Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour

Quebec: Death in New-France Animated Walking Tour is a unique way to explore Quebec’s darker past. Priced at just $19 per person, this 75-minute outdoor tour offers a fascinating peek into the funeral customs, cemeteries, and stories from the 17th century. Led by lively guides, you’ll visit historic sites like Notre-Dame Basilica’s exterior, the Old Burial Grounds, the Irish Quarter, and Morrin Centre—all while hearing tales that blend history, legend, and the supernatural.

What we love about this experience is its focus on authentic outdoor sites—no stuffy museums here. The tour’s emphasis on well-preserved cemeteries and historic landmarks gives it a tangible, immersive feel. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to add a spooky, culturally rich layer to your Quebec visit. The guides are highly rated, and the tour’s concise length makes it manageable even after a day of sightseeing.

One consideration is that it’s an outdoor-only tour, so your experience depends on the weather. Rain or shine, the ghosts walk, but you’ll want to dress accordingly. Also, since it’s a guided walking tour, the group size and pace might not suit everyone seeking a more private or leisurely experience.

This tour suits history buffs, fans of ghost stories, or anyone curious about how early Quebecers dealt with death. It’s perfect if you enjoy stories that mix fact with legend, and if you’re looking for a memorable, atmospheric activity that’s different from typical sightseeing.

Key Points

Historical focus: Explores funeral rites, cemeteries, and early burial practices of New France.
Outdoor experience: Entirely outside, with no entry into buildings, suitable for weather.
Authentic sites: Includes Notre-Dame Basilica exterior, old cemeteries, and the Irish Quarter.
Engaging storytelling: Guides share spooky tales, history, and local legends.
Accessible & affordable: Priced at $19, offers great value for immersive cultural insights.
Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, with options to reserve now and pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Quebec Death in New-France Animated Walking Tour

If you’re looking for an activity that combines history, local legends, and a touch of the macabre, the Quebec: Death in New-France tour ticks all those boxes. Priced at just $19, it’s an accessible way to gain a new perspective on Quebec City’s past. The tour lasts about 75 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity, especially if you enjoy a little storytelling after dinner or before bed.

Led by a lively guide (whose name often appears in reviews as engaging and spirited), the tour begins at Place d’Armes, once an early burial ground for the first colonists. From there, you’ll walk through the Latin Quarter, wandering past sites like the cemetery of the Poor and the smallpox cemetery, where victims of the deadly epidemic were laid to rest. The stories associated with these sites are both sobering and fascinating, giving us a glimpse into the hardships faced by early settlers and the community’s response to outbreaks.

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Exploring the Historic Sites and Their Stories

One of the highlights is the exterior visit to Notre-Dame Basilica, where your guide will unveil the crypt’s history and discuss Quebec’s earliest cemeteries. This adds a spiritual and historical depth that’s hard to find in typical city tours. We loved the way the guide connected the physical sites with the stories of the people buried there—criminals, the poor, and the elite—each with their own burial rites and customs.

The walk also takes you past the Hôtel-Dieu of Quebec, a key site during epidemics, and through the Irish Quarter, where a Celtic Cross stands as a poignant reminder of the Irish community’s presence and their unique mourning traditions. The final stop at the Morrin Centre, a former jail and colonial college, wraps up the tour with stories of colonial justice and the ghostly legends that linger there.

What the tour offers beyond the basics

While the tour does not include entry into buildings, it makes excellent use of external sites and storytelling. You’ll hear tales of death rites, beliefs, and burial practices in 17th-century New France. For example, the guide will describe how bodies of criminals and the poor were disposed of differently from those of the elite, and how epidemics like smallpox shaped the city’s response to death.

Many reviews praise the atmospheric storytelling—”The guide’s stories are both spooky and educational,” noted one recent participant. Others appreciated the balance of creepy tales and historical context, which makes the experience suitable for a broad audience.

Practical considerations: logistics, weather, and value

The outdoor nature of the tour is a plus for authenticity but requires planning. The tour departs at 8:30 p.m., so it’s a perfect evening activity, especially in summer months. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the entire tour is outside and rain or shine.

The price of $19 makes this tour a real bargain, especially considering the amount of history and storytelling packed into just over an hour. Comparing its value to museum visits or other guided activities, it offers a themed experience that’s both affordable and memorable—not just a walk, but an atmospheric journey through Quebec’s past.

The guides are a significant part of the experience, with a rating of 4.6 reflecting their ability to entertain and inform. Tips are appreciated but not obligatory, and the flexible cancellation policy (up to 24 hours before) adds peace of mind.

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Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts, ghost story lovers, or anyone curious about early Quebec City life and death rituals. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy outdoor walks and storytelling that blend fact with legend. Families with older children, or those comfortable with spooky tales, will find it a fun, educational evening activity.

However, if you prefer indoor exhibits or are sensitive to weather, you might want to consider other options. Also, since the tour is in French and English, language flexibility shouldn’t be an issue if you speak either language.

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Final Thoughts

The Quebec: Death in New-France Animated Walking Tour offers a meaningful look into the city’s historical attitudes towards death, with engaging storytelling that makes history come alive. It’s a low-cost, atmospheric way to see some of Quebec’s oldest sites and hear stories that might send a chill down your spine.

Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of ghost stories, or just looking for a different kind of evening activity, this tour delivers a balance of education and entertainment. It’s authentic, outdoors, and reasonably priced—an experience that adds depth and intrigue to your Quebec City visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children and teenagers who enjoy spooky stories and history. Due to the spooky nature of the tales, very young children might find it too intense.

Does the tour include inside visits?
No, the tour is entirely outdoors. You won’t go inside any buildings, but the guide will point out and discuss important exterior sites.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, given the walking involved. Dress weather-appropriate, as the entire tour takes place outside, rain or shine.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is the tour available in both French and English?
Yes, the tour is offered in both languages, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 75 minutes, making it a manageable activity after a day of sightseeing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins next to the Saint-François de Laval statue and ends at 44 chaussée des Écossais (Morrin Centre).

Is tipping expected?
Tips are appreciated but not required. The guide’s ratings suggest they contribute significantly to the experience.

In essence, the Quebec: Death in New-France tour is a compelling blend of history, legend, and atmospheric storytelling. It’s a memorable way to explore Quebec’s past, especially if you like your history with a side of ghostly lore.