This route is subject to change without notice. It starts at the Tours Voir Québec desk inside the Centre Infotouriste, 12 rue Sainte-Anne, across from the Château Frontenac, and always heads downhill.
1. Place d’Armes and Dufferin Terrace
The walk begins at the heart of the Old Town with an introduction to the history of Quebec City, then follows Dufferin Terrace for views of the St. Lawrence River and the Citadel.
2. Château Frontenac, Governors’ Garden and the Wolfe-Montcalm monument
The route curves around the Château Frontenac into the Governors’ Garden, where the guide recalls notable events and people in Canadian history.
3. Streets of the Old Town, Old Bastion of the Mill and rue Saint-Louis
Hidden courtyards and the Old Bastion of the Mill, a defensive system built in 1693, lead to rue Saint-Louis.
4. The Ursulines
A right turn on rue du Parloir leads to the courtyard of the Ursulines, present in the city since 1639. When possible, groups look into their chapel.
5. Holy Trinity Cathedral, City Hall, the Seminary and the Basilica
Narrow streets lead to the courtyard of Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral, then City Hall and the courtyard of the Seminary, with the story of Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica, the first Roman Catholic cathedral north of Mexico. The route follows part of the northern defensive walls.
6. Rue Saint-Paul, rue Sous-le-Cap and rue Saint-Pierre
Downhill again, the walk reaches the antique dealers’ district, then the former financial district of rue Saint-Pierre.
7. Place Royale, Notre-Dame-des-Victoires and Cap Diamant
The tour ends at Place Royale, the birthplace of the city, and the church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, built in 1688, at the foot of Cap Diamant.
After the tour
When the tour ends you can stay in the Lower Town, take a boat or ferry ride, or return to Place d’Armes. The funicular and the Breakneck staircase are nearby.
For the full write up, see The Grand Tour, step by step. To join the walk, see The Grand Tour.
Check dates and book The Grand Tour
Questions before you book? Call 1-866-694-2001 or write to info@toursvoirquebec.com. The team replies directly.