of Lévis beyond the tourist paths, this mix of history and local flavor will likely appeal.

Key Points

• Historical insights: The tour provides a detailed look at Levis’ past, including its religious, economic, and social influences.
• Authentic tastings: Each week features a different local farmer’s dish, paired with drinks like cider or berry wine, adding flavor to the history.
• Local character: Visiting heritage homes and passing through key city sites offers a tangible connection to Lévis’ history.
• Community focus: The tour emphasizes supporting local farmers and businesses outside the usual tourist circuit.
• Accessibility considerations: Some uneven surfaces mean it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with walking.
• Small group size: With a maximum of 15 travelers, expect a more personal, engaging experience.

A Closer Look at the Tour: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting Point: Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church

We begin at this historic church, which has stood at the heart of Lévis for centuries. The guided explanation of Canada’s history and the role of religion during the city’s 400-year timeline provides context that enhances the walk. When the church is open, a quick tour inside offers a peek into local spiritual life and architecture. If you’ve ever wondered how religion shaped the development of Quebec, this is a meaningful place to start.

Outside the Musee de la Maison Alphonse-Desjardins

While the inside of the museum is closed on Sundays, the guide offers a clear, engaging story about the Desjardins movement, which was revolutionary for cooperative banking and social finance. We loved how the outside explanation made a typically indoor museum experience accessible and inclusive. This brief stop highlights the importance of financial innovation and community support, adding depth to your understanding of local history.

Avenue Bégin: Heritage of the Elite

Walking along Avenue Bégin, you’ll see beautifully restored homes that once housed Lévis’ wealthiest families. The guide explains the renovations and the stories behind these grand houses, illuminating the city’s social stratification and architectural styles from a bygone era. We found this segment especially enriching, as it offers a tangible sense of place—visual cues that link past prosperity with today’s neighborhood charm.

Côte du Passage: The Ferry Connection

This short stop takes you to the ferry route that has historically linked Lévis and Quebec City, emphasizing its significance in trade and daily life. It’s fascinating to see how this pass—created a century ago—shaped the development of the city center and remains vital today. The guide’s stories about passing through this route help you appreciate how geography influences urban growth.

The Market: Ostara Market

The tour concludes at the Terasse de Lévis and the Ostara farmers market, a lively hub of local produce and crafts. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting dish prepared by a different farmer each week, accompanied by a carefully selected drink. One reviewer praised the “excellent wine selection,” which underscores the quality and thoughtfulness behind the tastings. You’ll find it’s a perfect way to relax after a walk, while discovering the region’s agricultural bounty. The market’s welcoming atmosphere makes you feel part of the local community—an authentic peek into Lévis’ vibrant small-scale farming scene.

This part of the tour lasts about 40 minutes, giving you time to browse, chat with vendors, and soak in the lively ambiance. It’s a highlight that pairs well with the history, offering a sensory experience that sticks with you.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value and Authenticity

At just $34.80 per person, this experience packs a lot in—history, local culture, and tastings—without feeling rushed or superficial. The small-group setting ensures you get personal attention from your guide, who demonstrates genuine knowledge and passion for Lévis. The fact that you get to sample different local products each week adds a delightful element of surprise and discovery, making each visit unique.

We appreciated the way this tour encourages exploring outside the traditional tourist trail. By linking historic sites with the local farmers market, it supports the social economy and helps visitors see the true character of Lévis. For travelers interested in more than just the standard sightseeing checklist, this tour offers depth, flavor, and a real connection to place.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book early, especially for the first two Sundays of the season, to secure your spot.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
• Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early—it’s less than a kilometer from central accommodation options.
• The tour ends at the market, so plan to stay longer if you want to explore more or pick up some local goods.
• The limited group size means a more intimate experience, but it’s wise to reserve ahead of time.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a history buff, food lover, or someone who enjoys discovering local communities beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for curious travelers who appreciate authentic stories, beautiful heritage architecture, and fresh regional tastes. Families, couples, and solo explorers looking for a relaxed, engaging way to spend a Sunday morning will find this a worthwhile outing.

It’s especially suited for those with an interest in social economy and local agriculture, as the tour thoughtfully promotes small farmers and community heritage. If you’re traveling with mobility considerations, note that some parts of the walk involve uneven surfaces, but accessible options are available for those with reduced mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally designed for adults, children who enjoy walking and a bit of history could find it interesting. Keep in mind that some surfaces may be uneven, so plan accordingly.

How long is the walk?
The entire experience lasts around 2 hours, including stops, with most of the walking concentrated in the first part of the tour.

What is included in the tastings?
A different dish prepared by local farmers each week, paired with a variety of drinks such as sparkling water, apple juice, cider, or berry wine.

Can I join the tour spontaneously?
It’s recommended to book at least 10 days in advance, especially for peak dates, to secure a spot. This small-group tour is popular and limited to 15 participants.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
Some areas involve uneven surfaces; the church has a ramp, but interior areas may be less accessible. The Lévis terrace offers access for those with mobility issues, though it involves some small stone paths.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to rain or other conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In closing, this tour offers a compelling blend of history, culture, and local flavor in a manageable, authentic package. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to see the real Levis—beyond the postcard views—and to support local farmers and artisans. If you value small-group experiences that combine storytelling with tasting, this tour deserves a spot on your Quebec itinerary.