Quebec, Canada

Quebec City

Quebec City's walled old town, the only one north of Mexico, climbs from riverside lanes to the Château Frontenac and the Citadel.

Quebec City: Old Quebec Classique Walking Tour with Funicular
Featured walk: Old Quebec Classique Walking Tour with Funicular · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Founded in 1608, Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The Historic District of Old Québec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The old town has two levels: the Upper Town on the cliff, inside the walls, and the Lower Town by the river. Stairs and a funicular link them.

What makes Quebec City distinctive

  • Fortified city walls
  • The Château Frontenac hotel
  • Lower Town's Petit-Champlain lanes
  • A winter carnival

Walking tours in Quebec City

Hand-picked guided walks in Quebec City, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

Advertising disclosure: tour links go to Viator. If you book through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not affect the price you pay or which tours we choose.

Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Quebec City · History walks in Quebec City

Compare with other cities: Free walking tours · Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Upper Town

    Inside the walls, with the château and the cathedral.

  • Lower Town

    The riverside quarter of Petit-Champlain and Place Royale.

  • Saint-Jean-Baptiste

    A neighbourhood of cafés just outside the walls.

Free self-guided walk

Upper and Lower Town

A free self-guided walk through Old Québec, from the Saint-Louis Gate past the Château Frontenac and down the Breakneck Stairs to Place Royale.

1.5 km · 6 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. City walls

    A path along the ramparts around the Upper Town.

  2. Dufferin Terrace to the Plains

    Along the cliff to the Plains of Abraham park.

  3. Breakneck Stairs

    The steep stairway from the Upper Town down to Petit-Champlain.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Steep between the Upper and Lower Towns; the funicular saves the climb.

  • Distances

    The old town is small; most sights are within 15 minutes.

  • Winter

    Snow and ice from December to March; wear boots with grip.

When to visit

  • Summer

    Warm, with street performers and festivals.

  • Autumn

    Colourful leaves and cooler days.

  • Winter

    Cold and snowy, with the Winter Carnival in February.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Jean Lesage International Airport is about 20 minutes away.

  • By rail

    Via Rail trains link Montreal in about three and a half hours.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The old town is best walked.

  • Funicular

    Links Dufferin Terrace with the Lower Town.

Questions travellers ask about Quebec City

How many days do I need?

One or two days for the old town; add a day for Montmorency Falls or Île d'Orléans.

Is English spoken?

Mainly French, but staff in tourist areas usually speak English.

Is Quebec City good in winter?

Yes, if you dress for the cold; the Winter Carnival is a highlight.

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Country overview

Canada

French-speaking old towns and big-city neighbourhoods

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.