Quebec City is a destination that offers a rare blend of old-world charm and lively modernity. Its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and picturesque riverfront make it a prime spot for exploring on foot or by boat. We love how many of these tours bring history to life with local guides, and some, like the Old Quebec City: Grand Walking Tour with Private Option, let you tailor your experience. With options ranging from quick highlights and scenic boat cruises to full culinary adventures, there’s a way to see Quebec City that fits any pace or interest.
Whether you’re interested in uncovering the city’s stories with a private guide, sampling its gourmet cuisine, or enjoying breathtaking views from Montmorency Falls, this list offers a variety of top-quality tours. We’ve included well-rated options, detailed what makes each unique, and outlined who they’re best suited for — all with practical advice to help you make the most of your visit.
Quick Overview
This list features 16 of the best city tours in Quebec City, covering walking tours, guided excursions, boat cruises, bike adventures, and even a luxurious dinner. You can stroll through Old Quebec’s iconic streets with the Grand Walking Tour, explore the historic Château Frontenac in a guided tour, or enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the St. Lawrence. For family fun or active travelers, there are bike rides to Montmorency Falls and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Foodies will appreciate the Evening Gourmet Tour and combo culinary and historic walks. Now, let’s dive into each one.
1. Old Quebec City: Grand Walking Tour with Private Option
At number 1, this popular walking tour scores an impressive 4.8/5 from nearly 2,500 reviews. For around $27, you get 2 to 2.5 hours exploring Old Quebec’s streets with a knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect for those who want a deep dive into the city’s historic sites, architecture, and culture. You’ll visit landmarks like City Hall, Dufferin Terrace, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires church, and Place Royale — the oldest part of Quebec City. The tour also covers the Fortifications of Quebec, which remain some of the few surviving walls in North America.
This tour’s strength lies in its mix of iconic sights and lesser-known stories, with an option for private groups to enjoy a more personalized experience. Reviewers love the engaging guides and the manageable pace, making this a top choice for first-timers or history lovers. The value is excellent, given the duration and rich content.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, affordable introduction to Old Quebec with flexible private options.
2. Quebec City: Guided Tour of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Coming in at number 2, this hour-long tour costs just $18 and offers an insider’s look at one of Quebec’s most iconic landmarks. The Château Frontenac is more than a grand hotel; it’s a symbol of the city’s history and elegance. During the tour, a lively guide dressed in period costume brings stories of notable guests and events that shaped its reputation. You’ll get access to exclusive areas of the hotel that aren’t open to the public, and admire its stately exterior architecture.
Guests appreciate the engaging storytelling and the opportunity to see behind the scenes of this historic hotel. The tour is best suited for those interested in architecture, luxury hotels, or the stories of famous visitors. It’s a quick dive but highly informative.
Bottom Line: A must for architecture fans and those curious about the stories behind Quebec’s most famous hotel, with great value for such a short experience.
3. Uncover Old Quebec: Fun Walking Tour of the City with Local Guide
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from nearly 600 reviews, this pay-what-you-wish tour is a fantastic way to get an authentic, affordable look at Quebec’s most picturesque corners. Led by a local guide, the 2-hour walk covers major sights, hidden alleys, and secret paths that other tours might miss. You’ll stroll through Place Royale and along Terrasse Dufferin, with plenty of time for photos and questions.
Reviewers love the flexibility and the personable guide, who shares local tips and anecdotes. The price is a bonus, letting you decide what the experience was worth at the end. Perfect for budget travelers or those who want an informal, intimate experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for flexible, budget-conscious travelers who want a personalized, local perspective on Old Quebec.
4. Quebec City: Montmorency Falls with Cable Car Ride
Number 4 on our list is the view-packed adventure to Montmorency Falls, rated 4.5/5 with over 2,200 reviews. For just $19, you get a cable car ride up to amazing viewpoints of the 272-foot waterfall. The suspension bridge offers a dramatic perspective, and trails wind through the park for a peaceful walk. For the daring, descending the 487 steps of the panoramic staircase delivers breathtaking vistas.
Guests rave about the spectacular scenery and the ease of combining transport with sightseeing. The experience is especially suited for outdoor lovers or families wanting a scenic outing that captures Quebec’s natural beauty. It’s a full day of fun with options to wander trails or relax in the park.
Bottom Line: A scenic, value-packed tour perfect for nature lovers seeking unforgettable views of one of Quebec’s most impressive waterfalls.
5. Private Tour: Quebec City Walking Tour
Rated a perfect 5.0/5, this private walking tour is ideal for travelers who want a personalized experience. For about $98, you’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour fully customizable exploration of Old Quebec with your guide. The tour covers major sights like the Old Port, Chateau Frontenac, and Place Royale, but also allows for tailored stops based on your interests.
Guests praise the guide’s knowledge, personalization, and ability to adapt the tour to their pace. It’s particularly suited for small groups or families who want a flexible, intimate experience. The value reflects the private service and tailored approach.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a private, flexible introduction to Quebec City’s highlights.
6. Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner – History and Food in Old Quebec City
This gourmet experience earns a 5.0/5 rating. For about $209, you’ll enjoy an elegant 3-hour evening of food and stories. The tour visits a handful of top restaurants, offering a 5-course tasting menu with drinks included. Highlights include iconic spots like La Fresque and the funicular, with visits to historic sites such as Place Royale and Notre-Dame Basilica.
Guests describe it as “the best part of their trip,” with high-quality dishes and engaging guides. This experience suits food lovers celebrating special occasions or wanting a relaxed, intimate evening in Quebec’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies seeking culture and fine dining in a small-group setting.
7. Quebec City: Old Quebec Walking Tour with Funicular Ride
Rated 4.9/5, this walking tour with funicular offers 2 to 3 hours of exploration. It’s ideal if you love to walk but want the convenience of riding the funicular to the Upper Town. You’ll see highlights like Château Frontenac and learn about Quebec’s history and architecture. The funicular ride adds a fun, practical element to the experience, especially if mobility is a concern.
Guests praise the guide’s friendly manner and the scenic views, making this great for travelers who want a relaxed, rundown.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine walking with a quick ride to the upper city, emphasizing scenic viewpoints.
8. Québec City: Guided Sightseeing River Cruise
Rated 4.3/5, this river cruise offers a fresh perspective on Quebec’s landmarks. Over 1.5 to 3.5 hours, you’ll cruise past Château Frontenac, Montmorency Falls, and Île d’Orléans, with live commentary. The outdoor terrace lets you enjoy the scenery and sunshine.
Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and informative guide, making it an ideal way to combine sightseeing with leisure. Suitable for families or anyone wanting a scenic, restful break from walking.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, scenic way to see Quebec’s sights from the river, with engaging commentary.
9. Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City
Rated 5.0/5, this combo tour blends history and cuisine over 3 hours. Expect visits to top restaurants, sampling two entrees, main courses, and dessert, plus sightseeing at landmarks like Place Royale and the Château Frontenac. The tour is capped at 12 people, ensuring a personal experience.
Guests love the variety of dishes and the knowledgeable guide who shares stories of Quebec’s food culture and history. It’s ideal for food lovers who want a full, immersive experience.
Bottom Line: A delicious, culturally enriching tour perfect for those who want to combine history and gastronomy.
10. Quebec City: Old Town and Montmorency Falls Bus Tour
Rated 4.7/5, this bus tour covers both urban and natural highlights in 3 hours. It’s a great way to see the cathedrals, fortresses, and gardens without walking. The guide shares insights on the region’s architecture and scenic river views, with stops at Montmorency Falls for photo ops.
Ideal for travelers short on time or those preferring a comfortable ride, it balances sightseeing with ease.
Bottom Line: An efficient, informative way to experience Quebec’s highlights in a short time.
11. Quebec City: Montmorency Falls & Île d’Orleans Half-Day Tour
Rated 4.3/5, this half-day trip offers a taste of Quebec’s countryside. It visits Montmorency Falls, Île d’Orléans, and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica. Traveling in comfort, you get a good mix of natural scenery and rural charm, with a knowledgeable guide providing insight.
Guests appreciate the flexibility of choosing morning or afternoon departure, making it suitable for various schedules.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a quick outdoor escape with scenic stops.
12. Quebec City: Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour
Rated 4.4/5, this bus pass offers 1 or 2 days of freedom. With 15 stops, you can hop off at landmarks like Château Frontenac or the Citadelle, then hop back on to continue exploring. The open-air top deck provides great photo opportunities, with audio commentary in multiple languages.
Perfect for travelers who want flexibility and a broad overview of the city at their own pace.
Bottom Line: A practical, flexible way to see Quebec City’s main sights without the hassle of walking everywhere.
13. Quebec City: Old Quebec Historical Walking Tour
Rated 4.8/5, this 2-hour historical walking tour immerses you in the 4-century story of Old Quebec. Led by a period-costumed guide, you’ll explore the streets and learn about the city’s role as a French colony. It’s a lively, engaging experience that appeals to history enthusiasts.
Reviewers note the guide’s storytelling skills and the chance to see lesser-known sights alongside popular landmarks.
Bottom Line: Great for history lovers who want a lively, detailed story of Quebec’s past, with immersive storytelling.
14. Private Guided Quebec City Walking Tour with Funicular Included
This private tour, rated 5.0/5, offers about 2 to 3 hours of personalized exploration. It covers significant landmarks like Parliament Hill, Terrasse Dufferin, and Notre-Dame Basilica, with a funicular ride included. The guide tailors the experience to your interests, making it perfect for intimate groups or families.
Guests highlight the guide’s storytelling and the flexibility of the tour, which makes it more engaging than standard group walks.
Bottom Line: A top choice if you want a fully customized, private visit that combines walking with a funicular ride.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a Quebec City tour, consider your budget, physical fitness, time constraints, and specific interests. For a rundown, the Old Quebec Grand Walking Tour offers great value, while food lovers may prefer the Evening Gourmet Tour or the Combo Food and History Tour. If you want to see natural beauty, the Montmorency Falls with Cable Car provides stunning views and outdoor activity.
For flexibility, the Hop-on Hop-off Bus lets you explore at your own pace, and private tours like the Private Quebec City Walking Tour are perfect for those who want a tailored experience. Book early, especially for popular tours, particularly during peak season in summer.
Final Thoughts
Quebec City offers a wide array of tours suited to different interests and travel styles. History buffs will love the Old Town & Montmorency Falls Bus Tour, while foodies should consider the Gourmet Dinner Tour. For a truly personalized touch, private walking tours or full private guides are excellent.
Whatever your interests, Quebec City’s blend of history, scenery, and cuisine makes it a must-visit. Planning ahead and booking your preferred tours early will ensure you get the best experience in this charming Canadian city.