Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour

Quebec’s old city is a place of stunning cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and lively culture. But beyond its picturesque façade lies a darker history—one filled with crimes, executions, and ghostly legends. The Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour offers a unique way to explore this shadowy side of Quebec, blending history with theatrical storytelling.

This tour promises a 1.5-hour journey into the city’s past, led by a lively and theatrical guide who brings stories of notorious criminals and grim executions to life. What stands out most about this experience are the engaging guides and the authentic historic ambiance, both of which keep visitors captivated. Our favorite aspects include the vivid storytelling and the chance to walk through historic sites connected to Quebec’s darker moments.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour takes place entirely outdoors, regardless of weather, which means you’ll want to dress appropriately. Some travelers might find the darker stories and ghostly themes a bit intense, especially if they’re sensitive to spooky tales or gruesome history.

This experience is ideally suited for history buffs, fans of ghost stories, or anyone curious about the more sinister side of Quebec’s past. It’s especially appealing for those who appreciate theatrical storytelling combined with a walk through beautiful, historic streets.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling by dedicated actors makes history vivid and memorable.
• The urban walk takes you through Old Quebec’s atmospheric streets after dark.
• Cost is very reasonable at $20 per person, offering good value for a 1.5-hour guided experience.
• The tour covers crime, punishment, and incarceration practices in New France, giving fascinating context.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge and engaging manner.
• The outdoor setting means you should dress warmly or prepare for rain.
• The tour is available in both French and English, catering to diverse visitors.
• Authentic historical sites are visited, adding depth to the storytelling.
• The tour is suitable for all ages, with reviews highlighting its ability to entertain a wide audience.

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An Inside Look at the Experience

The tour begins in front of the Morrin Centre, a historic building that sets the tone for the walk ahead. From there, your guide—dressed in costume and equipped with theatrical flair—takes you on a journey through Old Quebec’s darker history. The focus is on crimes, executions, and the judicial system of the time, giving you a glimpse of what justice looked like in New France.

What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling. Several reviews mention guides like Valerie, Marianne, or Jeremy, who are praised for their animated, humorous, and knowledgeable delivery. One reviewer from Germany found the ghost guide “absolutely fantastic,” transforming the tales into a humorous adventure. And another from the UK noted that the guide’s storytelling skills and character immersion made the experience “highly entertaining.”

The route takes you through some of Old Quebec’s most atmospheric streets, including stops where prisoners were incarcerated and executed. You’ll get a sense of the grim realities of justice in the 17th and 18th centuries, with tales of sentences like hanging or drawing and quartering, all delivered with theatrical flair. The stories include details of arrests, crime punishments, and the judicial system, which are fascinating when reflected in the actual locations.

The highlight for many visitors is the mix of history and entertainment. As one reviewer shared, “The tour was fun and informative regarding some criminal activities and punishments,” and the guide’s Canadian humor kept everyone engaged. Despite the dark themes, the tone remains lively and humorous, making it accessible for a broad audience.

The tour also visits historic sites like the prison and places where executions took place, giving visitors a tangible connection to the stories. The final stop at Place Royale offers a chance to reflect on what you’ve learned while soaking up the ambiance of this historic square.

Practical Details and Value

At $20 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially given the high praise for guides’ storytelling skills and the quality of the historical insights. It’s a walk on the darker side of Quebec’s history, but it’s also a fun, theatrical experience that brings the city’s past to life in a memorable way.

The tour lasts 1.5 hours, which is a perfect length for an evening activity—long enough to be immersive without becoming tiring. Since it runs in the evening and takes place outdoors, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, dress warmly, and bring an umbrella if needed. Rain won’t cancel the experience, and guides are present regardless of weather, which adds to the authentic outdoor atmosphere.

Booking is flexible with the “Reserve now & pay later” option, allowing you to secure your spot without immediate payment. Cancellation is free if done 24 hours in advance—a convenient feature for travelers with unpredictable plans.

The tour is offered in both French and English, so language won’t be a barrier if you prefer one or the other. The guides have been praised for their friendly demeanor and their ability to make history engaging for all ages.

The Review in Depth: What You’ll Experience

Starting Point: Morrin Centre

Your adventure kicks off in front of the Morrin Centre. This historic site, once a prison, sets the perfect scene for a tour focused on crime and punishment. The guide, dressed in costume, immediately immerses you in the 17th-century atmosphere. Reviewers often mention how the guides stay in character, creating a sense of stepping back in time.

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Walking Through Old Quebec’s Shadowed Streets

The route takes you along cobblestone alleys and quiet squares, all illuminated softly at night. As you walk, your guide recounts stories of notorious criminals and the harsh penalties they faced. One reviewer mentioned that “the guide was fantastic, animated, and used an accent,” which added to the immersive experience.

Visiting Historic Sites

Stops include places where prisoners were kept and where executions took place. For instance, you might see the locations of historical prisons or sites of hangings, which are made more vivid by the guide’s storytelling. Review snippets indicate that these sites leave a lasting impression, especially when combined with the tales of justice served there.

Theatrical Stories and Ghostly Tales

The guides are more than just narrators—they act out scenes, use humor, and sometimes even involve the audience in reenactments. For example, one reviewer called the guide “absolutely fantastic,” highlighting her ability to turn the history into a humorous adventure. The ghostly element, especially with guides like Valerie or Marianne, adds a fun, spooky flavor without being genuinely scary—a perfect balance for most visitors.

Ending at Place Royale

The tour concludes at Place Royale, a scenic historic square. Here, you can reflect on the stories and take in the ambiance of Old Quebec by night. Many reviewers enjoyed this quiet ending, praising the engaging narration and the opportunity to walk through a beautifully preserved part of the city.

Authenticity, Entertainment, and Educational Value

This tour hits a sweet spot between entertaining storytelling and educational insight. Guides are described as passionate and knowledgeable, making complex or gruesome topics accessible and engaging. Many reviews highlight the guides’ ability to keep the group lively, with humor and animated acting.

The stories are rooted in real history, backed by locations that still exist today, giving you a sense of stepping into the past. The grim tales of executions and judicial procedures offer a fascinating look at Quebec’s early legal system, which differs markedly from today’s practices.

While some may find the darker themes a little intense, others appreciate the honest portrayal of Quebec’s past, making the stories all the more impactful. The overall tone is lively and humorous, which helps lighten the mood without dismissing the seriousness of the history.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history lovers who want a vivid picture of Quebec’s past beyond the usual sightseeing. It’s also suited for families with older children, as the stories are engaging but not overly graphic. Ghost story enthusiasts and fans of theatrical storytelling will find it especially entertaining.

Because it’s outdoor and weather-dependent, travelers should come prepared with comfortable, warm clothing and an umbrella if necessary. It’s an ideal activity to combine with a dinner or evening stroll in Old Quebec, especially if you’re curious about the city’s darker history.

The Sum Up

The Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour offers a memorable way to explore one of North America’s most charming yet shadowy cities. The combination of authentic sites, theatrical storytelling, and historical insight makes it a standout experience for those interested in the city’s darker tales.

At just $20, the tour provides excellent value, especially given the glowing praise for guides’ performances and the immersive atmosphere. It’s an experience that appeals to those wanting to combine entertainment with education, all set in a stunning historic environment.

If you’re curious to learn about Quebec’s criminal history while enjoying a night walk with a lively guide, this tour will not disappoint. It’s a smart choice for history buffs, ghost-story fans, and anyone eager to see the city in a different light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children? Many reviews mention that the stories are engaging for all ages, but since the themes are dark and include crimes and executions, parents should consider their children’s sensitivities.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.

In what languages is the tour available? The tour is offered in both French and English, accommodating most visitors.

Does the tour operate in bad weather? Yes. The guides are present regardless of weather, so you should dress warmly and be prepared for rain or chilly conditions.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes are essential, and dress appropriately for outdoor weather—warm clothing, rain gear, or umbrellas as needed.

Are the sites visited significant? Yes. The tour visits historic sites related to crime, incarceration, and executions, adding a tangible dimension to the stories.

Can I cancel or change my booking? Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reservation can be made with the “Reserve now & pay later” option.

Is this tour good for history buffs? Absolutely. The guide’s storytelling and the sites visited provide a compelling look at Quebec’s past.

Would you recommend this tour? Based on high ratings and reviews praising the guides’ performances and the experience’s authenticity, this tour is highly recommended for those interested in Quebec’s darker history and theatrical storytelling.

The Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour offers a fun, engaging, and educational evening that shines a spotlight on a lesser-known side of this historic city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a ghost story lover, or just looking for a memorable night walk, it’s worth considering as part of your Quebec itinerary.

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