Quebec City Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a way to see Quebec City that combines adventure, independence, and a touch of fun, the Quebec City Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour might be just what you need. Offered by Explorial, this experience promises to reveal both the well-known landmarks and secret corners of Canada’s historic capital—all at your own pace, using a mobile app. It’s a fresh take on sightseeing, perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers eager to add some interactive exploration to their day.

What we find appealing about this tour is its flexibility—you can start and stop whenever you want—and its focus on engagement, with tasks that challenge your creativity while offering genuine insights into the city. Plus, the price point is remarkably reasonable, making it an accessible option for those on a budget. However, a potential consideration is the reliance on mobile data; some travelers have noted issues if their phone isn’t equipped to handle the app without a data plan.

This tour suits travelers who prefer independent exploration over traditional guided tours, especially those who enjoy a little puzzle-solving and photography. It’s also ideal for families with kids who thrive on interactive activities, or for anyone wanting a relaxed, unhurried look at Quebec’s highlights without the pressure of a tour group.

Key Points

• Flexible, self-paced exploration allows you to enjoy the city on your own terms.
• Interactive tasks and photo challenges keep the experience lively and engaging.
• Affordable price point makes this a good value for those wanting a unique way to see Quebec City.
• Highlights include the Champlain Monument, Petit-Champlain, and Place Royal, which are essential stops for any visitor.
• Requires a mobile device with data, which can be a minor hurdle for some travelers.
• Suitable for families, solo explorers, and friends looking for a fun, laidback adventure.

Discovering Quebec City Through a Self-Guided Journey

Imagine wandering the cobblestone streets of Quebec City, not just following a guide’s script but actively hunting for sights, clues, and hidden treasures. That’s what this scavenger hunt tour offers. Using the Explorial app, you’re given a series of clues and tasks that lead you around the city’s most famous sights and lesser-known corners. It’s like a game—and a good one, at that.

The experience is designed to be completely flexible. You can start at the Monument Samuel-De Champlain, the official starting point, and then meander through the Old Town to spots like Petit-Champlain—a charming neighborhood full of boutique shops and historic charm—and Place Royale, which oozes old-world character. You can pause whenever you want, allowing for breaks, coffee stops, or spontaneous discoveries.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the interactive element. You won’t just passively view attractions; you’ll be tasked with finding sights using hints, answering questions based on signs or pictures, and taking creative photos. As one reviewer noted, “We saw parts of the city we wouldn’t have seen otherwise,” and “The challenges kept us engaged and made the sightseeing feel like a game.” It’s a clever way to learn about the city without feeling like you’re in a classroom.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Start Point: The journey begins at the Monument Samuel-De Champlain, a fitting spot to kick off your exploration. Once you enter the code provided after purchasing the ticket, the app guides you into the adventure.

Finding Sights: The app provides hints to locate significant landmarks and hidden gems. It’s a straightforward process—just follow the map on your phone. You’ll visit top sights like the Champlain Monument, which commemorates the explorer who helped European settlers understand the region, and the iconic Petit-Champlain district, famous for its narrow streets and colorful buildings.

Solving Questions: At each site, you’ll be prompted to answer questions—most answers are hidden in signs, plaques, or artwork. For example, you might need to read a plaque to identify a historical figure or interpret a piece of art. This adds an educational layer, perfect for history buffs or curious travelers.

Photo Tasks: Creativity is rewarded here. You might be asked to take a picture of a specific detail or to capture a fun or artistic shot of the cityscape. Several reviews highlight how these tasks make the experience lively and memorable—“The photo challenges were really fun and made us look at the city differently,” shared one reviewer.

Pace and Flexibility: Since the tour lasts approximately 1-2 hours but is entirely self-directed, you can take your time. Some travelers, like one family, appreciated “being their own guides and exploring at their own speed,” noting that the flexibility suited their family’s needs perfectly.

End Point: The tour concludes back at the starting point, making it easy to plan your next activity or meal afterward. Public transportation options near the meeting point make it accessible for most travelers.

The Real Value of This Tour

At just $7.71 per person, this scavenger hunt offers a cost-effective way to see and learn about Quebec City. Many traditional guided tours can be much pricier and less flexible. For a small fee, you gain access to a curated, interactive experience that’s both entertaining and informative.

Reviewers frequently mention how this tour reveals parts of the city they would not have discovered on their own, thanks to its clever clues and engaging tasks. The app’s design makes navigation simple, but it does require your phone to have data access. One reviewer pointed out that without data, they couldn’t participate fully—which is an important consideration if you’re heading to Quebec City without an international plan or Wi-Fi.

The pace of the tour is ideal for families or groups who want to enjoy the city without the pressure of a structured schedule. It’s especially suited for adventurous children, as one reviewer noted, “The tasks were engaging for the kids,” making it a perfect family activity.

The highlighted sights are carefully chosen to give a broad overview of Quebec’s history and charm. While it’s not a comprehensive city tour, it covers the essentials and adds a sense of adventure that traditional walking tours might lack.

A Close Look at the Itinerary: What You Will See and Do

Starting at the Monument Samuel-De Champlain, you immediately get a sense of Quebec’s historical roots. The app guides you through a route that takes in key landmarks and hidden alleys.

Champlain Monument: This prominent statue commemorates the explorer who played a major role in Quebec’s early history. It’s a great photo opportunity, and the clues help you appreciate its significance.

Petit-Champlain: Known as North America’s oldest commercial district, this neighborhood’s narrow streets and colorful facades make for charming photos and memorable strolls. The app encourages you to find details like signs or decorations, making the visit interactive.

Place Royale: The heart of Old Quebec, this square features historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and street performers. One reviewer called it “a must-see,” noting that the tour helped uncover stories behind the sights.

Throughout, the tasks involve reading signs, answering questions, and taking creative photos. For example, you might be asked to spot a particular architectural detail or capture a funny moment with your travel companions.

Additional Sites: As you explore, you’ll likely pass by other notable spots, all woven into the game. The flexibility allows you to linger at favorite spots or skip ahead if pressed for time.

What Travelers Are Saying

The feedback is largely positive, with many praising the engagement and variety of tasks. One traveler said, “We had 2 young teens on one team, mom on one team, dad on one team. We saw parts of the city we wouldn’t have seen otherwise,” highlighting how the tour fosters family bonding and discovery.

Another appreciated the learning aspect, noting that “you learn about the city while having fun,” which makes it suitable for those who want an educational twist. Several reviews emphasize scenic views and stunning sights as highlights, affirming that the tour’s route includes picturesque and historically significant locations.

A common concern involved data access, with one reviewer mentioning that their husband couldn’t participate because of lack of data. This underscores the importance of checking your mobile plan or ensuring Wi-Fi availability.

The tour has a strong 4.6/5 rating from 15 reviews, with 93% recommending it. The mix of fun challenges, historic sites, and flexibility makes it a refreshing alternative to traditional guided walks.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This self-guided scavenger hunt offers a unique, affordable way to see Quebec City beyond the typical tourist spots. If you enjoy interactive experiences, want to explore at your own pace, and are comfortable using a mobile app with data, you’ll find this tour both fun and rewarding.

Families with kids will appreciate the engaging tasks and creative photo opportunities, making it ideal for a relaxed day out. Solo travelers or friends will enjoy the independent pace and discovery, especially if they like solving puzzles or taking photos.

However, if you prefer guided commentary or don’t want to rely on your phone for navigation, you might find this less satisfying. Also, travelers without data access should consider planning ahead or finding Wi-Fi options along the route to avoid missing out on tasks.

All in all, this tour is a value-packed, lighthearted way to learn about Quebec City while having a bit of fun. It’s perfect for those who want a memorable, hands-on experience without the constraints of a scheduled group.

FAQ

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, you can purchase tickets online, and after buying, you’ll receive an access code to use in the app.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts about 1-2 hours, but you can spend more or less time depending on your pace.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Monument Samuel-De Champlain in Quebec City.

Can I pause the tour?
Absolutely. You can start, stop, and resume whenever it suits you.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that kids find the tasks engaging and fun, making it a good family activity.

What should I bring?
Bring a smartphone with data, comfortable walking shoes, and maybe a camera for the photo challenges.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most travelers; service animals are allowed. Just ensure your device can access the app.

What if I don’t have data?
You might find it difficult to participate fully without mobile data, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

To sum it up, this scavenger hunt tour offers a relaxed, interactive way to explore Quebec City’s highlights and hidden corners. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking flexible, budget-friendly fun that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure. Whether you’re with family, friends, or exploring solo, you’ll likely find it a memorable addition to your visit.