Old Quebec City Food and Drink Walking Tour

Discover Old Quebec through its flavors and stories on this engaging walking food tour. For around three hours, you’ll explore the heart of this charming, UNESCO-listed neighborhood, guided by knowledgeable hosts who bring the city’s history and cuisine alive. Priced at about $119 per person, this lively experience combines delicious tastings at five local eateries with fascinating tales about Quebec’s past and present.

What we love most about this tour is how well it balances authentic food experiences with engaging storytelling—your guide isn’t just there to show you around but to deepen your appreciation of Quebec’s culinary culture. Plus, the included tastings are generous enough to serve as a hearty lunch, which means you’re not just nibbling but truly sampling regional flavors.

A potential consideration? Since the tour involves some walking within the historic Old Quebec area, comfortable shoes are a must. Also, if you have dietary restrictions, it’s wise to notify the tour provider in advance.

This tour works best for those interested in local cuisine, history, and culture—it’s ideal for food lovers, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a lively, small-group experience that offers a taste of Quebec’s best.

Key Points

• Authentic culinary experience with five different tastings across renowned local restaurants.
• Knowledgeable guides like Maude, Pamela, and Guy who share both food stories and historical insights.
• Hearty lunch in a few hours—perfect for those wanting a substantial taste of Quebec’s regional dishes.
• Small-group setting (max 16 travelers), ensuring personalized attention and engaging conversations.
• Wine and gin pairings available with adult tickets, elevating the tasting experience.
• Convenient meeting points close to major attractions, making it easy to include in your sightseeing plans.

Exploring the Old Quebec Food and Drink Tour in Detail

Starting Point and Location

Meeting at 24 Rue Sainte-Anne, you’re right in the middle of Old Quebec’s vibrant streets, close to top sights. The tour ends near 1200 Rue Saint-Jean, a ten-minute walk away, leaving plenty of options for further exploration or a relaxing stroll afterward. The central location means you can easily combine this experience with visits to historic sites or cafes without detours.

What the Tour Includes

At its core, this experience is a culinary journey through Quebec City’s most-loved eateries, each offering a signature dish that reflects regional ingredients and traditions. The tour is designed to be a balanced mix of history and food, with each stop providing both a taste and a story.

The Stops and Tastings

• La Bûche kicks things off with a three-course tasting—a Québécois pea soup, a comforting pâté chinois (a local version of shepherd’s pie), and maple taffy, which is a sweet treat typically enjoyed in winter. This highlights the hearty, home-style cooking Quebec is known for.

• At BEClub Bistro, you’ll enjoy brisket, mashed potatoes, and gravy, with adult tickets offering a 2oz local wine. The focus here is on classic comfort food elevated with local wines, offering a perfect pairing for those new to Quebec’s wine scene.

• Maison Livernois is a highlight for many, as it’s where poutine takes center stage. The dish is a must-try, and with adult + alcohol tickets, you’ll get a Québécois gin pairing—a fun twist on this beloved dish.

• On Sundays and Mondays, instead of BEClub Bistro, you’ll visit Hortus, a local spot where you can sample a traditional cream fudge and half a croissant—simple, yet deeply satisfying.

• Comptoir Boréal offers a taste of traditional Quebec cream fudge and half a croissant, giving you a sweet and flaky break that complements the savory stops.

• The final tasting at La Buchette features a two-course appetizer including Lions Mane mushroom and duck carpaccio—a showcase of Quebec’s love for mushroom foraging and game meats.

Guides and Personalization

Guests consistently praise guides like Maude, Pamela, and Guy for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills. Several reviews note the guides’ ability to blend local history with food tidbits—making the experience both tasty and educational.

Maude, for example, is described as “fantastic,” “knowledgeable,” and “funny,” with one reviewer remarking, “she brought us to lovely restaurants where the food was plentiful and delicious.” The guides’ engaging personality and attentiveness make a significant difference, especially in a small group setting where everyone can ask questions and share stories.

Food Quality and Variety

From classic Quebecois dishes like poutine and duck carpaccio to regional specialties such as Lions Mane mushrooms, the tour offers a solid cross-section of local cuisine. Several reviews emphasize the generosity and authenticity of the tastings, with one caller it a “fantastic assortment of Canadian cuisine” that left participants feeling quite full.

The inclusion of wine and gin pairings with adult tickets adds a layer of sophistication, allowing you to experience Quebec’s regional beverages alongside your food. Many reviewers appreciated this feature, calling it a “great recommendation from the guide” and a pleasant enhancement to the tasting.

Walking and Accessibility

The 3-hour duration involves some walking within the historic narrow streets and cobblestones, but most reviews note the pace is comfortable and manageable. One reviewer mentions their guide, Claude, “kept the walk at a good pace” and was “very knowledgeable.” If mobility is a concern, it’s worth noting the tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.

Value for Money

At approximately $119, the tour provides an excellent value, especially considering it includes a full meal, multiple tastings, and drinks. The small-group size ensures personalized attention, which many find worth the price. Guests frequently mention leaving satisfied, full, and with a deeper appreciation for Quebec’s culinary traditions.

What the Reviews Say

The majority of reviews are glowing, with an impressive 4.8/5 rating from over 1,000 reviews. Many mention the knowledgeable guides and delicious food as highlights. One review sums it up: “The food and drink were all terrific, and the guide led us to five different establishments in Old Quebec.”

Notable praise is given for the diverse cuisines covered, the generous tastings, and the interesting historical tidbits. A few minor comments mention that some restaurants might seem like they’re just serving customers, but overall, the tour’s charm and quality shine through.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy food, history, or small-group experiences, this tour is a perfect fit. It’s especially ideal for travelers who want an authentic taste of Quebec without the hassle of making individual reservations. First-time visitors will appreciate the orientation the tour provides, and food lovers will find the diversity and quality impressive.

However, those with specific dietary restrictions should notify the organizers beforehand, as the tastings are set menu-like. Also, if you prefer not to walk or need a more relaxed pace, consider your mobility when booking.

The Sum Up

This Old Quebec City Food and Drink Walking Tour combines the best of local cuisine, engaging storytelling, and convenient sightseeing. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides create a welcoming atmosphere that makes the experience feel personal, not touristy.

The inclusion of hearty tastings and optional drinks offers great value, while the walk through historic streets adds context to every bite. It’s an excellent choice for foodies, history buffs, or travelers seeking an immersive introduction to Quebec’s culinary scene.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, tasty, and educational experience in Old Quebec, this tour delivers just that—delivering memorable bites and stories that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately three hours, covering several stops within the Old Quebec area.

What is included in the tastings?
You’ll sample a Québécois pea soup, pâté chinois, maple taffy, brisket with mashed potatoes, poutine with gin pairing, cream fudge, croissant, Lions Mane mushroom, and duck carpaccio.

Are drinks included?
Adult tickets include a 2oz glass of local wine at BEClub Bistro and a Québécois gin pairing with poutine. Additional drinks are available.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
It’s best to advise the tour provider of any dietary restrictions when booking; some tastings are set menus, and accommodations depend on the restaurant.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 24 Rue Sainte-Anne and ends near 1200 Rue Saint-Jean, within walking distance of many attractions.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
While not explicitly stated, the moderate walking pace and manageable distances suggest it’s suitable for most, but check with the provider if you have specific mobility needs.

How many people will be on the tour?
The group is capped at 16 participants, ensuring a personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, allowing flexibility.

How do I book?
Bookings are made online, and confirmation is received immediately upon booking.

Is it worth the price?
Considering the quality of food, guide expertise, and small-group intimacy, most find this tour to be excellent value.

In essence, this tour is a delightful way to combine Quebec’s culinary delights with its rich history, all within a compact, manageable experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or just eager to get a taste of local life, this tour offers a memorable bite-sized adventure in the heart of Old Quebec.